
If you’re an author in Iowa looking to amplify your book’s reach, you already know that writing a masterpiece is just the first step. The real challenge lies in getting your work noticed in a competitive literary landscape. Fortunately, Iowa is home to some of the most dynamic and resourceful book marketing and promotion services in the nation. From ghostwriting to strategic marketing campaigns, these services can help your book not only reach readers but also make a lasting impact.
Below, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of the top 18 book marketing and promotion services in Iowa for 2025, complete with insights into their specialties and what makes them stand out.
1. Barnes Ghostwriting
Website: Barnes Ghostwriting
Barnes Ghostwriting isn’t just another service—it’s a full-service partner for authors. Whether you need ghostwriting, professional editing, or an end-to-end marketing strategy, Barnes Ghostwriting has you covered. Their approach is data-driven and results-focused, leveraging social media campaigns, SEO, paid advertising, and targeted email marketing to maximize your book’s visibility.
Why it stands out:
Barnes Ghostwriting transforms manuscripts into bestsellers with precision, helping authors navigate the complex publishing ecosystem while saving time and energy. Their track record of helping books reach top charts is a testament to their expertise.
2. StoryStruck Marketing (West Des Moines)
Led by award-winning journalist Mackenzie Ryan Walters, StoryStruck Marketing specializes in helping business leaders, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders create compelling books that elevate their brand. From ghostwriting to strategic marketing consulting, their approach ensures your story resonates with the right audience.
Key strength:
Tailored marketing strategies for business and personal branding make this agency a top choice for professionals looking to expand their influence.
3. The Write Place (Pella)
The Write Place offers authors hands-on guidance for every step of the publishing process. Their services include website development, social media strategies, and promotional materials like bookmarks, posters, and newsletters.
Expert insight:
They specialize in creating an integrated promotional plan that connects authors directly to readers, maximizing book visibility and engagement.
4. Cloud GhostWriting
CloudGhostWriting provides complete services from ghostwriting to publication. They focus on delivering high-quality manuscripts that reflect the author’s voice while implementing marketing strategies that drive book sales.
Highlight:
Ideal for authors who want a seamless process from concept to promotion without compromising on quality.
5. Prairie Lights Press (Iowa City)
Affiliated with the famous Prairie Lights Bookstore, Prairie Lights Press blends literary excellence with community engagement. Their services include editing, design, and distribution, all aimed at maintaining high-quality publications.
Why authors love them:
They offer credibility and visibility within Iowa’s literary culture, making them perfect for authors seeking prestige and local reach.
6. Hawkeye Publishing (Cedar Rapids)
Hawkeye Publishing excels in children’s literature, including bilingual titles for Iowa’s diverse communities. Their team emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, and educational value.
Pro tip:
Collaborating with Hawkeye Publishing ensures your children’s book not only entertains but also educates and reaches a broader audience.
7. Cedar River Press (Waterloo)
Cedar River Press is all about creating books that leave a lasting impression. They specialize in working closely with authors to refine every aspect of the manuscript, from content clarity to overall structure. Beyond editing, they help with cover design, formatting, and marketing strategies tailored to your target audience.
Why it stands out:
Their personalized approach ensures that each book reflects the author’s unique voice while appealing to readers. If you want a polished, professional final product that resonates, Cedar River Press is a top choice.
8. Midwest Academic Press (Ames)
Midwest Academic Press is the go-to for researchers, scholars, and academic authors. They focus on producing rigorously edited, professionally designed books and journals that meet scholarly standards. Their services also include targeted academic marketing to ensure your work reaches the right institutions and readers.
Expert insight:
For authors in education, science, or humanities, Midwest Academic Press combines credibility with strategic distribution, ensuring your research doesn’t just get published—it gets recognized.
9. StoryBarn Publishing (Story City)
StoryBarn Publishing is passionate about helping authors tell their stories authentically. Their team assists with ghostwriting, comprehensive editing, and marketing campaigns, offering guidance every step of the way. They also emphasize creative collaboration, making sure your narrative stays true to your voice.
Why authors love them:
StoryBarn Publishing balances professionalism with a personal touch, helping books connect emotionally with readers and leave a lasting impact.
