Moldova, a country located between Romania and Ukraine, has a cultural identity deeply tied to its literary traditions. Despite its small size, Moldova nurtures a diverse publishing sector that serves both the Romanian-speaking majority and the Russian-speaking minority, along with academic, children’s, and niche markets.
For authors, Moldova presents opportunities in traditional publishing, academic dissemination, and self-publishing partnerships. Many publishers continue to focus on educational materials and children’s literature, while others highlight contemporary fiction, poetry, and cultural works. Meanwhile, hybrid publishing services and global author-service companies help Moldovan and international writers alike reach larger markets.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Although widely recognized as an international ghostwriting and author-services provider, Barnett Ghostwriting is included here because it offers Moldovan authors access to professional publishing pathways that combine writing, editing, and production in one place. Barnett functions as both a developmental partner and a project manager for book publishing.
- Focus: Ghostwriting, editing, design, and end-to-end book packaging.
- Genres: Memoirs, business books, general non-fiction, selected fiction.
- Strengths: A single provider for writing and publishing support, appealing to authors who want professional guidance without navigating multiple vendors.
2. Editura Cartier
Editura Cartier is among Moldova’s most established independent publishers. It curates high-quality fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and poetry, often featuring Moldovan and Romanian authors.
- Focus: Literary fiction, poetry, cultural non-fiction.
- Strengths: Editorial selectivity and a strong presence at international book fairs.
- Contribution: Promotes Moldovan voices while also translating foreign works for local audiences.
3. Editura PRUT International
Founded in Chișinău, PRUT International specializes in children’s literature and educational materials. Its books are widely used in schools and are recognized for their accessible illustrations and pedagogical value.
- Focus: Children’s books, educational titles, popular fiction.
- Strengths: Partnerships with schools and regional distributors.
- Contribution: Makes reading engaging for younger Moldovan audiences.
4. Editura ARC
ARC is an important Moldovan publisher known for textbooks, reference works, and art-related publications. Its catalog includes cultural studies and works on Moldovan heritage.
- Focus: Academic and educational publishing, art and culture.
- Strengths: Trusted source of school and reference materials.
- Contribution: Bridges Moldova’s literary and cultural traditions with modern publishing needs.
5. Editura Știința
Știința (Science) is a state-affiliated press with deep roots in Moldova’s academic publishing. It publishes reference works, textbooks, and scientific studies across multiple disciplines.
- Focus: Science, education, and reference.
- Strengths: Institutional reputation and strong academic catalog.
- Contribution: Supports Moldova’s educational infrastructure.
6. Editura Epigraf
Epigraf is a versatile independent publisher. Its titles range from cultural works and children’s literature to educational materials.
- Focus: Illustrated books, cultural studies, fiction.
- Strengths: A flexible approach to publishing across genres.
- Contribution: Keeps local stories and traditions alive through accessible publications.
7. Editura Pontos
Pontos publishes both children’s and general-interest titles. It is also involved in printing and smaller-scale editorial services.
- Focus: Children’s literature, fiction, local authors.
- Strengths: Small press agility.
- Contribution: Offers an outlet for emerging Moldovan voices.
8. Stratum Publishing
Associated with the academic journal Stratum Plus, this publisher focuses on archaeology, anthropology, and social sciences.
- Focus: Peer-reviewed academic research.
- Strengths: Scholarly credibility and international collaboration.
- Contribution: A hub for Moldova’s contributions to global research.
9. Gunivas Publishing
Gunivas publishes textbooks, professional manuals, and literary works. It caters to both students and general readers.
- Focus: Education and literature.
- Strengths: Dual commitment to pedagogy and creativity.
- Contribution: Balances educational and cultural publishing.
10. Editura Litera Moldova
Part of the broader Litera network, Litera Moldova distributes and publishes a wide array of titles, from popular fiction to children’s literature.
- Focus: Mass-market fiction, translated works, children’s books.
- Strengths: Strong distribution and brand recognition.
- Contribution: Brings international bestsellers to Moldovan readers.
11. Editura Universul
Universul is one of the oldest publishing and printing enterprises in Moldova. It produces a broad spectrum of books, magazines, and periodicals.
- Focus: General publishing, periodicals, newspapers.
- Strengths: Established infrastructure.
- Contribution: A bridge between journalism and book publishing.
12. Editura Lumina
Lumina is an educational publishing house with a strong presence in schoolbooks and pedagogical resources.
- Focus: School textbooks, teaching resources.
- Strengths: Official adoption by schools.
- Contribution: Ensures access to up-to-date curricula.
13. Editura Elena-V.I.P.
A boutique Moldovan publisher, Elena-V.I.P. focuses on cultural works, literature, and occasional translations.
- Focus: Moldovan authors, niche genres.
- Strengths: Personal approach with curated catalogs.
- Contribution: Adds diversity to Moldova’s literary ecosystem.
14. Editura Lumina Lex
This publisher produces legal, economic, and business-related books. It is widely used by students and professionals.
- Focus: Law, economics, social sciences.
- Strengths: Professional credibility.
- Contribution: Provides academic and professional resources.
15. Editura Bons Offices
Specializing in niche and creative projects, Bons Offices works with authors on memoirs, essays, and literary works.
- Focus: Creative non-fiction, memoirs.
- Strengths: Adaptable small press.
- Contribution: A platform for personal storytelling.
