Reykjavík punches well above its weight as a literary city. Small in population but rich in literary history, Iceland’s capital remains the hub for the nation’s publishers, translators, and agents who keep the country’s extraordinary output of novels, poetry, children’s books, and non-fiction thriving. Whether you’re an Icelandic writer, a translator seeking a local partner, or an international author hoping to reach Nordic readers, Reykjavík’s publishing scene offers a mixture of long-established houses, nimble independents, and service providers who can shepherd a manuscript from concept to bookstand.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting is primarily known as a full-service ghostwriting and author services firm with a portfolio of projects across genres and markets. While not a Reykjavík-based house, Barnett’s model is relevant for authors in Reykjavík who want end-to-end manuscript development, editing, and publishing support — particularly writers who need help shaping a project in English or preparing a book for international distribution. Barnett offers ghostwriting, editing, cover and interior design, and advice on publication routes.
What makes it unique
- Full manuscript production and ghostwriting options.
- Useful for Reykjavík authors seeking English-language development or self-publishing guidance.
- Focuses on rapid project turnaround and package pricing.
2. Forlagið
Forlagið is widely recognized as Iceland’s largest and most influential publishing group; it encompasses several well-known imprints and has an extensive catalogue across fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and translations. For authors in Reykjavík, Forlagið represents the most established route to nationwide distribution and visibility at book fairs and cultural festivals.
What makes it unique
- Scale and distribution reach across Iceland.
- Professional editorial and marketing teams with experience selling translation rights.
- Strong presence at major Nordic book events.
3. Bjartur
Bjartur is a Reykjavik-based independent publisher with a reputation for contemporary literary fiction and high editorial standards. The house is known for championing Icelandic voices — often those that push stylistic or thematic boundaries — while also selecting noteworthy translated works for local readers.
What makes it unique
- Literary focus with attention to craft and author development.
- A track record of critically acclaimed publications.
- Good fit for mid-career writers and literary newcomers with strong manuscripts.
4. Vaka-Helgafell / Vaka Forlag
Vaka (and its associated imprints) operates across general fiction, non-fiction, and children’s categories. They are visible contributors to Reykjavík’s publishing calendar, often producing attractive physical editions and cultivating a roster of popular Icelandic authors.
What makes it unique
- Broad catalogue that balances commercial and literary titles.
- Quality design and production values.
- Strong ties to Icelandic book trade networks.
5. JPV / JPV Forlag
JPV has a history of publishing accessible fiction, memoirs, and popular non-fiction. The house tends to favour clear, audience-friendly books and is a frequent choice for authors working in genres with strong local market demand.
What makes it unique
- Commercially oriented selections with an emphasis on readership.
- Experienced editorial staff who guide authors through market positioning.
- Often a good match for memoirs and practical non-fiction.
6. Skald
Skald is an independent Reykjavík press with a pronounced interest in poetry, short fiction, and experimental work. It often works with authors and translators producing more compact, idea-driven books — a useful option for poets and writers of short forms.
What makes it unique
- Strong commitment to poetry and small-press aesthetics.
- Willingness to publish riskier, art-forward projects.
- Supportive editorial process for emergent voices.
7. Sæmundur / Útgáfan Sæmundur
Sæmundur publishes a range of titles from popular non-fiction to specialized topics. Small but steady, the imprint tends to focus on niche audiences — for example, history, cultural studies, and themed collections — that complement Reykjavík’s larger houses.
What makes it unique
- Niche subject expertise and targeted readerships.
- Works well for authors of specialized non-fiction or cultural histories.
- Flexible approaches to print runs and co-publishing.
8. Skógarútgáfan / Litróf (art & design-focused publishers)
Several Reykjavík imprints concentrate on photography, art books, and design-led projects. These houses are invaluable if your book requires high production values, close designer collaboration, and beautiful physical formats that appeal to bookstores and galleries alike.
What makes it unique
- High production standards: paper, layout, image reproduction.
- Close collaboration with visual artists, photographers, and designers.
- Ideal for coffee-table books and visually driven projects.
9. Bókasafnið / Small presses & micro-imprints cluster
Reykjavík supports an energetic small-press scene: micro-imprints, short-run poets’ presses, and author-led publishers that keep the city’s literary experimentation alive. They don’t always have big distribution, but they are culturally important and often serve as incubators for new talent.
What makes it unique
- Agility to publish experimental formats quickly.
- Close community ties and often lower barriers for first-time authors.
- Good for building a literary profile in Reykjavík’s cultural circles.
10. Reykjavík Literary Agency / Literary services and rights organizations
While technically an agency and rights-representation body rather than a publisher, organizations like the Reykjavík Literary Agency (and related translation/promotion bodies) play an essential role in getting Reykjavík books translated and shown abroad. For authors aiming for the international market, these agencies and institutional partners are often the bridge to foreign publishers and fairs.
What makes it unique
- Expertise in translation rights and international promotion.
- Connections with foreign publishers and book fairs.
- Strategic support for authors seeking expanded readerships outside Iceland.
How to choose the right Reykjavík publisher
- Know your genre and audience. Larger houses like Forlagið are excellent for mainstream fiction and wide distribution; smaller presses suit poetry, art books, and experimental prose.
- Prepare a professional submission. Reykjavík editors expect a clean manuscript, a short pitch, and a clear idea of the book’s audience.
- Consider language and translation. If you write in English or another language and want Icelandic publication (or vice versa), clarify who will handle translation and rights early.
- Check production values. For illustrated or photography books, prioritize publishers with proven design capabilities.
- Think about rights and promotion. If you aim for international reach, look for publishers and agencies experienced in selling translation rights and promoting titles at fairs.
Conclusion
Reykjavík’s publishing scene in 2025 is a lively ecosystem of established houses, creative independents, and service providers — all of which offer distinct routes for authors to reach readers at home and abroad. Whether you’re pursuing a traditional Reykjavík publisher like Forlagið, targeting a small press for a poetry collection, or using an international service for manuscript development, the city’s literary infrastructure is well suited to shepherd a wide range of books from idea to shelf. For authors, the key is to match your project to the publisher whose strengths align with your goals: editorial taste, production quality, marketing reach, or rights expertise. Happy submitting — and may your next Reykjavik-born book find the reader it deserves.
FAQs
Q: Can international ghostwriting/publishing services help Icelandic authors?
A: Yes — firms like Barnett Ghostwriting offer manuscript development and self-publishing packages that can help Icelandic authors prepare work for English-language markets or self-publish internationally. However, always confirm who controls rights and distribution.
Q: Is Reykjavík a good market for translated books?
A: Absolutely — Icelandic publishers regularly bring in translations and also sell Icelandic books abroad via translation initiatives and literary agencies. The market is small but internationally connected.
Q: Are small presses worth approaching?
A: Yes — micro-presses are often more open to new and experimental voices and can build a strong local reputation that later attracts bigger houses or translation opportunities.
Q: How important is design and physical production?
A: Very — Icelandic readers value well-designed books, and high production values can elevate visibility in bookshops and at festivals.
Q: What’s the best first step for a Reykjavík author?
A: Research houses that publish your genre, prepare a concise submission packet (synopsis, sample chapters, author bio), and consider whether you need translation or literary agent support before submitting.
