Top 10 Book Publishing Companies in Baku 2025

The publishing industry in Baku has undergone major growth over the last decade. As Azerbaijan’s cultural capital, the city is not only home to thriving arts, architecture, and music but also an expanding literary scene. Publishers in Baku are increasingly active in promoting Azerbaijani literature, fostering translations, and connecting regional authors with international readers. With the demand for books rising in both print and digital formats, publishers in Baku continue to play a vital role in supporting education, literature, and creative expression.

In 2025, authors have more opportunities than ever before to connect with professional publishers in the city. From traditional houses specializing in academic works to modern service-oriented companies that assist with self-publishing, the Baku publishing landscape is both diverse and dynamic. 

1. Barnett Ghostwriting

Barnett Ghostwriting, though internationally recognized, has established a strong presence for authors in Baku. Known for its holistic approach, the company provides everything from ghostwriting and editing to design, publishing, and marketing services. Unlike traditional publishers that only accept finished manuscripts, Barnett helps authors shape their ideas into completed books while also providing optional publishing assistance.

This makes Barnett an attractive choice for first-time authors or professionals who want a polished book to represent their expertise. Its flexibility and wide range of services ensure that projects are handled with professionalism and attention to detail.

• Focus Areas: Ghostwriting, editing, publishing packages, book marketing support.

• Best Suited For: Authors seeking comprehensive help from manuscript development to final publication.

• Strengths: Personalized support, diverse genre expertise, strong editorial collaboration.

• Tip for Authors: Approach with a clear idea or outline, even if you don’t yet have a manuscript.

2. Qanun Publishing House

Qanun is one of the most respected traditional publishing houses in Azerbaijan. Established decades ago, it has built a reputation for producing high-quality books in literature, social sciences, and law. The company also publishes translations, introducing international authors to Azerbaijani readers and vice versa.

Qanun’s catalogue reflects both cultural preservation and modern literary trends. With its strong distribution networks and established readership, Qanun remains a trusted choice for many authors in Baku.

• Focus Areas: Literature, law, translations, social sciences.

• Best Suited For: Authors of fiction, academic works, and translated texts.

• Strengths: Long-standing reputation, strong editorial tradition, wide distribution.

• Tip for Authors: Ensure your manuscript aligns with their existing catalogue for a higher chance of acceptance.

3. Elm və Təhsil (Science and Education)

Elm və Təhsil, often referred to simply as “Elm,” plays a crucial role in Azerbaijan’s academic and educational publishing. It specializes in textbooks, scientific research, and educational resources used by universities and schools across the country.

The company’s rigorous editorial process ensures accuracy and scholarly integrity, making it highly regarded among academic institutions. Elm is particularly valued for its contributions to the preservation and dissemination of scientific knowledge in the Azerbaijani language.

• Focus Areas: Textbooks, research publications, educational materials.

• Best Suited For: Academics, researchers, and authors of educational works.

• Strengths: Scholarly credibility, peer-reviewed process, strong ties to universities.

• Tip for Authors: Provide detailed research credentials and peer endorsements when submitting.

4. Şərq-Qərb (East-West) Publishing House

Şərq-Qərb is a publishing house that emphasizes literature, history, and cultural studies. True to its name, it seeks to bridge Eastern and Western thought, often publishing translations that bring world literature to Azerbaijani readers while also exporting local voices to foreign audiences.

In addition to fiction and nonfiction, Şərq-Qərb has contributed to cultural exchange projects, making it a popular choice for authors whose works focus on identity, history, or international themes.

• Focus Areas: Literature, cultural studies, history, translations.

• Best Suited For: Authors interested in themes of heritage, identity, or cross-cultural dialogue.

• Strengths: Emphasis on intellectual diversity, cultural exchange, and translations.

• Tip for Authors: Consider how your manuscript contributes to cultural conversation when submitting.

5. Naşirlər Evi (Publishers’ House)

Naşirlər Evi, often translated as “Publishers’ House,” has grown into one of the more versatile players in Baku’s publishing sector. Its catalogue covers both fiction and nonfiction, with an emphasis on accessibility and modern themes.

The publishing house has become known for supporting new authors, often giving opportunities to fresh voices that might not fit into more rigidly traditional presses. Its contemporary approach makes it appealing to younger audiences.

• Focus Areas: Modern fiction, nonfiction, popular literature.

• Best Suited For: Emerging writers and authors seeking contemporary readership.

• Strengths: Openness to new talent, willingness to experiment, diverse catalogue.

• Tip for Authors: Submit with a polished manuscript; highlight originality and relevance to today’s readers.

6. Azərbaycan Dövlət Nəşriyyatı (Azerbaijan State Publishing House)

The Azerbaijan State Publishing House is one of the oldest institutions in the country’s publishing landscape. As a government-backed press, it has historically played an important role in disseminating literature, official works, and cultural heritage materials.