16. Editura Literatura Artistică
Dedicated to fiction and artistic literature, this publisher develops contemporary Moldovan and translated novels.
- Focus: Fiction, drama, artistic works.
- Strengths: Promotion of literary culture.
- Contribution: Supports Moldova’s creative writers.
17. Editura Cronica
Cronica publishes cultural, historical, and literary works with a focus on Moldova’s identity.
- Focus: History, cultural studies, memoirs.
- Strengths: Regional orientation.
- Contribution: Preserves Moldovan history and memory.
18. Editura Pexim
Known for practical handbooks and reference guides, Pexim serves professionals and students.
- Focus: Reference, technical, practical guides.
- Strengths: Usability.
- Contribution: Supports Moldova’s professional development.
19. Editura Biblioteca Școlară
This press caters primarily to schools, providing affordable editions of classics and required reading.
- Focus: Literature for students.
- Strengths: Affordable editions.
- Contribution: Encourages literacy among youth.
20. Editura Elena Ventures
Elena Ventures produces small-run cultural and literary works, often partnering with local authors.
- Focus: Fiction, essays, regional works.
- Strengths: Personal relationships with writers.
- Contribution: Encourages grassroots publishing.
21. Editura Gunia
Gunia focuses on children’s and young adult literature.
- Focus: Illustrated children’s books, YA fiction.
- Strengths: Colorful and engaging design.
- Contribution: Builds reading habits in young Moldovans.
22. Editura Univers Pedagogic
As the name suggests, this press publishes pedagogical resources for teachers and schools.
- Focus: Teacher handbooks, classroom resources.
- Strengths: Practical focus.
- Contribution: Strengthens Moldova’s teaching workforce.
23. Editura Moldova Nord
Moldova Nord publishes regional works and supports local authors from northern Moldova.
- Focus: Regional authors, cultural studies.
- Strengths: Geographic niche.
- Contribution: Amplifies local voices often overlooked nationally.
24. Editura Silviu Press
Silviu Press specializes in contemporary fiction, essays, and poetry collections.
- Focus: Literature and poetry.
- Strengths: Focus on modern Moldovan voices.
- Contribution: Adds to Moldova’s creative canon.
25. Editura EUS (European Studies University Press)
The university press of Moldova’s European Studies University supports academic research.
- Focus: Academic monographs, research.
- Strengths: University affiliation.
- Contribution: Provides a scholarly platform for Moldovan researchers.
26. Editura Litera Mică
A children’s imprint focusing on illustrated books and fairy tales.
- Focus: Children’s stories and picture books.
- Strengths: Engaging visual design.
- Contribution: Encourages literacy from an early age.
27. Editura Academiei de Științe a Moldovei
The official press of Moldova’s Academy of Sciences produces research monographs and academic volumes.
- Focus: Science, research, scholarly works.
- Strengths: High academic credibility.
- Contribution: Integrates Moldova into global academic discourse.
28. Editura Universitas
A general academic publisher serving Moldovan universities.
- Focus: Textbooks, higher education, scholarly works.
- Strengths: University network.
- Contribution: Provides resources for Moldova’s higher education.
29. Editura Didactica Pro
Specialized in didactic and pedagogical literature, Didactica Pro produces materials for teachers and schools.
- Focus: Education, pedagogy.
- Strengths: Curriculum alignment.
- Contribution: Supports ongoing teacher training.
30. Independent Self-Publishing Services (Chișinău-based Printers)
Moldova’s growing self-publishing sector is supported by local printers offering ISBN registration, design, and production for independent authors.
- Focus: Self-publishing, custom printing.
- Strengths: Flexibility and affordability.
- Contribution: Expands opportunities for authors beyond traditional publishers.
Moldova’s Publishing Landscape in 2025
- Language Diversity: Most Moldovan books are published in Romanian, but Russian-language publishing remains important, reflecting Moldova’s bilingual society.
- Children’s Literature: A dominant segment, with many presses focusing on illustrated books to encourage early literacy.
- Academic Output: Institutions like Știința, the Academy of Sciences, and Stratum Publishing are pillars of Moldova’s scholarly publishing.
- Book Fairs: Annual book fairs in Chișinău remain key cultural events, connecting publishers, writers, and readers.
- Challenges: Small market size and limited purchasing power often restrict print runs, but digital publishing is slowly expanding.
Conclusion
The Moldovan publishing industry may be modest compared to larger European markets, but it is rich in diversity and deeply committed to cultural and educational development. From state-affiliated giants like Știința and ARC to independent voices like Cartier and Pontos, the industry continues to support Moldova’s literary traditions while embracing new opportunities in digital and self-publishing. With international service providers like Barnett Ghostwriting included, Moldovan authors today have more choices than ever to bring their stories to life in 2025.
FAQs
Q: How can I publish a book in Moldova?
Submit your manuscript to a local publisher or use self-publishing services in Chișinău.
Q: Which genres are most popular in Moldovan publishing?
Children’s books, educational materials, and literary fiction dominate the market.
Q: Can Moldovan authors publish internationally?
Yes, many publishers collaborate with Romanian and European partners for cross-border distribution.
Q: How can I market my book for sales in Moldova?
Promote through local book fairs, bookstores, and social media platforms.
Q: How can a Moldovan author become a bestseller?
Focus on quality writing, partner with a strong publisher, and invest in marketing visibility.
