Austria may be a small country, but its publishing scene is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in literary tradition. From world-class literary houses in Vienna to niche regional publishers in Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck, Austrian publishers are known for their high editorial standards, elegant design, and strong connections across the German-speaking world. Whether you’re writing thought-provoking nonfiction, literary fiction, children’s books, or academic works, there’s a home for your manuscript here. The challenge is finding the right fit—one that understands your voice, your audience, and your publishing goals.
1) Barnett Ghostwriting (Editorial & Publishing Services)
Though not a traditional Viennese publisher, Barnett is a top choice for authors who want their manuscript ready for the Austrian and wider DACH market. They work as a partner, guiding you through each step before you approach publishers.
Services include:
- Ghostwriting and in-depth editing
- Creating strong “Exposés” and proposals
- Finding the right Austrian imprints
- Translation support for German-language readers
Perfect for first-time authors or busy professionals who want a polished, market-ready book.
2) Residenz Verlag (Salzburg/Vienna)
A pillar of Austrian literary culture, Residenz excels in literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, and cultural studies. Its list balances established voices with daring debuts, often spotlighting regional stories with international reach. Residenz’s editorial depth and careful positioning make it a favorite for authors who value craft and longevity over hype.
3) Paul Zsolnay Verlag (Vienna)
Paul Zsolnay carries a storied reputation for refined literary fiction, essays, and high-caliber translations. Its list feels curated rather than crowded, and the brand signals serious literary ambition. If your work leans classic, elegant, or European-in-tone, Zsolnay is a natural fit.
4) Haymon Verlag (Innsbruck)
Haymon champions literary fiction, crime, and essayistic nonfiction with a distinctive Alpine flair. It’s known for nurturing emerging authors as well as reintroducing overlooked voices. Their crime list is particularly strong, with attention to local color and polished storytelling.
5) Jung und Jung (Salzburg)
Jung und Jung is small but mighty, publishing literary fiction and sophisticated narrative nonfiction that travels beyond Austria’s borders. Expect rigorous editing, aesthetic book design, and a long-view approach to author careers.
6) Otto Müller Verlag (Salzburg)
At Otto Müller, you’ll find contemporary literature with a strong Central European sensibility. They appreciate manuscripts that wrestle with identity, generational memory, and social change—often with a lyrical or innovative form.
7) Droschl Literaturverlag (Graz)
Droschl is where adventurous literature lives: poetry, experimental fiction, and genre-bending texts. If your writing is boundary-pushing or formally daring, Droschl’s editorial team will “get it” and help you meet your ideal readers.
8) Braumüller Verlag (Vienna)
Braumüller focuses on nonfiction—politics, society, business, and contemporary debates—alongside well-chosen literary titles. They value clarity, rigor, and topical urgency, making them a go-to for thought leaders and public intellectuals.
9) Brandstätter Verlag (Vienna)
Design-forward and lifestyle-oriented, Brandstätter is renowned for premium cookbooks, design, photography, and cultural nonfiction. If your project blends beautiful visuals with authoritative content, their production values will elevate it.
10) Amalthea Verlag (Vienna)
Amalthea specializes in biographies, arts & culture, and Austrian history. The house is a natural home for memoirs and life-stories with broad appeal, offering careful editing and strong positioning in German-language media.
11) Mandelbaum Verlag (Vienna)
Mandelbaum publishes cultural studies, food culture, politics, and urban history with intellectual verve. Their list has a distinct voice: socially engaged, carefully researched, and quietly influential.
12) Picus Verlag (Vienna)
Picus combines literary fiction and nonfiction with a notable travel list and a respected children’s program. Expect well-made books and a steady hand for authors seeking a consistent presence in bookstores and libraries.
13) Milena Verlag (Vienna)
With roots in feminist publishing, Milena backs outspoken literature, music & pop-culture books, and socially sharp nonfiction. It’s a great fit for authors with a strong perspective and a desire to participate in cultural conversations.
14) Czernin Verlag (Vienna)
Czernin thrives on political nonfiction, contemporary history, and incisive essays. If your manuscript sheds new light on Austrian society or policy, their editorial direction and contacts can help it land with impact.
15) Kremayr & Scheriau (Vienna)
Kremayr & Scheriau (often “K&S”) publishes nonfiction and literature with social resonance—politics, culture, and lived experience. They balance accessibility with substance and are known for shaping clear, confident voices.
