The Bahamian capital of Nassau has long been a cultural crossroads in the Caribbean: a place where oral tradition, tourism, and academic interest meet to create a small but vibrant publishing scene. In 2025, authors looking to publish in Nassau can choose among a mix of legacy houses, boutique local presses, educational printers, faith-based imprints, and modern hybrid and ghostwriting services that offer full end-to-end publishing support.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
In Nassau Barnett is presented as a full-service provider that blends bespoke manuscript development with project management for authors who want a hands-on, managed publishing route. The firm typically positions itself to support busy professionals, entrepreneurs, memoirists, and anyone who prefers a guided path from concept to finished book.
- Core services: manuscript ghostwriting, structural editing, copyediting, book design, project management.
- Ideal for: memoirs, business books, thought-leadership titles, busy professionals.
- What to expect: confidential author-agent relationships, staged deliverables (outline → draft → revisions), optional packaging for print and ebook distribution.
- Practical note: Barnett’s model is service-heavy and usually costs more than a simple self-publishing package, but often saves time and improves polish for authors unfamiliar with publishing workflows.
2. Etienne Dupuch Jr. Publications Ltd.
Etienne Dupuch Jr. Publications is one of the longest-standing media and publishing names in the Bahamas, historically known for a mix of periodicals, handbooks, and locally relevant non-fiction. For authors focused on travel, tourism, business, or Bahamian culture and history, Etienne Dupuch’s editorial experience and local reputation make it a go-to option.
- Core services: editorial production, local distribution, specialty books and handbooks.
- Ideal for: travel guides, business directories, cultural histories, high-quality non-fiction.
- Strengths: institutional knowledge of the Bahamian market and relationships with local retailers and trade buyers.
3. Media Enterprises (Publishing & Distribution)
Media Enterprises functions as both a publisher and a major distributor/wholesaler for the Bahamian market. Authors and small presses that want their educational or reference titles stocked widely in schools and libraries often work with Media Enterprises because of its established distribution channels and partnerships with international educational presses.
- Core services: book distribution, educational publishing partnerships, import/wholesale for academic titles.
- Ideal for: textbooks, school resources, curriculum support materials, reference works.
- Strengths: deep distribution network across the Bahamas and relationships with educational institutions — useful for authors whose books have curricular or classroom use.
4. Scholar Books / Academic & Educational Imprints
Scholar Books represents the category of locally based educational and academic publishers that have increasingly partnered with international printers and distributors to increase print runs and reach. These houses are appropriate for academics, researchers, and specialists producing textbooks or regional studies.
- Core services: academic editing, textbook production, print runs, limited distribution.
- Ideal for: university lecturers, researchers, educators producing specialist content.
- What to expect: rigorous editorial process with attention to citations and pedagogical structure, often smaller print runs but high production values.
5. One Rib Publications
One Rib Publications is a Nassau-based press focused on inspirational, faith-based, and community-driven titles. It’s well positioned for authors whose work connects to church groups, spiritual communities, and local non-profits.
- Core services: small-press publishing, print-on-demand, local distribution, event tie-ins.
- Ideal for: devotional materials, inspirational memoirs, church histories, community stories.
- Strengths: strong ties to faith communities and small-run printing that keeps upfront costs lower for authors.
6. Inspire Publishing (Boutique trade and first-time authors)
Inspire Publishing is a boutique Nassau imprint that emphasizes author development, particularly for first-time novelists and nonfiction writers with a local or Caribbean focus. The company often offers author workshops and community outreach programs to develop local talent.
- Core services: editorial mentoring, small trade print runs, ebook conversion, local promotion.
- Ideal for: emerging novelists, essayists, cultural storytellers.
- Strengths: author education programs and a willingness to work closely with debut writers to refine voice and market positioning.
7. Paul Street Group / Boutique Custom Presses
Small boutique presses like Paul Street Group or similarly structured local houses provide highly personalized services: bespoke editorial attention, hands-on design choices, and support for special-interest books (local histories, family memoirs, limited edition art books).
- Core services: boutique editorial, print design, limited edition runs, author coaching.
- Ideal for: family histories, artisan coffee-table books, local history projects.
- What to expect: higher per-unit costs for small print runs but excellent control over design, materials, and finishes.