10. Des Moines Bookworks
Des Moines Bookworks offers a one-stop solution for authors looking to navigate the publishing process smoothly. From manuscript development and editing to cover design and distribution, they provide tailored services that save time and ensure quality.
Highlight:
Their marketing support includes social media promotion, email campaigns, and guidance for book launches, making them a strong partner for authors aiming to maximize reach.
11. Riverbend Publishing (Davenport)
Riverbend Publishing prides itself on producing books that not only read well but also look and feel professional. They work with authors to enhance content, optimize layout and design, and implement marketing strategies that drive engagement.
Expert insight:
Riverbend’s attention to detail and commitment to high production standards ensures that every book stands out on the shelf and online. They are particularly effective for authors who value both aesthetics and reader experience.
12. Golden Corn Press (Des Moines)
Golden Corn Press provides end-to-end support for authors, covering editing, design, and promotion. They focus on creating books that appeal to readers and perform well in the market, offering actionable strategies for visibility.
Why it’s special:
Their team brings creativity, marketing expertise, and industry insight together, helping authors not just publish—but succeed. Whether it’s a debut novel or a niche nonfiction work, Golden Corn Press ensures your book finds its audience.
13. Iowa Heartland Books (Cedar Falls)
Iowa Heartland Books is dedicated to giving authors the tools and support needed to succeed in today’s competitive publishing landscape. They offer services ranging from manuscript editing and book design to marketing strategies that increase visibility.
Why it stands out:
Their personalized approach ensures that authors not only produce high-quality books but also gain the exposure needed to reach their ideal readers. Iowa Heartland Books is perfect for authors seeking a collaborative, results-driven publishing experience.
14. Bluegrass Publishing House (Iowa City)
Bluegrass Publishing House focuses on creating books that captivate readers from cover to cover. Their team specializes in refining manuscripts, designing visually appealing layouts, and implementing marketing campaigns that connect directly with target audiences.
Expert insight:
By blending creative storytelling with strategic promotion, Bluegrass Publishing House helps authors ensure that their work not only exists on shelves but also resonates and engages readers long after the first read.
15. Silver Maple Press (Decorah)
Silver Maple Press takes pride in crafting books with meticulous care. Their services include ghostwriting, editing, layout design, and marketing strategies, ensuring that every book meets professional standards while staying true to the author’s voice.
Why authors love them:
The team at Silver Maple Press balances creativity with expertise, providing guidance throughout the publishing process and ensuring each book is polished, market-ready, and able to stand out in a crowded market.
16. Cornfield Literary Works (Marshalltown)
Cornfield Literary Works offers a full suite of publishing services tailored to the unique needs of each author. From content refinement and cover design to marketing plans and distribution support, they ensure that authors are equipped to succeed.
Expert insight:
Their hands-on approach, combined with industry knowledge, makes Cornfield Literary Works ideal for authors looking for guidance at every stage of publishing—from manuscript to market.
17. Savvy Book Marketing (Iowa City)
Savvy Book Marketing specializes in creating marketing strategies that drive results. Their services include social media campaigns, book launch planning, email marketing, and PR outreach, all customized to fit each book’s target audience.
Why it stands out:
Savvy Book Marketing doesn’t just promote books—they create visibility and engagement, ensuring your work reaches the readers most likely to connect with your story.
18. AlphaGraphics (North Liberty)
AlphaGraphics is known for its high-quality printing and book production services. They provide layout, design, binding, and cover content support, ensuring that every book is polished, professional, and ready for distribution.
Expert insight:
For authors who want their book to make a strong impression both visually and physically, AlphaGraphics delivers professional-quality results that enhance marketability and reader experience.
Final Thoughts
Iowa offers a diverse and robust ecosystem of book marketing and promotion services for authors at every stage. Whether you’re seeking Barnes Ghostwriting’s full-service expertise, a publisher with strong community ties like Prairie Lights Press, or targeted marketing support from Savvy Book Marketing, there’s a service tailored to your goals.
Success in publishing doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of strategic planning, professional guidance, and thoughtful promotion. By leveraging these top 18 services, your book has the potential to reach the right readers, make a lasting impression, and thrive in today’s competitive market.