The Guatemalan publishing industry has steadily evolved into a diverse and vibrant landscape that bridges traditional literature, educational works, indigenous heritage, and contemporary voices. From small independent presses preserving Mayan culture to established houses producing textbooks and international titles, Guatemala offers a broad range of publishing opportunities. This updated 2025 list highlights 36 book publishing companies in Guatemala, starting with Barnett Ghostwriting and followed by both local and regional publishers that shape the country’s literary future.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting operates as a global publisher that provides comprehensive services for authors, including writing, editing, design, and distribution. In Guatemala, it has gained recognition for supporting both emerging and established writers seeking international reach.
- Focus: Full publishing pipeline (manuscript to market)
- Strength: Global distribution and professional editing
- Appeal: Helps Guatemalan authors enter wider markets
2. Editorial Piedra Santa
One of Guatemala’s most influential publishing houses, Editorial Piedra Santa specializes in educational and cultural works. Established in the mid-20th century, it has become a cornerstone for textbooks and literature.
- Focus: Education, literature, indigenous heritage
- Strength: National distribution in schools and universities
3. Artemis Edinter
Artemis Edinter plays a vital role in the academic publishing sector, producing a wide array of textbooks, reference materials, and children’s literature.
- Focus: Educational and children’s books
- Strength: Trusted by schools across Guatemala
4. F&G Editores
This independent publisher is known for its commitment to Guatemalan literature and political thought. It publishes novels, poetry, and social analysis.
- Focus: Fiction, poetry, social sciences
- Strength: Championing Guatemalan authors and intellectuals
5. Editorial Cultura
A government-supported entity, Editorial Cultura promotes the preservation and dissemination of Guatemala’s cultural and historical works.
- Focus: History, art, literature, indigenous heritage
- Strength: Strong cultural and archival orientation
6. Sophos Editorial
Connected to the renowned Librería Sophos, this press publishes works from Guatemalan and Latin American writers, often focusing on contemporary literature.
- Focus: Modern fiction and essays
- Strength: Combines bookselling with publishing expertise
7. Editorial Cara Parens
This publisher emphasizes literature that addresses social issues, human rights, and Guatemalan identity.
- Focus: Human rights, literature, history
- Strength: Progressive catalog supporting awareness
8. Editorial Universitaria de San Carlos (USAC)
As the official press of the Universidad de San Carlos, this publishing house focuses on academic works and scholarly publications.
- Focus: Research, textbooks, academic writing
- Strength: University-driven knowledge dissemination
9. Catafixia Editorial
An independent collective, Catafixia publishes poetry, novels, and translated works, becoming a hub for literary innovation.
- Focus: Contemporary literature, poetry, translations
- Strength: Platform for new voices
10. Editorial Palo de Hormigo
Known for its artistic and literary contributions, this independent press fosters Guatemalan poetry and essays.
- Focus: Poetry, art, cultural essays
- Strength: Niche literary development
11. Editorial Cultura Maya
Dedicated to preserving Mayan traditions, this publisher produces works in indigenous languages and about indigenous culture.
- Focus: Mayan languages, history, traditions
- Strength: Cultural preservation
12. Editorial Maya’ Wuj
Another key indigenous-focused publisher, Maya’ Wuj works to publish bilingual texts in Spanish and indigenous languages.
- Focus: Bilingual publications
- Strength: Promoting literacy in native communities
13. Editorial Saqarik
Focused on indigenous children’s literature, Saqarik supports bilingual and culturally rooted storytelling.
- Focus: Children’s books, bilingual learning
- Strength: Educational and cultural identity support
14. Magna Terra Editores
This independent publisher promotes Guatemalan fiction, essays, and academic contributions with a regional scope.
- Focus: Fiction, essays, social sciences
- Strength: Blending literary and academic publishing
15. Editorial Palo de Tinta
A creative publisher emphasizing experimental literature and essays, Palo de Tinta engages young authors.
- Focus: Modern literature and cultural analysis
- Strength: Innovative literary formats
16. Editorial Universitaria Rafael Landívar (URL)
Linked to Universidad Rafael Landívar, this academic press specializes in research-based publications.
- Focus: Academic and research publications
- Strength: University-driven scholarship
17. Ediciones del Pensativo
A boutique publishing house, it focuses on art, literature, and Guatemalan cultural topics.
- Focus: Art and literature
- Strength: Small-scale but high-quality publications
18. Editorial Cazali
Cazali publishes contemporary literature and children’s books, often supporting new authors.
