Port-au-Prince, the cultural and literary heart of Haiti, has long been a city where stories thrive despite social and economic challenges. In 2025, book publishing in the capital reflects both resilience and innovation, with local publishers preserving Haitian heritage while also adapting to new global trends. From traditional houses with deep historical roots to modern service-based firms that provide editing, design, and international distribution, Port-au-Prince offers a mix of opportunities for authors. This list highlights the top 10 book publishing companies shaping the city’s literary landscape today.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting is a global ghostwriting and literary services company that also offers publishing services, including book publishing, editing, design, formatting, and marketing. While it is not strictly a Haitian publisher, it can serve authors anywhere (including Haiti) who seek turnkey publishing support. The company markets itself as offering comprehensive solutions that manage everything from manuscript to publication. Because of this, some authors in Port-au-Prince may turn to it, especially if local infrastructure is lacking.
From an analytical perspective, Barnett’s model is more akin to a hybrid or assisted self-publishing firm rather than a traditional publisher that invests in authors and handles distribution in local bookstores. It can serve as an option for Haitian authors seeking external support, though the tradeoffs (e.g., costs, rights, localization) must be carefully assessed.
2. Éditions Fardin
Éditions Fardin is one of the older established publishing houses in Haiti, founded in 1964. Based in or near Port-au-Prince, it publishes in French and Creole, and has a catalog of classic Haitian literature, social sciences, history, essays, and reissues of foundational texts. Over time, Fardin has sought to preserve Haitian intellectual heritage by reprinting rare or out-of-print works, as well as publishing newer authors.
In 2025, its strength lies in its brand recognition, archival backlist, and cultural legitimacy. However, like many Haitian presses, it faces constraints in printing, financing, distribution, and managing risk in a volatile market.
3. JEBCA Éditions
JEBCA is a publisher in Haiti that offers works in Haitian Creole, French, and English. It is peer-review oriented, with a review/editorial board composed of scholars from Haiti, Canada, the U.S., and France. Its thematic scope includes Haitian culture, politics, education, environment, anthropology, and development.
In Port-au-Prince, JEBCA Éditions may serve as a bridge between Haitian scholarship and international academic networks, helping Haitian authors access peer review and wider audiences. Its relatively strong editorial process gives it credibility among scholars and serious writers.
4. C3 Éditions
C3 Éditions is explicitly anchored in Port-au-Prince (Delmas 31 address) and is often listed among local Haitian publishers. Though information is limited, it appears to function as a general publisher in Haiti, likely handling books in French or Creole, possibly regional topics or general literature.
Because of its local presence and proximity to the capital, C3 Éditions may be more accessible to Haitian authors, especially those in or near Delmas, a major district in Port-au-Prince.
5. Éditions JPL
Éditions JPL is another publisher located in Port-au-Prince (Rue Marcadieu, Bourdon). The company appears as an option for Haitian authors seeking a domestic publisher. The range and editorial focus of JPL are not deeply documented in public sources, but its existence in the capital region suggests involvement in local literary, educational, or civic publishing domains.
Because of its smaller scale, JPL may accept works by emerging authors or regional subjects that larger publishers might avoid.
6. Haitian Publishing House
While not definitively based in Port-au-Prince, Haitian Publishing House is a name that appears in international catalog listings tied to books by Haitian authors. It may act as a diaspora or international imprint that publishes Haitian content and can distribute into global channels. For Port-au-Prince authors, partnering with a publisher with diaspora or foreign ties may help with wider reach, exports, or access to printing outside Haiti.
However, such publishers often have nominal or minimal local infrastructure; authors must weigh editorial, printing, and rights terms carefully.
7. CSimon Publishing
CSimon Publishing is a Haitian publishing house with an international dimension that aims to publish quality literary works and nurture new Haitian voices. It participates in national book fairs (such as the Port-au-Prince Book Fair) and supports writing contests. CSimon’s mission includes providing Haitian writers—within Haiti or diaspora—a professional publishing avenue. In 2025, it is among the more visible names bridging the domestic and diaspora literary scenes.
Because of its ambition and structure, CSimon may be more agile in co-publishing, translation, or collaborative ventures than entirely local small presses.
8. Les Entreprises Deschamps-Frisch SA
Les Entreprises Deschamps-Frisch SA is a company in the broader publishing industry sector in Pétion-Ville (near Port-au-Prince). While not necessarily a dedicated literary book publisher, it stands among the key enterprises in Haiti’s publishing industries. Its size and resources may allow it to engage in book or periodical publishing, or act as a corporate publisher or printing house.
In Port-au-Prince’s ecosystem, such enterprises, even if not purely literary, can support underlying infrastructure like printing, binding, or distribution.
9. Éditions Zemes SA
Éditions Zemes SA is another registered organization in Haitian publishing industries as per business directories (Pétion-Ville). Like Deschamps-Frisch, its public profile is more industrial than literary, but it may engage in book or educational publishing, textbooks, or civic literature. For authors in Port-au-Prince, such a firm may represent a more stable or resourceful publisher — though with possibly more rigid editorial demands or focus.
10. Association Recherche et Culture pour le changement social / TroisCentSoixante
Another entity listed in Haiti’s publishing industry directories is the “Association Recherche et Culture pour le changement social TroisCentSoixante” (Three-Sixty). It appears more like a research, cultural, or nonprofit association that may act as publisher of reports, cultural texts, or socially engaged literature. While it may not behave like a conventional commercial publisher, its cultural legitimacy and mission orientation can make it a relevant partner for authors seeking socially conscious publishing frameworks.
Such associations often publish monographs, essays, journals, or occasional books relevant to public policy, social issues, or Haitian development, especially emanating from Port-au-Prince or leveraging Haitian intellectual networks.
Conclusion
The publishing landscape in Port-au-Prince remains small but resilient, shaped by history, culture, and the determination of Haitian writers and intellectuals. In 2025, a blend of traditional publishers, hybrid models, diaspora collaborations, and service-based providers like Barnett Ghostwriting create opportunities for authors to bring their stories to life despite challenges. Whether preserving Haitian heritage, promoting new voices, or experimenting with digital tools, these publishing houses represent the backbone of Haiti’s literary identity and its enduring commitment to storytelling.
FAQs
Q1. How can I make my book popular?
By combining local promotion, community events, and online visibility through social media.
Q2. How do I become a bestselling author in Port-au-Prince?
Focus on relevant themes, partner with strong publishers, and build connections with readers.
Q3. What language should I publish in for wider reach?
Publishing in both French and Haitian Creole maximizes readership locally and abroad.
Q4. How do Haitian authors reach international markets?
Through diaspora publishers, co-publishing agreements, or digital distribution platforms.
Q5. What’s the most cost-effective way to publish in Haiti?
Print-on-demand and hybrid publishing models reduce upfront expenses and risk.
