Introduction
Idaho’s literary scene may be smaller compared to coastal publishing hubs, but it’s quickly gaining recognition for its authenticity and creativity. Rooted in the state’s rugged landscapes and strong community ties, Idaho publishers provide unique opportunities for authors who want their voices to resonate locally and beyond.
From long-established presses with national reputations to smaller imprints focused on regional stories, Idaho’s publishing world balances tradition with innovation. In this guide, we’ll explore 25 of the top publishers across the state, each offering something different for writers in 2025.
Whether you’re seeking a traditional publishing house, a hybrid option, or a community-driven press, Idaho’s publishing network has a place for your story.
Top 25 Best Book Publishers in Idaho in 2025
1. Emerald Ghostwriting
Founded: Boise, ID
Location: Boise
Strengths:
- Ghostwriting services across genres
- Full publishing support, from editing to marketing
Author Advantage: Emerald Ghostwriting is perfect for busy professionals, new writers, or anyone with a story but no time to write it themselves. Their team crafts high-quality manuscripts and guides authors through the publishing process, ensuring a polished, market-ready book with wide appeal.
2. Caxton Press
Founded: 1925
Location: Caldwell, ID
Strengths:
- History and regional nonfiction
- Western literature and classics
Author Advantage: As one of the oldest publishing houses in the West, Caxton Press has a reputation for quality and tradition. Authors choose them for their focus on preserving Western heritage while reaching a broad audience. Their strong distribution networks make them ideal for writers looking to blend regional storytelling with lasting impact.
3. Big Tree Publishing
Founded: Boise, ID
Location: Boise
Strengths:
- Fiction (literary and commercial)
- Memoirs and personal stories
Author Advantage: Big Tree Publishing offers authors a supportive environment that balances professionalism with creativity. Known for working closely with writers, they provide strong editorial guidance and flexible publishing options. Authors appreciate their willingness to take risks on fresh voices, making them a great choice for storytellers ready to share unique perspectives.
4. Snake River Press
Founded: Idaho Falls, ID
Location: Idaho Falls
Strengths:
- Adventure and outdoor nonfiction
- Environmental writing
Author Advantage: Snake River Press thrives on books tied to Idaho’s natural beauty and outdoor culture. Authors drawn to themes like fishing, hiking, and conservation find a natural home here. With regional expertise and passionate readers, they give writers the chance to highlight the landscapes and adventures that define life in the West.
5. Mountain West Books
Founded: Pocatello, ID
Location: Pocatello
Strengths:
- Regional histories
- Cultural nonfiction and essays
Author Advantage: Mountain West Books is known for publishing works that explore the stories, traditions, and people of the Intermountain West. Authors choose them for their dedication to regional authenticity and their ability to connect deeply with local communities. Writers benefit from a supportive editorial process and meaningful distribution in Idaho and surrounding states.
6. Boise Book Publishers
Founded: Boise, ID
Location: Boise
Strengths:
- Fiction and nonfiction across genres
- Hybrid publishing services
Author Advantage: Boise Book Publishers combines the reach of a professional press with the flexibility of hybrid models. Authors choose them for their transparent process and focus on collaboration. Their range of services makes them appealing to both first-time authors and experienced writers seeking more control over their projects.
7. Silver Creek Press
Founded: Sun Valley, ID
Location: Sun Valley
Strengths:
- Poetry and short fiction
- Regional anthologies
Author Advantage: Silver Creek Press celebrates creative works that reflect the spirit of Idaho and the West. Authors choose them for their community-driven anthologies and their commitment to poetry, a genre often overlooked. Writers benefit from strong editorial support and the opportunity to be part of a literary community that values creativity and voice.
8. Salmon River Publishing
Founded: Salmon, ID
Location: Salmon
Strengths:
- Outdoor adventure stories
- Children’s books inspired by nature
Author Advantage: Salmon River Publishing is a perfect fit for writers passionate about Idaho’s outdoors and wildlife. Authors value their focus on stories that educate and entertain, particularly for younger readers. With a catalog that blends adventure with environmental themes, this press helps writers connect with families and nature enthusiasts alike.
9. High Desert Press
Founded: Twin Falls, ID
Location: Twin Falls
Strengths:
- Fiction with rural themes
- Nonfiction about Western lifestyles
Author Advantage: High Desert Press specializes in capturing life in the high desert regions of Idaho. Authors choose them for their dedication to preserving the stories of rural communities and Western traditions. Their small but focused team ensures personal attention, making them an excellent choice for writers seeking regional authenticity and depth.
