Top 65 Book Publishing Companies in West Virginia 2025

6. Elk River Publishing

Locality: Clendenin
Specialty: Nature writing and environmental nonfiction
Description: Elk River Publishing is rooted in Clendenin and specializes in books about the environment, conservation, and Appalachian landscapes. It works with naturalists, ecologists, and writers who capture the unique biodiversity of West Virginia. The press publishes both academic-style research and narrative nonfiction, making it a key platform for readers interested in nature and sustainability.

7. Kanawha Valley Books

Locality: Charleston
Specialty: Contemporary fiction and memoirs
Description: Kanawha Valley Books brings fresh voices to the forefront from its base in Charleston. It publishes modern fiction, life stories, and memoirs that reflect the evolving identity of West Virginians. The publisher encourages diverse authors to share stories of resilience and community. Known for its personal approach, Kanawha Valley Books ensures each manuscript receives thoughtful attention.

8. Shepherdstown Literary House

Locality: Shepherdstown
Specialty: Poetry and literary anthologies
Description: Shepherdstown Literary House is known for nurturing poets and essayists. Located in one of West Virginia’s most creative towns, it curates collections that highlight Appalachian spirit while welcoming global influences. Its annual anthologies draw contributions from both local and international writers, helping the press build a reputation as a literary gathering place for creative minds.

9. Allegheny Press

Locality: Elkins
Specialty: Academic publishing and regional research
Description: Allegheny Press, based in Elkins, is a cornerstone of scholarly publishing in West Virginia. It partners with universities, researchers, and educators to publish academic works in history, sociology, and Appalachian studies. Known for rigorous editing and peer review, it plays an important role in advancing research and ensuring that regional scholarship reaches global readerships.

10. Greenbrier House Publishing

Locality: Lewisburg
Specialty: Historical fiction and cultural narratives
Description: Greenbrier House Publishing draws inspiration from Lewisburg’s artistic culture. Specializing in historical fiction and cultural narratives, it helps authors recreate West Virginia’s past with engaging stories. The publisher is committed to strong storytelling and well-researched settings. Its books often combine fact and fiction, appealing to history buffs and readers who love immersive cultural experiences.

11. Mountain Laurel Press

Locality: Wheeling
Specialty: Children’s literature and illustrated books
Description: Mountain Laurel Press in Wheeling is dedicated to young readers. It publishes picture books, middle-grade adventures, and illustrated stories that foster imagination while reflecting Appalachian values. Authors and illustrators collaborate closely with the editorial team to create engaging titles. This press ensures children’s books not only entertain but also teach cultural pride and empathy.

12. Timberline Books

Locality: Davis
Specialty: Outdoor adventure and travel writing
Description: Timberline Books, nestled in the mountain town of Davis, highlights outdoor adventure, hiking memoirs, and travel narratives. It appeals to nature lovers who want to capture the thrill of West Virginia’s trails, rivers, and wilderness. With high-quality photography and vivid writing, Timberline Books ensures each project immerses readers in the excitement of the natural world.

13. Wildwood Press

Locality: Martinsburg
Specialty: Romance and women’s fiction
Description: Wildwood Press specializes in romance novels and women’s fiction, making it a vibrant part of Martinsburg’s creative scene. Its catalog ranges from contemporary romance to heartwarming family sagas. Authors enjoy supportive editorial guidance and marketing assistance. By focusing on stories that explore love, resilience, and personal growth, Wildwood Press creates books with wide emotional appeal.

14. Heritage Hill Publishing

Locality: Parkersburg
Specialty: Genealogy and family history
Description: Heritage Hill Publishing in Parkersburg offers a unique focus on genealogy, local history, and family memoirs. The press helps families preserve generational stories in book form while also publishing guides and local historical accounts. Its editors are skilled in turning archival material into readable narratives, making it a go-to publisher for heritage and preservation projects.

15. Blue Ridge Literary Works

Locality: Harpers Ferry
Specialty: Historical nonfiction and cultural essays
Description: Based in Harpers Ferry, Blue Ridge Literary Works publishes historical nonfiction and essays that reflect Appalachia’s heritage. Many of its titles explore Civil War history, Appalachian traditions, and cultural shifts. The publisher is known for carefully researched manuscripts that are both accessible to general readers and valuable for academic discussions.

16. Potomac Valley Press

Locality: Romney
Specialty: Mystery and suspense fiction
Description: Potomac Valley Press in Romney has carved a niche in mystery, thrillers, and suspense novels. It works with writers who enjoy weaving intricate plots set in small towns and rugged landscapes. With an emphasis on atmospheric storytelling, the publisher ensures that readers experience both the charm and tension of West Virginia settings.