Its catalogue remains broad, including classical Azerbaijani literature, state publications, and a variety of general-interest books. The State Publishing House continues to be a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s literary tradition.

• Focus Areas: Classical literature, government publications, cultural works.

• Best Suited For: Authors of traditional works, cultural heritage projects, and educational titles.

• Strengths: Institutional support, historical significance, cultural preservation.

• Tip for Authors: Expect formal submission processes and longer timelines.

7. TEAS Press

TEAS Press has built a reputation for combining modern publishing standards with cultural promotion. It publishes a wide array of books, ranging from children’s literature and academic works to translations and contemporary fiction.

What sets TEAS Press apart is its attention to high-quality design and production. Their books are known for professional formatting and visual appeal, making them stand out in the Azerbaijani market.

• Focus Areas: Children’s literature, academic works, translations, contemporary fiction.

• Best Suited For: Authors seeking polished, modern presentation for their works.

• Strengths: Strong design standards, diverse catalogue, reputation for quality.

• Tip for Authors: Highlight the visual or conceptual uniqueness of your manuscript.

8. Çaşıoğlu Publishing

Çaşıoğlu Publishing is a well-established company in Baku with a focus on education, children’s books, and general literature. Known for reliability, it has published countless works that support schools and young readers.

By balancing educational materials with accessible literary works, Çaşıoğlu continues to have a strong influence on shaping reading habits among children and students in Azerbaijan.

• Focus Areas: Educational books, children’s literature, general interest works.

• Best Suited For: Authors writing for children or educational audiences.

• Strengths: Wide distribution in schools, credibility in educational publishing, trusted brand.

• Tip for Authors: Emphasize educational value and age-appropriate storytelling.

9. Alatoran Publishing House

Alatoran is known for its strong literary orientation, focusing heavily on contemporary fiction, poetry, and translations. It has a reputation for working closely with local authors and encouraging bold, original voices in Azerbaijani literature.

This publishing house has also gained recognition for bringing world literature into Azerbaijani translations, enriching the local literary landscape with global perspectives.

• Focus Areas: Fiction, poetry, world literature translations.

• Best Suited For: Literary authors and poets looking for an attentive, creative publisher.

• Strengths: Support for contemporary voices, openness to innovative styles, literary credibility.

• Tip for Authors: Be ready for a selective editorial process with high literary standards.

10. Çinarə Publishing

Çinarə Publishing has made its mark by specializing in cultural and historical works. With a strong interest in Azerbaijani heritage, folklore, and national history, it appeals to readers who value tradition and identity.

The publishing house also produces biographies, memoirs, and cultural essays, often showcasing works that highlight Azerbaijan’s historical development and collective memory.

• Focus Areas: History, cultural heritage, biographies, memoirs.

• Best Suited For: Authors writing about tradition, culture, and historical narratives.

• Strengths: Niche specialization, cultural importance, dedicated readership.

• Tip for Authors: Frame your submission in terms of its cultural contribution and historical relevance.

Estimated Publishing Costs in Baku 2025

Publisher	Cost Model	Estimated Author Costs (USD)	Notes
Barnett Ghostwriting	Service-based packages	$3,000 – $15,000+	Full-service: writing, editing, publishing, marketing. Cost depends on scope.
Qanun Publishing House	Traditional	$0 upfront	Author earns royalties; highly selective acceptance.
Elm və Təhsil	Traditional (academic)	$0 – $500 (submission/prep costs)	Mostly institution-backed; author may cover minor editing/layout fees.
Şərq-Qərb Publishing	Traditional	$0 upfront	Focus on cultural/literary works; royalties paid if accepted.
Naşirlər Evi	Semi-traditional/independent	$500 – $2,000	Sometimes asks authors to share design/print costs.
Azerbaijan State Publishing House	Traditional (state-supported)	$0 upfront	Funded by state; slow timelines. Authors rarely pay.
TEAS Press	Traditional with modern design	$0 – $1,000 (optional extras)	Standard publishing is free, but special editions may cost.
Çaşıoğlu Publishing	Traditional (education-focused)	$0 upfront	Costs generally absorbed; authors usually do not pay.
Alatoran Publishing House	Independent literary	$0 – $1,000	Costs minimal; selective process; sometimes shared printing fees.
Çinarə Publishing	Independent cultural press	$500 – $2,500	May require author contributions for heritage/cultural works.

 

Conclusion

Baku’s publishing industry in 2025 reflects a balance between tradition and modernity. Longstanding institutions such as Qanun, Elm, and the State Publishing House continue to preserve cultural and academic knowledge, while newer or more flexible houses like TEAS Press and Naşirlər Evi provide opportunities for emerging voices. Companies like Barnett Ghostwriting add a unique service-oriented model, helping authors at every step of their journey.