Arizona, known for its desert landscapes and creative communities, has quietly built a strong presence in the U.S. publishing industry. From Phoenix to Tucson, the state is home to a variety of book publishing companies that cater to traditional, hybrid, and indie authors. Whether you’re looking to publish a memoir, novel, children’s book, or academic title, these top 27 publishing houses in Arizona offer exceptional services and opportunities for writers at all levels.
🥇 1. The Legacy Ghostwriters
Location: Serving Arizona Statewide (HQ in Beverly Hills, CA)
Specialty: Ghostwriting, Memoirs, Business Books, Editing, Custom Publishing
Leading the list is The Legacy Ghostwriters, a premier ghostwriting and custom publishing agency that has expanded its footprint into Arizona’s growing author scene. Known for working with high-level entrepreneurs, public figures, and legacy-driven storytellers, they offer full-service packages that include manuscript development, ghostwriting, editing, publishing, and branding. Their Arizona clients range from corporate leaders in Phoenix to retirees in Scottsdale seeking to preserve their stories.
Their bespoke services ensure your book not only meets literary standards but also serves as a powerful branding and personal legacy tool.
2. Rio Nuevo Publishers
Location: Tucson, AZ
Specialty: History, Southwestern Culture, Photography, Nature
Rio Nuevo Publishers is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the American Southwest. Their catalog features regional nonfiction, art books, and titles on Native American culture, making them a top choice for authors writing about the Arizona landscape or heritage.
3. Wheatmark Publishing
Location: Tucson, AZ
Specialty: Business, Memoirs, Self-Help, Fiction
Wheatmark is a respected hybrid publisher that gives authors control while offering professional support. Their model includes editorial services, book design, and distribution, making them ideal for self-publishing authors looking to produce a polished final product.
4. LunaBear Publishing
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Specialty: Children’s Books, Middle Grade, Educational
LunaBear focuses on quality children’s literature with an educational edge. Their colorful and message-driven books have become popular among parents and educators, particularly in bilingual and multicultural segments.
5. BridgeHouse Publishing
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Specialty: Fiction, Christian, Romance, Clean Reads
BridgeHouse is a boutique Christian-focused publisher offering faith-based fiction with a commitment to values and inspirational messaging. They support new and seasoned authors with strong editing and distribution resources.
6. Tucson Press
Location: Tucson, AZ
Specialty: Fiction, Memoir, Poetry, Arizona Literature
A small press with deep local roots, Tucson Press focuses on elevating Arizona’s literary talent. They’re known for supporting emerging authors and offering mentorship through the publishing process.
7. Arizona Highways Publishing
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Specialty: Travel, Photography, Outdoor Adventure, Regional History
As a branch of the iconic Arizona Highways magazine, this publishing house produces stunning books that showcase Arizona’s natural beauty and unique history. Their titles are ideal for nature photographers, travel writers, and historians.
8. Fulton Books (Serving AZ)
Location: Remote, Serves Arizona Authors
Specialty: All Genres, Hybrid Publishing, Self-Publishing Assistance
Fulton Books operates nationally, but its Arizona client base continues to grow due to its transparent publishing model. They assist authors in producing market-ready books with global distribution.
9. Agave Publishing
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Specialty: Poetry, Memoir, Southwestern Literature
Agave Publishing is a poetic and literary press with a focus on southwestern voices. Their titles often reflect desert imagery, heritage, and the complexity of personal identity.
10. Cloverdale Books
Location: Mesa, AZ
Specialty: Mystery, Westerns, Thriller, Historical Fiction
Specializing in genre fiction with a southwestern flavor, Cloverdale Books is a great choice for authors writing suspense, cowboy stories, or desert-set dramas.
11. Desert Skies Press
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Specialty: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, YA
With a focus on speculative fiction, Desert Skies works closely with indie authors to bring imaginative worlds to life. They offer editing packages and assist with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
12. Ironwood Press
Location: Tucson, AZ
Specialty: Poetry, Chapbooks, Academic Essays
Ironwood Press is popular among academics and poets. Known for elegant design and minimalistic presentation, they publish work that is both thought-provoking and aesthetically striking.
13. Bright Future Books
Location: Chandler, AZ
Specialty: Children’s Literature, Early Readers
Bright Future is committed to publishing books that support literacy and diversity in children’s literature. Their team works with educators to align stories with classroom values.
14. Copper Quill Press
Location: Prescott, AZ
Specialty: Local History, Memoir, Anthologies
Copper Quill is a micro-publisher devoted to preserving Arizona’s historical stories through oral histories, memoirs, and anthologies. Perfect for heritage projects and historical non-fiction.
15. Desert Muse Press
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Specialty: Poetry, Women’s Literature, Literary Fiction
Desert Muse is an indie press founded by and for women authors. Their books often explore emotional resilience, identity, and the female experience in modern society.