17. Fairmont Publishing Group

Locality: Fairmont
Specialty: Business, self-help, and leadership
Description: Fairmont Publishing Group provides a platform for authors in business and personal development. From motivational books to leadership guides, it supports professionals who want to share insights with a wide readership. The company also offers editing and marketing packages. Based in Fairmont, it connects authors with both local entrepreneurs and broader national markets.

18. Pioneer Ridge Press

Locality: Weston
Specialty: Science fiction and fantasy
Description: Pioneer Ridge Press in Weston is West Virginia’s hub for speculative fiction. It champions imaginative works in science fiction and fantasy, ranging from epic series to futuristic short stories. By blending Appalachian influences with otherworldly concepts, Pioneer Ridge Press gives writers the freedom to experiment and readers the thrill of immersive, creative adventures.

19. Capitol City Books

Locality: Charleston
Specialty: Political nonfiction and biographies
Description: Capitol City Books, located in West Virginia’s capital, focuses on political writing and biographies of public figures. It attracts journalists, historians, and analysts who want to publish books on policy, government, and civic life. With Charleston’s political backdrop, this publisher has become a natural choice for authors exploring leadership and the region’s evolving political landscape.

20. Laurel Creek Publishing

Locality: Summersville
Specialty: Inspirational and faith-based works
Description: Laurel Creek Publishing in Summersville produces books centered on faith, spirituality, and inspiration. Its catalog includes devotionals, uplifting memoirs, and Christian fiction. The press emphasizes clarity, hope, and meaningful storytelling. By combining high editorial standards with heartfelt topics, Laurel Creek Publishing helps authors deliver books that encourage reflection and strengthen personal faith.

21. Ironwood Press

Locality: Morgantown
Specialty: Contemporary poetry and short stories
Description: Ironwood Press, located in Morgantown, focuses on modern poetry and short fiction collections. It provides a platform for experimental voices that push literary boundaries while still honoring Appalachian traditions. The press emphasizes carefully curated anthologies, making it a favorite among creative writers who want their works showcased alongside other innovative talents.

22. Gauley River Books

Locality: Summersville
Specialty: Adventure, rafting, and outdoor nonfiction
Description: Gauley River Books is inspired by the thrill of rafting and outdoor adventure that Summersville is famous for. This publisher produces memoirs, guides, and nonfiction centered around rivers, exploration, and outdoor sports. It attracts adventurers who want to share their stories, as well as readers eager to experience West Virginia’s wild, natural landscapes through literature.

23. Valley Forge Publishing

Locality: Martinsburg
Specialty: Historical war accounts and veterans’ stories
Description: Valley Forge Publishing, based in Martinsburg, specializes in documenting the experiences of veterans and military history. Its catalog includes war memoirs, personal accounts, and historical nonfiction. By offering veterans a chance to tell their stories, the press not only preserves history but also provides deeply human insights into sacrifice, courage, and resilience.

24. Clay County Press

Locality: Clay
Specialty: Local history and community books
Description: Clay County Press is rooted in its namesake community, publishing titles that highlight local history, community storytelling, and county pride. It works with authors who want to preserve oral traditions and transform them into published works. The press ensures that smaller, rural voices find a stage, enriching West Virginia’s broader literary culture.

25. Monongahela House Publishing

Locality: Morgantown
Specialty: Academic nonfiction and Appalachian studies
Description: Monongahela House Publishing offers a scholarly platform for writers in Appalachian studies, education, and sociology. Based in Morgantown, it collaborates with researchers and university faculty. Its books contribute to cultural understanding while being accessible to students and general readers. The press is recognized for balancing academic rigor with engaging storytelling.

26. Logan Mountain Press

Locality: Logan
Specialty: Memoirs and regional fiction
Description: Logan Mountain Press thrives in southern West Virginia, producing personal memoirs and regional fiction. Its mission is to document community voices that often go unheard. Authors who have lived through the state’s social, cultural, and economic changes find a supportive platform here. The press excels at turning lived experiences into compelling narratives.

27. Eastern Panhandle Publishing

Locality: Martinsburg
Specialty: Diverse fiction and multicultural works
Description: Eastern Panhandle Publishing embraces diversity and multiculturalism in Martinsburg’s growing literary scene. It publishes fiction from various backgrounds, including immigrant narratives and cross-cultural stories. This publisher encourages fresh perspectives while remaining rooted in Appalachian identity. By blending local and global voices, it creates books that resonate with both regional and international audiences.

28. Charleston Literary Press

Locality: Charleston
Specialty: General trade publishing, nonfiction, and memoirs
Description: Charleston Literary Press is a versatile publisher located in the state capital. It publishes nonfiction, memoirs, and trade books across genres. Its mission is to help authors reach wide audiences without losing authenticity. From self-improvement titles to local histories, this press adapts to authors’ needs while maintaining professional design and editorial quality.

