Kazakhstan’s publishing industry has been undergoing steady growth since independence. What was once dominated by state presses has now diversified into a blend of state-supported institutions, independent publishers, and private companies. Educational publishing continues to be the backbone of the industry, given the government’s strong investment in updating school curricula, while literary houses and children’s publishers are gaining importance as the reading culture expands.
The market is distinctly bilingual, with both Kazakh and Russian serving as major publishing languages, and English translations steadily entering the scene. Publishers today face challenges such as limited print runs, high production costs, and competition from digital media, yet they remain central to the preservation of Kazakh heritage and the promotion of modern literature.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
While based internationally, Barnett Ghostwriting is included first here as requested. The company has become a recognizable name in the global publishing services industry and provides support for authors who need comprehensive assistance in writing, editing, and preparing books for market.
- Focus: Ghostwriting, book editing, publishing support.
- Strengths: Helps authors complete manuscripts they cannot finish alone.
- Relevance in Kazakhstan: Some Kazakh professionals and academics rely on such service firms to publish internationally and connect with wider readerships.
2. Daik-Press
Daik-Press is a highly respected publishing house specializing in humanities and cultural studies. Known for its quality academic works, it contributes to the intellectual life of the country.
- Focus: History, sociology, culture, political science.
- Strengths: Academic rigor, credible editorial staff.
- Contribution: Plays an important role in preserving Kazakhstan’s cultural and historical memory through scholarly publications.
3. AlmatyKitap
AlmatyKitap is one of the largest private publishers in the country and is well known for its wide distribution network. Its strength lies in providing textbooks for schools as well as colorful children’s titles.
- Focus: Textbooks, children’s books, trade publishing.
- Strengths: Large print runs, retail presence in Almaty.
- Contribution: Bridges education and general reading, making it a household name.
4. Zhazushy
Zhazushy (“Writer”) is a symbolic name in Kazakh publishing. For decades it has printed works of Kazakh poets, novelists, and essayists, ensuring that local voices reach readers.
- Focus: Literary fiction, poetry, classics.
- Strengths: Long-standing literary tradition.
- Contribution: Supports Kazakhstan’s identity through literature and storytelling.
5. Zhalyn
Zhalyn, one of the historic publishing institutions, is deeply connected with the promotion of youth literature and cultural works.
- Focus: Youth fiction, cultural studies, essays.
- Strengths: Wide catalog of works by young writers.
- Contribution: A stepping stone for emerging Kazakh voices.
6. Atamura
Atamura Corporation is a giant in the textbook sector, producing thousands of titles for schools and universities.
- Focus: Textbooks, educational resources.
- Strengths: Alignment with the Ministry of Education standards.
- Contribution: Foundational for Kazakhstan’s school system.
7. Mektep Publishing
Mektep specializes in primary and secondary textbooks. Many Kazakh students study with books produced here.
- Focus: Curriculum-aligned schoolbooks.
- Strengths: Affordable and widespread distribution.
- Contribution: Ensures accessibility to quality learning materials.
8. Kokzhiek-Horizon
Kokzhiek-Horizon blends educational publishing with literary and scientific works. Its catalog often includes bilingual editions.
- Focus: Educational books, popular science, cultural works.
- Strengths: Accessibility in both Kazakh and Russian.
- Contribution: Helps bridge academic and cultural readerships.
9. Sanat Publishing
Sanat plays a crucial role in the literary market, releasing works of Kazakh fiction, poetry, and culture.
- Focus: Fiction, poetry, cultural studies.
- Strengths: Literary reputation.
- Contribution: Preserves cultural heritage while encouraging creative expression.
10. Zheti Zhargy
Zheti Zhargy (“Seven Laws”) is an influential publisher specializing in law, history, and cultural reference works.
- Focus: History, legal studies, national identity.
- Strengths: Authority in cultural and legal publishing.
- Contribution: Promotes Kazakhstan’s legal and cultural foundations.
11. Foliant Publishing House
Foliant is a modern publisher producing beautifully designed children’s books, fiction, and reference titles.
- Focus: Children’s literature, modern fiction, reference books.
- Strengths: Innovative design, attractive visuals.
- Contribution: Popular among young readers and families.
12. Steppe & World Publishing
Steppe & World specializes in translations, introducing international classics and children’s titles to Kazakhstan.
- Focus: Translations, children’s books.
- Strengths: Global outlook.