16. Prescott Valley Publishing
Location: Prescott Valley, AZ
Specialty: Regional Fiction, Nonfiction, Short Stories
Serving northern Arizona authors, this publisher works with indie and first-time writers to develop regionally inspired books for local and national distribution.
17. Tumbleweed Books
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Specialty: Western Fiction, Native American Studies, Nature
Tumbleweed Books blends fiction and cultural exploration, with a catalog that embraces Arizona’s indigenous and frontier heritage.
18. Aerie Publishing
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Specialty: Inspirational, Self-Help, Business
Aerie specializes in books that uplift, educate, and empower. They provide coaching, cover design, and marketing support for authors in the self-help and professional development space.
19. Sierra Vista Publishing
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Specialty: Memoirs, Veterans’ Stories, Military Nonfiction
This press is dedicated to telling the stories of military personnel and veterans, especially those based in southern Arizona. A solid platform for nonfiction authors with a service background.
20. Four Corners Press
Location: Northern AZ (Remote)
Specialty: Native Voices, Bilingual Literature, Cultural Studies
With a mission to amplify underrepresented voices, Four Corners works with Native American and Latino authors, often publishing bilingual or culturally rooted literature.
21. Blue Cactus Press
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Specialty: LGBTQ+, Fiction, Memoirs
A proudly inclusive press, Blue Cactus champions queer and intersectional voices in literature. Their team prioritizes author autonomy while ensuring professional publication standards.
22. Oasis Publishing
Location: Tempe, AZ
Specialty: Nonfiction, Spiritual, Health & Wellness
Oasis Publishing is a boutique nonfiction press that publishes books on alternative medicine, spirituality, and mental health—often partnering with coaches and healers.
23. SunScape Books
Location: Tucson, AZ
Specialty: Romance, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
SunScape is a romance-forward press that also publishes general women’s fiction. Their editorial focus is on emotion, character arcs, and modern love stories.
24. Phoenix StoryWorks
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Specialty: Writing Coaching, Memoirs, Business Books
While not a traditional publisher, Phoenix StoryWorks offers writing, ghostwriting, and publishing services for Arizona-based authors who need end-to-end support. A great partner for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
25. Sonoran Soul Publishing
Location: Tucson, AZ
Specialty: Poetry, Spiritual Essays, Journals
Sonoran Soul is a micro-press focused on soulful, meditative literature that inspires introspection and healing.
26. Echo Trails Publishing
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Specialty: Adventure, Hiking Memoirs, Nature
Perfect for outdoorsy writers, Echo Trails publishes books about hiking, adventure travel, and wilderness exploration in and around Arizona.
27. Tapestry Press
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Specialty: Family Memoirs, Legacy Projects, Photo Books
Tapestry Press helps individuals preserve their life stories, family history, and photo memoirs through custom publishing solutions. Excellent for private or limited-run books.
❓ FAQs About Book Publishing Companies in Arizona
1. What types of books do Arizona publishing companies specialize in?
Arizona publishers offer a diverse range of specialties including memoirs, fiction, poetry, children’s literature, Native American studies, photography books, and Southwestern history. Some companies focus on regional themes, while others offer nationwide publishing services across all genres.
2. Can self-published authors work with publishing companies in Arizona?
Yes, many Arizona-based companies support self-publishing and hybrid models. Firms like Wheatmark and Phoenix StoryWorks provide services such as editing, design, formatting, and distribution to help indie authors produce professional-quality books.
3. How much does it cost to publish a book through an Arizona publishing company?
Costs vary widely depending on the publishing model (traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing). Hybrid and self-publishing services can range from $1,000 to $15,000+ depending on editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution options. Traditional publishers typically do not charge upfront but are selective about the manuscripts they accept.
4. Do I need to live in Arizona to publish with these companies?
No, most of these publishers accept submissions from authors across the U.S. and internationally. However, authors living in Arizona may benefit from local networking, author events, and personal consultation options.
5. What is the difference between traditional and hybrid publishing in Arizona?
Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to a publisher who invests in your book without upfront fees, usually paying royalties. Hybrid publishing, on the other hand, offers professional services for a fee, allowing authors more creative control and higher royalty percentages.
📖 Final Thoughts
Arizona’s publishing industry is as diverse as its landscape—from the cultural richness of Tucson to the entrepreneurial energy of Phoenix. Whether you’re writing a desert romance, a nature memoir, or a corporate leadership book, the state offers ample options for bringing your story to life. From boutique presses like Agave Publishing and Tumbleweed Books, to full-service industry leaders like The Legacy Ghostwriters, Arizona’s literary ecosystem continues to thrive in 2025.
