Bosnia and Herzegovina’s publishing industry reflects the country’s layered cultural identity and literary tradition. It is a landscape where small independent publishers, long-standing educational presses, and innovative digital-first platforms coexist. Despite being a relatively small market, Bosnia’s publishers continue to play an important role in preserving cultural heritage, encouraging literary creativity, and fostering international exchange.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting is presented here as a publishing company that works with authors to bring manuscripts to publication-ready form.
- Services include editing, design, and guided publishing consultation.
- Its approach is comprehensive, allowing both new and seasoned authors to benefit from structured support.
- Positioned internationally, Barnett helps authors align their books with market trends while ensuring professional quality.
2. Buybook (Sarajevo)
Buybook is one of the leading publishing houses and booksellers in Bosnia.
- Focuses on contemporary literature, translations, and cultural works.
- Frequently participates in international book fairs and regional literary events.
- Known for connecting Bosnian authors with readers across Europe.
3. Šahinpašić (Sarajevo)
Šahinpašić is a well-established publishing and distribution company with a strong retail network.
- Publishes fiction, poetry, children’s books, and non-fiction.
- Recognized for translating and publishing global literature for Bosnian readers.
- Operates bookstores and contributes to making books accessible nationwide.
4. Synopsis (Sarajevo and regional)
Synopsis is a publisher with a reputation for academic and cultural publications.
- Strong in scholarly works, bilingual editions, and cultural studies.
- Maintains ties with universities and research communities.
- Plays a regional role, with reach beyond Bosnia into neighboring countries.
5. Laguna (Bosnia presence)
Originally based in Serbia, Laguna is a regional publishing force with strong influence in Bosnia.
- Publishes international bestsellers, commercial fiction, and popular non-fiction.
- Brings global authors into the Bosnian market.
- Known for professional production values and wide appeal.
6. Vrijeme (Zenica)
Vrijeme is an independent publisher highly regarded for literature and social commentary.
- Publishes fiction, essays, and historical works.
- Supports authors who challenge conventions and stimulate debate.
- Engages with cultural initiatives and literary festivals.
7. Bosanska Knjiga (Tuzla)
Bosanska Knjiga is a publisher with a dual focus on education and literature.
- Produces textbooks and children’s books.
- Encourages young and emerging authors.
- Widely recognized within schools and libraries.
8. Dobra Knjiga (Sarajevo)
Dobra Knjiga bridges Bosnian readers with global bestsellers.
- Publishes translated fiction and non-fiction.
- Popular among mainstream audiences.
- Maintains a strong retail and distribution presence.
9. IK Rabic (Sarajevo)
IK Rabic is well known for cultural, religious, and academic publications.
- Strong catalogue in Islamic studies and cultural history.
- Works closely with intellectual institutions.
- Also publishes Art Rabic, focusing on art and visual culture.
10. Planjax (Tešanj)
Planjax has built its reputation on educational publishing.
- Specializes in textbooks, guides, and children’s books.
- Collaborates with schools to provide learning resources.
- Known for consistent quality and wide adoption in classrooms.
11. El-Kalem (Sarajevo)
El-Kalem is among Bosnia’s most prominent religious publishers.
- Produces Islamic literature, philosophy, and interfaith studies.
- Maintains high scholarly standards.
- Plays a role in cultural preservation.
12. Knjiga.ba
Knjiga.ba began as an online bookstore and expanded into publishing.
- Offers digital-first publishing opportunities.
- Strong in e-commerce and distribution across Bosnia.
- Provides a platform for self-publishing authors.
13. Narodna i Univerzitetska Biblioteka Republike Srpske
This institution functions as both a library and a publishing entity.
- Issues scholarly journals, research collections, and cultural works.
- Plays a role in education and preservation of knowledge.
- Serves as a hub for research communities.
14. BMG (Tuzla)
BMG, also known as Biblioteka Male Glasove, supports local and emerging voices.
- Focus on poetry, short stories, and essays.
- Community-oriented, nurturing young authors.
- Active in Tuzla’s vibrant literary scene.
15. Ljiljan (Sarajevo)
Ljiljan transitioned from magazine publishing to book production.
- Publishes collections of journalism, essays, and cultural works.
- Known for politically and socially engaged content.
- Appeals to an intellectual readership.
16. Sarajevo Publishing
Sarajevo Publishing is one of the oldest educational publishers in the country.
- Produces textbooks and educational materials.
- Works with ministries and schools.
- Trusted name in academic publishing.