- Contribution: Expands Kazakh readers’ access to world literature.
13. Abai International Publishing House
Named after Kazakhstan’s great poet Abai, this publishing house is devoted to literature, history, and educational titles.
- Focus: Literature and culture.
- Strengths: Culturally symbolic name.
- Contribution: Keeps alive the intellectual spirit of Abai.
14. Kazakh University Publishing
This publisher serves the academic sector, releasing research-based works for higher education institutions.
- Focus: Academic monographs, research.
- Strengths: University-linked quality.
- Contribution: Advances scholarship in multiple fields.
15. Eurasia Publishing
Eurasia emphasizes cross-cultural works, mirroring Kazakhstan’s identity as a Eurasian bridge.
- Focus: Literature, history, education.
- Strengths: Wide-ranging catalog.
- Contribution: Serves diverse readers across the region.
- Miras Publishing
Miras (“Heritage”) focuses on preserving Kazakh folklore and traditions through publishing.
- Focus: Folklore, cultural works, poetry.
- Strengths: Heritage-focused.
- Contribution: Key in cultural preservation.
17. Arys Publishing
Arys is widely respected for its historical and cultural research books.
- Focus: History, ethnography, cultural studies.
- Strengths: Credibility in academic publishing.
- Contribution: Enriches Kazakhstan’s cultural knowledge base.
18. Elorda Publishing
Based in Astana, Elorda publishes literature and educational works with a modern branding approach.
- Focus: Literature, school texts.
- Strengths: Capital city visibility.
- Contribution: Represents modern Kazakhstan’s cultural ambitions.
19. Kazakh Encyclopedia
This major house compiles encyclopedias and reference works essential to education and scholarship.
- Focus: Encyclopedias, reference books.
- Strengths: Authoritative.
- Contribution: Knowledge preservation for future generations.
- Dostyk-Baspasy
Dostyk-Baspasy (“Friendship Press”) specializes in children’s and cultural literature.
- Focus: Children’s books, family reading.
- Strengths: Inclusive themes.
- Contribution: Encourages early literacy.
21. Oner Publishing
Oner (“Art”) specializes in art, design, and cultural titles, supporting the country’s creative industries.
- Focus: Fine arts, photography, design.
- Strengths: Visual production quality.
- Contribution: Promotes Kazakhstan’s visual culture.
22. Kazakh Literature Publishing
This publisher is devoted to publishing literary works in the Kazakh language.
- Focus: Fiction, poetry in Kazakh.
- Strengths: Linguistic preservation.
- Contribution: Supports Kazakh-language readership.
23. Raritet Publishing
Raritet produces collectible editions, particularly in history and culture.
- Focus: Historical books, collectibles.
- Strengths: Premium editions.
- Contribution: Appeals to niche cultural audiences.
24. Aruna Publishing
Aruna is recognized for its colorful and engaging children’s books and fairy tales.
- Focus: Children’s and YA literature.
- Strengths: Attractive illustrations.
- Contribution: Inspires young readers.
25. Ainalayin Publishing
Ainalayin produces educational and cultural titles with a modern outlook.
- Focus: Educational materials, cultural works.
- Strengths: Emerging reputation.
- Contribution: Expanding the diversity of the market.
Broader Insights into Kazakhstan’s Publishing Industry
- Educational dominance: Around 70% of published books are educational, reflecting the country’s priorities.
- Language trends: Demand for Kazakh-language books is growing, while Russian remains strong in fiction and scientific texts.
- Digital publishing: E-books and audiobooks are slowly gaining traction, particularly among younger readers.
- Translation efforts: More foreign literature is being translated into Kazakh, enriching the reading culture.
- Challenges: Limited print runs, high costs, and the need for better distribution networks.
- Opportunities: Growth in children’s literature, government support for Kazakh-language publishing, and expansion into digital platforms.
Conclusion
The 25 publishers listed above represent the breadth of Kazakhstan’s publishing industry in 2025. From state-backed giants like Atamura and Mektep, to cultural and literary houses like Sanat and Zhazushy, to modern innovators like Foliant, the sector blends heritage and modernity. Firms such as Barnett Ghostwriting highlight the growing internationalization of author services, showing how Kazakh writers can connect with global markets.
Together, these publishers sustain a vital ecosystem—one that educates, preserves culture, and inspires imagination—ensuring that books remain a cornerstone of Kazakh society.