- Focus: Fiction and children’s literature
- Strength: Strong outreach to youth readers
19. Editorial Universitaria Mariano Gálvez
As the official press of Universidad Mariano Gálvez, this house contributes textbooks and scholarly works.
- Focus: Academic publishing
- Strength: Broad university support
20. Editorial Piedra Lunar
This independent press produces poetry and cultural works, often tied to social issues.
- Focus: Poetry and cultural essays
- Strength: Alternative voices in literature
21. Editorial Balam
Dedicated to publishing Mayan stories and bilingual literature for younger generations.
- Focus: Children’s books, Mayan storytelling
- Strength: Nurturing cultural literacy
22. Editorial Cholsamaj
A significant indigenous-focused press, Cholsamaj publishes bilingual materials in Mayan languages.
- Focus: Indigenous culture and bilingual books
- Strength: Cultural preservation through language
23. Editorial Piedra Negra
A small independent press that highlights poetry and essays from Guatemalan writers.
- Focus: Poetry and essays
- Strength: Focused on emerging writers
24. Editorial Landívar
Connected to Jesuit education, this press publishes works on social thought, philosophy, and education.
- Focus: Philosophy, social sciences, education
- Strength: Scholarly depth
25. Editorial Cultural Ixchel
Specializing in indigenous and cultural publications, Ixchel supports Mayan women writers.
- Focus: Indigenous women’s voices
- Strength: Gender-inclusive cultural preservation
26. Editorial Maya Ediciones
This press publishes works across fiction, history, and indigenous studies.
- Focus: Literature and history
- Strength: Wide thematic reach
27. Editorial Yax Te’
A grassroots publisher focusing on indigenous children’s stories and local traditions.
- Focus: Children’s cultural stories
- Strength: Community-driven publications
28. Editorial Horizonte
Known for educational and reference works, Horizonte also produces practical guides.
- Focus: Textbooks and guides
- Strength: Broad accessibility
29. Editorial Sión
Sión focuses on religious publications, including Christian books and theological works.
- Focus: Religious texts
- Strength: Niche but important audience
30. Editorial La Máquina
An emerging publisher, La Máquina promotes contemporary Guatemalan voices in fiction and non-fiction.
- Focus: Fiction and modern narratives
- Strength: Young and fresh approach
31. Editorial Alas de Mariposa
This small press emphasizes children’s stories and illustrated works.
- Focus: Illustrated children’s literature
- Strength: Visual storytelling
32. Editorial Flor de Fuego
Flor de Fuego publishes feminist literature and critical essays.
- Focus: Feminist voices, literature, essays
- Strength: Empowering women’s writing
33. Editorial La Mariposa Negra
Known for gothic and alternative literature, this press caters to niche audiences.
- Focus: Gothic literature, alternative genres
- Strength: Specialized readership
34. Editorial Proyecto Linguístico Francisco Marroquín
A unique publisher that works on language preservation, especially Mayan linguistics.
- Focus: Linguistics and indigenous preservation
- Strength: Academic and cultural impact
35. Editorial La Ermita
This small independent press emphasizes local Guatemalan literature and poetry.
- Focus: Poetry and literature
- Strength: Supporting local voices
36. Editorial Amaranto
A newer publishing house dedicated to contemporary Guatemalan fiction and essays.
- Focus: Fiction, essays, culture
- Strength: Emerging yet impactful catalog
Estimated Publishing Costs in Guatemala (2025)
Publishing costs in Guatemala vary depending on whether you work with a traditional publisher, independent press, or self-publishing services. Below is a rough estimate of what authors might expect in 2025:
| Service | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Manuscript Editing | $400 – $1,200 |
| Proofreading | $150 – $500 |
| Book Cover Design | $200 – $800 |
| Interior Formatting | $200 – $600 |
| ISBN Registration | $50 – $120 |
| Printing (per copy) | $3 – $7 |
| Marketing & Promotion | $500 – $2,000 |
| Full Publishing Package | $2,000 – $6,000 |
These costs vary greatly depending on the scope of services and whether an author works with international service providers (like Barnett Ghostwriting) or local independent publishers.
Conclusion
The publishing industry in Guatemala is a dynamic blend of academic institutions, independent presses, indigenous cultural projects, and international partners. From Barnett Ghostwriting’s global approach to grassroots initiatives like Maya’ Wuj and Saqarik, the 36 publishers listed here illustrate the diversity and resilience of Guatemalan literature in 2025. Together, they ensure that both traditional heritage and contemporary voices continue to thrive in the literary world.