16) Folio Verlag (Vienna/Bozen)
Straddling Austria and South Tyrol, Folio offers literary fiction, essay collections, and translations with cross-Alpine appeal. Their taste is discerning and international, perfect for writers who love language and border-crossing themes.
17) Passagen Verlag (Vienna)
Passagen is a beacon for philosophy, theory, and cultural critique. If you’re writing intellectually rigorous works—continental philosophy, theory-inflected essays, aesthetics—this house understands the discourse and its readership.
18) Turia + Kant (Vienna)
Another heavyweight in theory and the humanities, Turia + Kant brings a steady stream of philosophical and interdisciplinary titles to market. Their backlist is a classroom staple, while their frontlist keeps the conversation moving.
19) Sonderzahl (Vienna)
Sonderzahl publishes literature, essays, and crossover nonfiction with a decidedly literary sensibility. Expect carefully edited books that build reputations gradually and sustainably.
20) Promedia Verlag (Vienna)
Promedia leans into media studies, politics, urbanism, and contemporary issues. If your book interprets the present moment with clarity and data, Promedia can place it in the right debates.
21) Leykam Verlag (Graz)
Leykam is known for nonfiction with regional roots and national relevance—history, nature, society, and culture. It’s a good home for projects that speak from Styria and the Southeast to the wider DACH audience.
22) Tyrolia Verlag (Innsbruck)
Tyrolia offers a mix of religious publishing, children’s books, and regional nonfiction. Its distribution in the Tyrol region is strong, and the list is family-friendly without losing editorial rigor.
23) Veritas Verlag (Linz)
As a leading educational publisher, Veritas focuses on textbooks, workbooks, and classroom resources. If you write pedagogy or curriculum-aligned content for Austria’s school system, this is the first door to knock on.
24) facultas Verlag (Vienna)
facultas serves universities and professional programs with academic and professional publications. It’s ideal for scholarly and applied texts with clear learning outcomes or professional use-cases.
25) Böhlau Verlag (Vienna)
With foundations in the humanities, Böhlau publishes history, literature studies, cultural sciences, and academic reference. Their production standards and library presence are excellent for authors aiming at long-term scholarly impact.
26) G&G Verlag (Vienna)
G&G is a household name in Austrian children’s publishing. From picture books to middle-grade series, they combine kid-friendly design with broad distribution—ideal for authors and illustrators alike.
27) Ueberreuter Verlag (Austrian-rooted)
Ueberreuter has deep Austrian roots and is famous for children’s and YA literature. If your manuscript is commercial, high-concept, or series-friendly, they understand how to position it for long-term readership.
28) Anton Pustet Verlag (Salzburg)
Pustet produces handsome books in photography, architecture, travel, and regional culture, often with museum-quality visuals. If your project benefits from strong design and a sense of place, Pustet is a match.
29) Bibliothek der Provinz (Weitra)
Bibliothek der Provinz champions art catalogs, regional culture, and carefully crafted editions that delight collectors and institutions. Expect artisanal production values and attention to detail.
How to Choose the Right Austrian Publisher
Finding the right publisher in Austria isn’t just about sending your book to the biggest name—it’s about matching your manuscript with a house that understands its style, subject, and audience. Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
- What’s my genre?
If you write literary fiction or narrative nonfiction, look at publishers like Residenz, Zsolnay, Jung und Jung, or Droschl. For children’s books, G&G or Ueberreuter are strong choices. Academic or scholarly work? Consider Böhlau, facultas, or Passagen. - Where does my audience live?
Austrian publishers don’t just reach local readers—they distribute throughout Germany and Switzerland as well. Choose a house that can position your book for the wider DACH market. - What kind of career do I want?
Some publishers focus on building long-term literary reputations, while others aim for commercial success or academic credibility. Pick a partner whose vision aligns with your goals. - How involved do I want to be in the process?
Austrian editors are known for their close collaboration with authors. If you value hands-on editing and detailed feedback, choose a house that prioritizes an intensive editorial process.
In short, think beyond just getting published—choose a publisher that will help your work find its best possible audience and support your growth as a writer.
In One Breath
If you crave meticulous editing, design-savvy production, and a readership that respects books as cultural objects, Austria is a superb place to publish. Start by clarifying your genre and career goals, prepare a clean German-market “Exposé,” and shortlist 6–8 imprints from the houses above. If you want a strategic partner to strengthen your manuscript and submissions, bring Barnett in early; if you’re already pitch-ready, move directly to Residenz, Zsolnay, Haymon, Jung und Jung, or whichever house best matches your project’s heartbeat. Either way, your next chapter can absolutely begin here.