17. Zoro (Sarajevo)
Zoro Publishing collaborates with regional and local authors.
- Produces novels, short stories, and essays.
- Encourages cross-cultural initiatives.
- Strong supporter of modern Bosnian voices.
18. University Press Sarajevo
University Press is an academic publisher.
- Publishes scholarly books, monographs, and research works.
- Works with both Bosnian and international academics.
- Ensures high editorial and peer-review standards.
19. Bosanska Riječ (Tuzla)
Bosanska Riječ focuses on fiction and cultural heritage.
- Publishes novels, children’s books, and cultural anthologies.
- Promotes Bosnian literature abroad.
- Known for regional and international collaborations.
20. HKD Napredak
HKD Napredak is a cultural society with publishing activity.
- Publishes cultural history, art, and literature.
- Supports projects related to the Croatian community in Bosnia.
- Maintains cultural archives and resources.
21. Fabrika
Fabrika is a smaller independent imprint.
- Publishes experimental works, poetry, and artist-led books.
- Emphasizes creative design and artistic innovation.
- Appeals to niche and avant-garde readers.
22. Veselin Masleša
Veselin Masleša is a traditional imprint with historical significance.
- Publishes works on politics, history, and education.
- Known for non-fiction and civic literature.
- Recognized for its legacy and impact on intellectual life.
23. Prometej
Prometej works regionally, producing cross-border titles.
- Focus on regional history, translations, and cultural studies.
- Collaborates with authors from across the Balkans.
- Encourages dialogue through literature.
24. Alfa Books
Alfa Books publishes contemporary commercial titles.
- Focuses on mainstream fiction and non-fiction.
- Translates popular international works.
- Aims at broad readership appeal.
25. Prosvjeta
Prosvjeta operates as a community-linked publisher.
- Focuses on cultural literature and education.
- Connected to community and grassroots networks.
- Publishes works tied to cultural preservation.
26. Kultura
Kultura specializes in art and cultural criticism.
- Publishes exhibition catalogues, visual art books, and criticism.
- Works with museums and cultural centers.
- Supports academic and artistic studies.
27. Biblioteka Dječje Knjige
This imprint is dedicated to children’s literature.
- Publishes picture books, early readers, and educational stories.
- Works with illustrators and educators.
- Supports literacy and youth education.
28. Kulturni Centar Publishing
Various cultural centers across Bosnia publish under this banner.
- Produces anthologies, event-related books, and local author collections.
- Promotes regional voices.
- Connected directly to festivals and community events.
29. Independent and Self-Publishing Services
Self-publishing has grown significantly in Bosnia.
- Boutique services and print-on-demand solutions exist across the country.
- Allow authors greater control over their work.
- Flexible and faster publishing timelines than traditional houses.
Publishing Costs and Services in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2025)
| Service | Traditional Publishers | Independent Presses | Self-Publishing / Print-on-Demand |
| Editing & Proofreading | Usually included in contract; limited author choice | Often included, but quality varies | $320 – $1,100 (freelancers) |
| Cover Design | Professional, handled in-house | Semi-professional, sometimes outsourced | $160 – $520 (designer or agency) |
| Formatting & Typesetting | Standardized for print | More flexible; tailored for small runs | $110 – $430 (print + eBook layout) |
| Printing Costs | Paid by publisher; runs of 500–2,000 copies | Smaller runs of 200–500 copies | $3 – $6 per copy (on-demand) |
| Distribution | Wide (bookstores, libraries, fairs) | Limited but targeted (regional/niche) | Mostly online + direct sales |
| Marketing & Promotion | Strong (book fairs, media exposure) | Moderate (local events, niche outreach) | $200 – $800 (social media, ads, PR) |
| Author Royalties | 5–12% of cover price | 8–15% of cover price | 35–70% (depending on platform) |
| Upfront Cost to Author | $0 (publisher invests) | $0 – $500 (shared costs sometimes) | $1,000 – $3,000+ depending on services |
Conclusion
The publishing industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025 remains diverse and adaptive. Authors can choose from a wide spectrum of options, ranging from educational and religious publishers to independent literary presses and digital-first platforms. Each publishing house reflects a different facet of Bosnia’s cultural identity, ensuring that both heritage and innovation are represented. For writers, the choice of publisher should depend on genre, intended readership, and the kind of editorial and marketing support required. Together, these 29 publishing companies form a dynamic ecosystem that continues to nurture Bosnian literature and connect it with the world.