10. Clearwater Books
Founded: Lewiston, ID
Location: Lewiston
Strengths:
- Historical nonfiction
- Memoirs tied to the Northwest
Author Advantage: Clearwater Books offers authors a platform for sharing personal and historical stories connected to the Northwest. Authors appreciate their commitment to accuracy and storytelling, as well as their ability to bring regional narratives to life. With their focus on history and memoirs, they’re ideal for writers aiming to preserve stories for future generations.
11. Sawtooth Publishing
Founded: Ketchum, ID
Location: Ketchum
Strengths:
- Travel and outdoor adventure
- Illustrated nonfiction
Author Advantage: Sawtooth Publishing is dedicated to books that celebrate travel, exploration, and outdoor lifestyles. Authors choose them for their strong design aesthetic and ability to create visually engaging books. Whether it’s adventure memoirs, guidebooks, or illustrated nonfiction, Sawtooth offers writers a chance to showcase their work with high production quality and strong appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike.
12. Trailhead Press
Founded: Boise, ID
Location: Boise
Strengths:
- Young adult fiction
- Contemporary novels
Author Advantage: Trailhead Press offers fresh opportunities for authors writing YA and contemporary fiction. Known for fostering emerging voices, they provide strong developmental editing and a collaborative approach. Authors choose them for their enthusiasm about bold, youthful storytelling that speaks to modern readers, making this press a go-to option for writers hoping to reach teens and young adults in meaningful ways.
13. Tamarack Books
Founded: Coeur d’Alene, ID
Location: Coeur d’Alene
Strengths:
- Environmental nonfiction
- Children’s educational titles
Author Advantage: Tamarack Books blends a passion for the natural world with accessible, educational storytelling. Authors with environmental or educational projects find a welcoming partner here. Known for producing books that inspire readers of all ages to engage with nature, Tamarack helps writers amplify their environmental message while ensuring their work is both engaging and informative.
14. Inland Northwest Press
Founded: Moscow, ID
Location: Moscow
Strengths:
- Regional literature and history
- Scholarly works
Author Advantage: Inland Northwest Press supports writers whose work contributes to the understanding of Idaho and its surrounding regions. Authors value their commitment to both creative and scholarly works, making them a unique bridge between academic and general audiences. With roots in the Inland Northwest’s literary community, they offer writers credibility and an invested readership.
15. Redfish Lake Press
Founded: Stanley, ID
Location: Stanley
Strengths:
- Nature-inspired children’s books
- Illustrated stories
Author Advantage: Redfish Lake Press is beloved for creating whimsical and engaging children’s books inspired by Idaho’s landscapes and wildlife. Authors who love writing for kids find their partnership especially rewarding. With a focus on colorful illustrations and accessible language, they ensure books connect with young readers while celebrating Idaho’s outdoors. Writers looking to merge creativity with environmental education find a perfect fit here.
16. Idaho Writers House Press
Founded: Boise, ID
Location: Boise
Strengths:
- Literary fiction
- Poetry and anthologies
Author Advantage: Idaho Writers House Press is closely tied to the state’s literary community. Authors appreciate their commitment to nurturing literary voices and promoting local talent. With an emphasis on poetry, short stories, and anthologies, they provide opportunities for writers seeking publication in formats often overlooked by larger presses. Their collaborative, writer-first approach makes them a trusted partner in Idaho’s literary scene.
17. Ridgeview Press
Founded: Meridian, ID
Location: Meridian
Strengths:
- Self-help and inspirational works
- Nonfiction lifestyle books
Author Advantage: Ridgeview Press specializes in empowering nonfiction that motivates and uplifts. Authors choose them for their focus on clear messaging and wide appeal in the self-help and lifestyle markets. With professional editing and strong design, Ridgeview ensures books connect with audiences seeking practical advice or personal growth, making them ideal for writers with inspirational stories or actionable wisdom.
18. Riverbend Publishing (Idaho Division)
Founded: Regional expansion into Idaho
Location: Boise
Strengths:
- Western history
- Outdoor adventure nonfiction
Author Advantage: Riverbend Publishing has a strong reputation across the Mountain West and brings that expertise into Idaho. Authors benefit from their established distribution networks and respected brand. Writers focusing on history, biography, or outdoor themes will find them a valuable partner. Their Idaho branch highlights local stories while connecting authors to readers across the broader Western region.
19. Pinecone Press
Founded: Sandpoint, ID
Location: Sandpoint
Strengths:
- Memoirs and family histories
- Regional fiction
Author Advantage: Pinecone Press offers authors a personalized publishing experience, particularly those interested in preserving personal or regional stories. They are known for their approachable, author-focused process, which helps turn manuscripts into polished books. Writers seeking to share memoirs, community histories, or heartfelt regional fiction often find Pinecone a trusted partner for bringing those intimate narratives to life.
