Milan has long been recognized as the heart of Italy’s publishing industry, blending tradition with innovation. As one of Europe’s most influential cultural hubs, the city is home to major publishing houses, literary imprints, and modern author service providers that cater to diverse writing needs. In 2025, Milan continues to offer opportunities for authors of fiction, non-fiction, academic, and artistic works to find the right platform to bring their books to life. This article explores the top 10 book publishing companies in Milan, each playing a unique role in shaping the city’s vibrant literary landscape.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Overview
Barnett Ghostwriting has expanded beyond ghostwriting and editorial services to operate as a full-fledged publisher in 2025. With a focus on both international and Italian markets, it provides authors with structured publishing pathways, combining professional editorial oversight with modern marketing strategies.
Key Features
- Comprehensive publishing services: manuscript evaluation, editing, typesetting, and distribution.
- Catalog covers fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and professional titles.
- Strong emphasis on author collaboration throughout the publishing process.
Why Consider
Barnett serves writers who want a structured publishing partner offering both creative and technical support. Its model is suitable for new authors as well as experienced professionals looking for international reach.
2. Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
Overview
Founded in 1907 and headquartered in Segrate near Milan, Mondadori is Italy’s largest publisher and one of the most recognized in Europe. It publishes across all major genres and owns numerous imprints.
Key Features
- Broad catalog: fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and education.
- Extensive distribution across Italy and globally.
- Pioneering digital and e-book strategies.
Why Consider
Ideal for authors aiming for wide-scale visibility and large readership.
3. Rizzoli Libri
Overview
Rizzoli, another historic Milanese publisher, is part of the Mondadori group but retains its distinctive identity. It is especially renowned for its high-quality illustrated works, essays, and literature.
Key Features
- Excellence in art and design publishing.
- Strong catalog of literary fiction and non-fiction.
- International recognition and collaborations.
Why Consider
A great choice for authors interested in high-end illustrated works or serious literature.
Limitations
Limited focus on commercial mass-market genres.
4. Adelphi Edizioni
Overview
Since 1962, Adelphi has built its reputation as one of Italy’s most prestigious literary publishers. Based in Milan, it is known for its carefully curated translations, philosophy, and classics.
Key Features
- Strong reputation for publishing literary masterpieces.
- International authors and philosophical works.
- Low-volume but high-quality output.
Why Consider
Best for authors writing literary or intellectual works.
5. Feltrinelli Editore
Overview
Feltrinelli combines publishing with retail, operating Italy’s largest bookstore chain. It emphasizes socially engaged publishing alongside contemporary literature.
Key Features
- Broad bookstore presence for distribution.
- Diverse catalog, including international voices.
- Cultural engagement through events and book fairs.
Why Consider
Perfect for authors who want their work promoted directly through retail outlets.
6. Hoepli Editore
Overview
Founded in 1870, Hoepli is Milan’s premier publisher for technical, scientific, and educational works. It also operates a historic bookstore in the city center.
Key Features
- Expertise in STEM, IT, engineering, and professional reference books.
- Strong academic partnerships.
- Reputation for technical dictionaries and manuals.
Why Consider
An ideal match for authors producing technical or instructional content.
7. Garzanti Editore
Overview
Established in 1938, Garzanti is known for both literary works and educational publications, especially dictionaries and reference material.
Key Features
- Prestigious dictionaries and reference catalog.
- Strong educational publishing background.
- A literary wing publishing fiction and essays.
Why Consider
Suitable for academic, reference, and literary projects.
8. Longanesi & C.
Overview
Since 1946, Longanesi has specialized in accessible mainstream fiction, thrillers, biographies, and popular non-fiction.
Key Features
- Known for crime, mystery, and popular fiction.
- Balances commercial appeal with editorial standards.
- Established history in genre publishing.
Why Consider
A solid option for authors writing thrillers, biographies, or commercially appealing works.
9. FrancoAngeli
Overview
Founded in 1955, FrancoAngeli focuses on academic and professional publishing. It produces hundreds of titles annually in economics, psychology, law, and education.
Key Features
- Specialization in social sciences and professional fields.
- Publishes scholarly monographs and journals.
- Highly respected in academic communities.
Why Consider
Best for authors targeting professional and academic readership.
10. Edizioni Electa
Overview
Electa, now part of Mondadori, has been a leader in art, architecture, archaeology, and design publishing since 1945.
Key Features
- Prestigious catalog in visual arts.
- Collaborations with museums and exhibitions.
- High-quality production standards.
Why Consider
Perfect for art historians, designers, and cultural authors.
Comparison Table
| Publisher | Specialty | Strengths | Limitations |
| Barnett Ghostwriting | Full publishing services, all genres | End-to-end support, author-focused | New in Milan’s traditional scene |
| Mondadori | All genres, mass publishing | Scale, reach, multiple imprints | Highly competitive |
| Rizzoli | Illustrated, literature | Prestige, design excellence | Limited commercial fiction |
| Adelphi | Literary, classics | Curated, high reputation | Very selective |
| Feltrinelli | Fiction, essays, retail | Bookstore integration, cultural reach | Commercial constraints |
| Hoepli | Technical, academic | Academic credibility, STEM expertise | Narrow genre focus |
| Garzanti | Reference, literature | Educational authority | Less commercial fiction |
| Longanesi | Fiction, thrillers, biographies | Popular genres, strong identity | Market-driven selectivity |
| FrancoAngeli | Academic, professional | Scholarly reputation | Not for general readers |
| Electa | Art, design, culture | Prestigious art catalog | Specialized niche |
How to Choose the Right Publisher in Milan
Milan offers a wide variety of publishers, each suited to different kinds of authors and books. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are aiming for commercial reach, literary recognition, academic credibility, or guided support.
- Fiction and commercial success: Mondadori, Longanesi, Feltrinelli – strong distribution and bestseller potential.
- Literary prestige: Adelphi, Garzanti, Rizzoli – focus on artistic quality and cultural recognition.
- Academic and professional writing: Hoepli, FrancoAngeli – established in research, education, and professional sectors.
- Art and design: Electa, Rizzoli’s illustrated divisions – specialists in visual publishing, design, and culture.
- Guided author support: Barnett Ghostwriting – hybrid model offering ghostwriting, editing, design, and tailored publishing services.
Conclusion
Milan’s publishing scene in 2025 is both traditional and evolving, with long-established houses like Mondadori and Adelphi sharing the stage with modern, service-oriented publishers such as Barnett Ghostwriting. Whether an author seeks literary prestige, academic credibility, or commercial success, Milan provides a wide spectrum of opportunities. Choosing the right publisher depends on aligning a manuscript with the house’s strengths and editorial focus.
