
Valletta, the vibrant capital of Malta, stands as a cultural and literary beacon in the Mediterranean. Over the past few years, the city has witnessed remarkable growth in its publishing industry, attracting both emerging and established authors from across the region. With its blend of historic charm and modern creativity, Valletta provides an inspiring environment for writers seeking to share their voices with the world. From traditional publishing houses and academic presses to modern ghostwriting firms and independent publishers, the city offers a wide range of professional services that cater to every kind of author.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting provides professional ghostwriting, editorial and manuscript-development services that cater primarily to nonfiction authors, professionals, and entrepreneurs. While originally known for long-form projects produced on behalf of clients, the firm’s work model can also support authors aiming to self-publish or prepare proposals for traditional submission. For writers in Valletta and Malta this kind of service is valuable when time, experience, or a need for confidentiality makes co-authorship attractive. Barnett focuses on shaping ideas into publishable manuscripts and can coordinate with local printers and designers to produce a finished book.
- Services typically offered: ghostwriting, developmental editing, proposal preparation, project management.
- Best for: professionals with a strong concept who need a writing partner.
- Typical output: polished manuscript ready for submission or self-publishing.
2. Merlin Press
Merlin Press is representative of several small independent presses operating in Malta that focus on local authors, cultural history, and Maltese-language works. Such publishers often prioritize literary fiction, poetry, and regional non-fiction that larger international houses overlook. They tend to offer tight editorial collaboration, modest print runs, and participation in local festivals and book fairs.
- Services typically offered: editorial guidance, small-batch printing, ISBN procurement, local distribution.
- Best for: emerging Maltese-language writers and culturally specific projects.
- Typical output: locally marketed print and digital books.
3. Valletta Literary Cooperative (Collective / Studio)
Collectives and cooperatives in Valletta provide a community-oriented publishing pathway: they combine editorial, design, and distribution skills shared among members. These organizations are attractive to experimental writers, poets, and creators seeking collaborative control over the production process and often emphasize ethical publishing practices and fair revenue splits.
- Services typically offered: editorial workshops, collaborative editing, cover and typesetting support, event promotion.
- Best for: collectives, chapbooks, poetry and experimental formats.
- Typical output: small press editions, limited runs, and event-linked publications.
4. Mediterranean Academic Press
Academic and scholarly publishing in Valletta often concentrates on Mediterranean studies, maritime history, and legal or economic research relevant to the region. A specialized academic press will typically coordinate peer review, indexing, and distribution through academic channels and libraries.
- Services typically offered: peer-review coordination, copyediting for academic standards, indexing, distribution to universities.
- Best for: academics, researchers, and thesis-to-book conversions.
- Typical output: monographs, edited collections, conference proceedings.
5. St. Paul’s Island Publishers (Cultural & Heritage Focus)
Publishers with a cultural or heritage remit produce books that document Malta’s art, architecture, religious history, and tourism-related subjects. They often work closely with museums, heritage bodies and photographic archives to create high-quality illustrated volumes.
- Services typically offered: photography coordination, high-quality printing, editorial collaboration on cultural content.
- Best for: illustrated non-fiction, guidebooks, and heritage projects.
- Typical output: coffee-table books, guidebooks, exhibition catalogues.
6. Blue Harbor Books (Trade & Commercial)
Blue Harbor Books represents a model of a trade-oriented press that targets the general reader market—fiction, commercial non-fiction, and lifestyle titles. These companies focus on design, marketing, and placement in local bookshops and online retailers.
- Services typically offered: acquisitions, editorial development, cover and interior design, marketing strategy.
- Best for: commercial fiction and accessible non-fiction aimed at general audiences.
- Typical output: trade paperback and ebook releases.
7. Mediterranean Language Press (Translation & Multilingual Publishing)
Given Malta’s bilingual context and international position, presses that specialize in translation and multilingual publication fill an important niche. These companies manage translation projects, bilingual editions, and collaborations between Maltese authors and foreign-language partners.
- Services typically offered: translation management, bilingual layout, rights negotiation for translated works.
- Best for: authors seeking translation into English, Maltese, Italian, or other languages.
- Typical output: bilingual editions, translated novels and non-fiction.
8. Harbourfront Academic & Educational Publishers
Publishers focused on textbooks, educational resources, and professional training materials are central to Malta’s small but steady educational market. They produce curriculum-aligned materials and training manuals for schools, vocational programs, and continuing professional development.
- Services typically offered: curriculum alignment, pedagogical editing, bulk printing, digital learning resources.
- Best for: educators, institutions, and authors of specialized instructional materials.
- Typical output: textbooks, teacher guides, workbooks, digital courses.
9. The Thrift Press
Small artisan presses and letterpress studios in Valletta produce limited-edition books, chapbooks, and artist’s books. These publishers prioritize craftsmanship—hand binding, special papers, and typographic detail—and will often collaborate with visual artists, poets and designers.
- Services typically offered: artisanal production, limited runs, bespoke book design, printmaking collaborations.
- Best for: poets, artists, and collectors seeking collectible editions.
- Typical output: limited-edition chapbooks, hand-bound artist books.
10. Island Rights & Distribution Agency
Not strictly a publisher but vital to the book ecosystem, rights and distribution agencies serve as intermediaries connecting local publishers with regional and international markets. They handle rights sales, translations, and placement in foreign markets, and they can be a bridge for Valletta-based publishers seeking broader distribution.
- Services typically offered: international rights negotiation, export logistics, distribution partnerships.
- Best for: publishers and authors seeking to expand beyond the local market.
- Typical output: foreign-language editions, distribution agreements, export shipments.
How these options differ — a quick guide for authors
Choosing the right partner depends on goals, genre, and scale:
- If you want author control and a close creative relationship, consider independent presses or cooperatives.
- If you need to write under deadline or prefer a professional writer to shape your book, ghostwriting services (e.g., Barnett Ghostwriting) are best.
- For academic work, choose a scholarly press that understands peer review and indexing.
- If you value craft and collectible presentation, artisan presses and letterpress studios will deliver special editions.
- To reach readers beyond Malta, work with a distribution or rights agency to manage translations and foreign sales.
Practical tips for submitting in Valletta
- Prepare a clean, professional submission package: synopsis, author bio, sample chapters, and a clear statement of your intended market.
- Know the house: read sample books from the publisher so you can explain why your project fits their list.
- Be realistic about print runs and marketing: local publishers often print modest quantities and rely on events and partnerships.
- Consider translation needs early: bilingual editions need planning for layout and rights.
- Keep alternatives open: hybrid routes—combining a supportive local press with professional services like editing, design, or ghostwriting—work well in small markets.
Final thoughts
Valletta’s publishing landscape in 2025 balances tradition and modernity: small presses and artisan studios keep cultural and literary traditions alive while service-oriented firms and distribution agencies help authors reach practical goals. Whether you’re an emerging Maltese-language poet, an academic converting a thesis into a monograph, or a professional with a non-fiction idea, there are pathways that fit different budgets and ambitions. Evaluate each publisher’s services, typical output, and distribution strengths to find the best match for your project.