The Hidden Literary Engine of Art City: Inside Cedar Fort Publishing

by Lori Collins

Springville, Utah, is globally celebrated for its unique dedication to visual arts, earning the undisputed title of "Art City." But what many visitors—and even some residents—don't realize is that Springville is also a quiet powerhouse in the world of the written word. Nestled among our local businesses is the headquarters of Cedar Fort Publishing & Media, one of the largest and most prolific book publishers in the entire Intermountain West.

From deep dives into regional history to chart-topping popular fiction, Cedar Fort has been crafting stories from its Springville campus for nearly four decades. Here is a look inside this literary engine and why it’s a vital part of our community's creative fabric in 2026.


### A Chapter in Springville History

Founded in 1986, Cedar Fort didn't start in a sterile high-rise; it began with a focused mission to publish books that uplift, inspire, and celebrate Utah’s unique heritage. What started as a small operation has grown into a major industry player, publishing hundreds of new titles every year.

Today, they occupy a modern facility at 2373 West 700 South, right here in Springville. Their presence provides dozens of specialized jobs for editors, graphic designers, marketers, and distribution specialists, proving that "Art City" is a hub for all forms of creative industry.

### What They Publish: A Story for Every Reader

The sheer diversity of Cedar Fort’s catalog is staggering. While they remain a primary publisher for regional and LDS-themed titles, their imprints cover almost every genre imaginable:

  • Regional History & Lore: They are the definitive source for titles on Utah’s founding, pioneers, and local ghost stories. If you want to know the true history of the Wasatch Front, they published it.

  • Popular Fiction (CFI Imprint): From gripping thrillers and heartwarming romance to fantasy epics and young adult adventures, Cedar Fort discovers and nurtures both local Utah authors and national talent.

  • Uplifting & Inspirational: Their core non-fiction catalog is dedicated to self-improvement, spiritual growth, and family-focused living.

  • Cookbooks & Crafting: Many of their bestsellers are beautiful, practical guides to artisan cooking, emergency preparedness, and specialized hobbies.

### The Springville Connection: Cultivating Local Talent

One of the most impactful roles Cedar Fort plays is its dedication to local voices. Because they are headquartered here, they possess an intimate understanding of the Utah audience. They offer a powerful platform for Utah Valley writers who might otherwise be overlooked by the massive publishing houses in New York or London.

When you purchase a Cedar Fort book, there is a strong chance you are supporting a writer who lives in your own neighborhood, whose kids go to school with yours, and who shops at the same local Springville stores.


### Plan Your "Bookish" Tour

While Cedar Fort’s editing offices are not open for daily public tours, they have made a deliberate effort to be accessible to the book-loving community.

  • Location: 2373 West 700 South, Springville, UT 84663.

  • The "Factory Outlet" Experience: Locals know that the very best way to experience Cedar Fort is by visiting their dedicated on-site bookstore. This isn't just a tiny lobby display; it is a full-service outlet open to the public during business hours.

  • The Pro-Tip: This outlet often features "Author Signings" and "Warehouse Sales." These events are the gold mine. You can find deeply discounted titles (often 'hurt' or overstock books), meet your favorite local novelists, and get sneak peeks at upcoming releases before they hit the national chains.

In a town defined by its art, Cedar Fort Publishing reminds us that stories are the masterpieces we carry with us. They prove that in Springville, innovation and creativity are always in peak season.

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