8. Hybrid & Ghostwriting Services (Local & Regional)
In 2025 the line between “publisher” and “service provider” in Nassau is often blurred: hybrid houses and ghostwriting services offer end-to-end packages that include writing, editing, design, and distribution assistance. These providers are attractive for authors who want professional help without signing traditional publishing contracts.
- Core services: ghostwriting, editorial packages, cover & interior design, POD and ebook distribution assistance.
- Ideal for: entrepreneurs, professionals, memoir authors, small business owners.
- Strengths: flexibility in contracts (project fees vs royalties), confidentiality for high-profile clients, and fast turnaround options.
9. True Vine Publishing & Marketing (Faith & Community Press)
True Vine and similar names in the Nassau market operate as full-service small presses, often combining publishing with marketing services for faith communities and nonprofit organizations. They are typically well suited to short-run projects and community distribution.
- Core services: manuscript development, print coordination, event marketing (book launches in churches/community centers).
- Ideal for: church publications, community memory projects, local author events.
- Strengths: community networks and grassroots promotional channels (churches, civic groups).
10. Local Imprints, Self-Publish Platforms & Print-On-Demand Partners
The tenth spot represents a cluster of smaller local imprints, independent presses, and international POD partners that serve Nassau authors. These options give authors control and speed: you can self-publish or use a local imprint for a modest fee and still access print and ebook formats.
- Core services: POD printing, ebook distribution, short-run colour printing, fulfillment.
- Ideal for: hobbyists, artists, writers testing the market, and authors who want to retain full rights.
- What to expect: lower upfront investment, higher per-unit cost for physical books, and complete rights retention.
Quick comparison table (author’s practical checklist — approximate typical costs in USD)
Note: costs vary widely by book length, design complexity, and chosen service level. The table below shows typical starting ranges authors in Nassau might expect for a standard 60–250 page trade book.
- Development & ghostwriting (full manuscript): $6,000–$35,000
- Professional editing (development + copyedit): $800–$4,000
- Cover and interior design: $350–$1,500
- ISBN, metadata, basic distribution setup: $150–$400
- Short print run (250 copies, B&W): $900–$2,500
- Print-on-demand setup (per unit printing): $3–$10 per copy (depends on page count)
These figures are approximate; always request itemized quotes and sample contracts before committing.
How to choose the right publisher in Nassau (practical steps)
- Clarify your goal: Are you aiming for local impact, educational adoption, or international reach? That determines whether you prioritize distribution networks (Media Enterprises), cultural fit (Etienne Dupuch Jr.), or author services (Barnett-style or hybrid firms).
- Check rights and contracts: Avoid “publisher” models that require you to surrender world rights for minimal return. Seek clear royalty rates, reversion clauses, and marketing commitments.
- Demand a marketing plan: Even small publishers should provide a simple plan for promotion — bookstore placement, launch events, or social media outreach.
- Ask for references and sample work: Request recent books the company has published and talk to a couple of authors they’ve worked with.
- Budget realistically: Factor in editing, design, and marketing — not just printing — when estimating project cost.
Final thoughts
Nassau’s publishing scene in 2025 offers authors a pragmatic mix: legacy companies with strong local reach for non-fiction and educational works, boutique presses and imprint houses that cultivate local voices, and modern hybrid/ghostwriting services for authors who need a full professional package. Whether you aim to influence local policy debates, teach in Bahamian classrooms, or release a memoir that captures island life, the right partner is the one that matches your project goals, respects your rights, and provides transparent pricing and promotion. Before you sign anything, get multiple quotes, ask for sample work, and be clear about distribution expectations — those steps will help ensure your book finds the readers it deserves.
FAQs
Q: Can I get my textbook adopted by Bahamian schools?
A: Yes — publishers like Media Enterprises who focus on educational distribution are the most likely partners.
Q: Is ghostwriting common in Nassau publishing?
A: Yes — hybrid and ghostwriting services are increasingly used by busy professionals seeking polished books.
Q: Will a small Nassau press distribute internationally?
A: Some do via international print/distribution partners; confirm the publisher’s distribution network before signing.
Q: Are faith-based presses a good option for inspirational titles?
A: Yes — local faith presses like One Rib and True Vine specialize in these markets.
Q: Should I self-publish or work with a local imprint?
A: It depends on your goals: self-publish for maximum control and speed; choose a local imprint for editorial support and community credibility.