29. Stonewall Books

Locality: Weston
Specialty: literature and inclusive fiction
Description: Stonewall Books, based in Weston, is a pioneer in inclusive publishing in West Virginia. It specializes in memoirs, and progressive fiction. By offering marginalized voices a platform, the press ensures representation in a region where such stories are often overlooked. Its books focus on identity, resilience, and diverse human experiences.

30. Rivertown Publishing

Locality: Wheeling
Specialty: Local art books and photography collections
Description: Rivertown Publishing in Wheeling celebrates the city’s artistic culture by publishing photography books and local art collections. Its catalog features coffee-table books, visual histories, and collaborations between writers and photographers. The press highlights West Virginia’s creativity while making art accessible to broader audiences through visually stunning and thoughtfully written publications.

31. Mountaineer Creative Press

Locality: Morgantown
Specialty: Hybrid publishing across genres
Description: Mountaineer Creative Press provides a modern hybrid publishing model in Morgantown. It supports authors with services that include editing, cover design, and marketing guidance. This press works across genres, offering flexibility to fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writers. Authors appreciate its transparency, blending traditional publishing’s credibility with the accessibility of self-publishing.

32. Little Kanawha Publishing

Locality: Glenville
Specialty: Local folklore and children’s tales
Description: Little Kanawha Publishing, operating from Glenville, focuses on children’s books and folklore-based stories. Its titles often blend traditional West Virginian legends with modern storytelling for younger audiences. This publisher helps keep oral traditions alive while giving children fun, meaningful stories that connect them with their cultural roots in playful and engaging ways.

33. Hawk’s Nest Press

Locality: Ansted
Specialty: Travel guides and nature essays
Description: Hawk’s Nest Press, inspired by the scenic overlook in Ansted, specializes in travel writing and nature essays. Its catalog includes guides to state parks, essays on outdoor living, and reflective works on Appalachian landscapes. By merging practical guides with lyrical prose, Hawk’s Nest Press captures the beauty of West Virginia for readers worldwide.

34. Wheeling Heritage Publishing

Locality: Wheeling
Specialty: Historical nonfiction and preservation
Description: Wheeling Heritage Publishing works to preserve the cultural and industrial history of its city. Based in Wheeling, it highlights steel, river commerce, and immigrant histories that shaped the region. Its books often collaborate with historical societies, ensuring accuracy while engaging readers. The press has become an essential part of local heritage preservation.

35. Seneca Rocks Press

Locality: Seneca Rocks
Specialty: Outdoor adventure fiction and climbing memoirs
Description: Seneca Rocks Press publishes adventurous fiction and nonfiction inspired by one of West Virginia’s most iconic landmarks. It specializes in climbing memoirs, mountaineering guides, and fictional tales set against rugged backdrops. With vivid storytelling and attention to detail, the press appeals to readers passionate about adrenaline-filled narratives tied to the Appalachian wilderness.

36. Mountain Echo Publishing

Locality: Beckley
Specialty: Inspirational poetry and reflective nonfiction
Description: Mountain Echo Publishing, based in Beckley, creates space for authors of poetry and reflective nonfiction. Its catalog is full of heartfelt works exploring personal growth, faith, and resilience. The publisher values intimate storytelling and supports both first-time and experienced writers. Its books often serve as sources of comfort, wisdom, and encouragement for readers.

37. Copperhead Books

Locality: Bluefield
Specialty: Thriller and crime fiction
Description: Copperhead Books, located in Bluefield, is a publisher specializing in fast-paced thrillers and crime stories. It attracts authors who enjoy writing suspense-driven plots often set in Appalachian towns. With sharp editing and strong marketing, Copperhead Books ensures its titles stand out in a competitive genre while keeping a local flavor in its stories.

38. New Appalachian Press

Locality: Charleston
Specialty: Contemporary Appalachian literature
Description: New Appalachian Press highlights modern perspectives on Appalachian life. Based in Charleston, it publishes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that reflect evolving identities. Its goal is to move beyond stereotypes and showcase diverse voices. With forward-thinking editorial work, it appeals to both traditional Appalachian readers and those seeking fresh, nuanced portrayals of the region.

39. Twin Falls Publishing

Locality: Mullens
Specialty: Environmental guides and natural history
Description: Twin Falls Publishing, named after the state park near Mullens, produces environmental guides and natural history books. Its authors include park rangers, ecologists, and outdoor educators. With accessible writing and beautiful imagery, the press appeals to nature enthusiasts who want to explore West Virginia’s ecosystems while also learning about conservation efforts.

40. Golden Seal Press

Locality: Charleston
Specialty: Folk culture and storytelling
Description: Golden Seal Press draws inspiration from West Virginia’s state flower. Based in Charleston, it specializes in folklore, oral histories, and cultural storytelling. It works with folklorists and writers who document traditional songs, tales, and customs. This publisher plays a vital role in ensuring the survival of Appalachia’s intangible cultural heritage through carefully crafted books.