20. Idaho State University Press
Founded: Affiliated with Idaho State University
Location: Pocatello, ID
Strengths:
- Academic works
- Regional research and scholarship
Author Advantage: Idaho State University Press supports scholarly publishing that contributes to academic and regional discourse. Authors benefit from their credibility, rigorous editing, and access to educational markets. While best suited for academic and research-focused projects, their publications also highlight the unique history and culture of Idaho, providing a platform for authors whose work advances both scholarship and regional identity.
21. Horizon Line Press
Founded: Twin Falls, ID
Location: Twin Falls
Strengths:
- Inspirational nonfiction
- Outdoor lifestyle books
Author Advantage: Horizon Line Press connects with writers who bring uplifting or adventure-driven stories to the table. Their catalog often features motivational works rooted in Idaho’s landscapes and values. Authors benefit from a publisher that emphasizes clarity, positivity, and wide accessibility, making it an excellent choice for writers looking to inspire readers while tying their message to Idaho’s rugged outdoor character.
22. Bitterroot Books
Founded: Lewiston, ID
Location: Lewiston
Strengths:
- Regional fiction
- Historical accounts
Author Advantage: Bitterroot Books has earned its reputation for highlighting stories rooted in Idaho’s people and history. Authors choose them for their supportive editorial guidance and community-centered publishing model. Whether focusing on regional fiction or historical works, Bitterroot provides a platform that values authenticity and storytelling that reflects local voices. Writers who want to capture Idaho’s unique sense of place often thrive here.
23. Pine Hollow Publishing
Founded: McCall, ID
Location: McCall
Strengths:
- Children’s books
- Local folklore and legends
Author Advantage: Pine Hollow Publishing celebrates creativity through children’s titles and folklore-inspired storytelling. They’re well-known for producing beautifully illustrated books that connect young readers to Idaho’s traditions and natural settings. Authors enjoy their approachable style and commitment to imaginative projects. With a mix of traditional and folklore-based tales, this press is a great fit for writers looking to enchant children with meaningful, place-based narratives.
24. Sandpoint Writers Collective
Founded: Sandpoint, ID
Location: Sandpoint
Strengths:
- Anthologies
- Literary fiction
Author Advantage: The Sandpoint Writers Collective is a community-driven publisher dedicated to elevating local talent. They frequently publish anthologies, literary fiction, and collaborative works from regional authors. Writers benefit from joining a network that values collaboration and creativity. For those seeking both publication and connection to a supportive writing community, this collective offers an invaluable opportunity in northern Idaho’s literary landscape.
25. Canyon Winds Press
Founded: Idaho Falls, ID
Location: Idaho Falls
Strengths:
- Poetry
- Contemporary fiction
Author Advantage: Canyon Winds Press is a boutique publisher with a passion for contemporary voices. Their focus on poetry and modern fiction makes them stand out in Idaho’s publishing scene. Authors appreciate their attention to craft, close editorial support, and emphasis on originality. Writers looking for a press that values literary innovation and fresh perspectives find Canyon Winds an ideal partner to bring their projects to life.
Tips for Publishing in Idaho’s Regional Market
Publishing in Idaho has its own character, shaped by community ties, appreciation for regional themes, and a blend of traditional and hybrid opportunities. If you’re considering publishing here, keep these tips in mind:
- Highlight Regional Relevance: Many Idaho publishers value manuscripts that reflect the state’s landscapes, history, or culture. Weaving local themes into your work can make it more appealing.
- Leverage Community Connections: Idaho’s literary scene is strongly community-based, with writers’ groups, book festivals, and collectives offering supportive networks. Getting involved boosts your visibility.
- Know Your Publishing Model: From university presses to independent houses, options vary. Decide whether traditional publishing or a hybrid model best suits your goals.
- Polish Your Manuscript: Smaller presses often have limited editorial resources. Submitting a polished, well-edited manuscript helps you stand out.
- Think Long-Term: Distribution in Idaho may focus more on regional bookstores and events. Consider how to expand your reach beyond the state through digital marketing and partnerships.
By understanding Idaho’s unique publishing landscape, authors can align their manuscripts with the right presses and build rewarding literary partnerships.
Conclusion
Idaho’s publishing scene may be smaller than that of larger states, but it carries a powerful sense of authenticity and community.
With publishers ranging from long-established presses like Caxton to boutique houses and writers’ collectives, opportunities abound for authors across genres. By embracing Idaho’s regional flavor, connecting with local literary circles, and choosing the right publishing model, writers can find meaningful success here.
Whether you’re inspired by the mountains, history, or contemporary storytelling, Idaho offers a stage for your voice to shine in 2025 and beyond.
