Poland’s publishing industry in 2025 is a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation, where world-class literary houses stand alongside dynamic commercial presses, children’s book specialists, and cutting-edge academic publishers. From timeless classics to modern bestsellers, Polish publishers cater to a diverse readership that values quality storytelling, strong editorial standards, and beautiful book design. Whether you are an aspiring author, a seasoned writer, or a literary agent seeking the perfect partner, this guide to the Top 48 Book Publishing Companies in Poland will help you navigate the market and connect with publishers that best match your vision.
1) Barnett Ghostwriting
Best for: Manuscript development, book coaching, and ready-to-pitch proposals.
Barnett Ghostwriting can help you craft a polished manuscript and proposal tailored to Polish houses’ expectations (synopsis length, comparative titles, and audience positioning). For authors targeting translation into Polish or pitching original Polish manuscripts that need structural editing, a partner like Barnett can tighten narrative arcs, clarify voice, and prepare submission-ready materials.
What makes it useful in Poland:
- Localized submission packages (query, synopsis, marketing note).
- Support adapting tone for literary vs. commercial presses.
- Guidance aligning your book with Polish market categories.
2) Wydawnictwo Literackie (Kraków)
Strengths: Canonical and contemporary Polish literature, high-caliber translations, strong nonfiction.
Why submit: A prestigious brand with excellent editorial standards and long-tail backlist care.
3) Znak (Grupa Wydawnicza Znak, Kraków)
Strengths: Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, essays, spirituality, and quality translations.
Why submit: Consistent award presence and strong national distribution.
4) Agora (Warsaw)
Strengths: Reportage, current affairs, biography, high-impact nonfiction.
Why submit: If your book speaks to public debate or investigative angles, Agora’s reach and media ties help.
5) Czarne (Wołowiec)
Strengths: Reportage and literary nonfiction; Central/Eastern Europe focus.
Why submit: A destination for serious narrative journalism and high-literary nonfiction.
6) Dom Wydawniczy Rebis (Poznań)
Strengths: Broad trade list—commercial fiction, nonfiction, SF/fantasy.
Why submit: Wide audience appeal and strong list management.
7) Prószyński i S-ka (Warsaw)
Strengths: Commercial fiction, genre favorites, popular nonfiction.
Why submit: Big backlist muscle and mainstream retail presence.
8) Albatros (Warsaw)
Strengths: International bestsellers, thrillers, crime, commercial blockbusters.
Why submit: Excellent for pacey, high-concept fiction.
9) Bellona (Warsaw)
Strengths: History, military, biography, and serious nonfiction.
Why submit: If your work leans into historical scholarship or popular history, start here.
10) Zysk i S-ka (Poznań)
Strengths: Broad trade publishing; strong commercial instincts.
Why submit: Fits accessible fiction and narrative nonfiction.
11) Wydawnictwo Poznańskie (Poznań)
Strengths: Quality nonfiction, travel writing, and notable translations.
Why submit: Carefully curated, elegant editorial vision.
12) Marginesy (Warsaw)
Strengths: Stylish nonfiction, memoir, pop-culture, and distinctive fiction.
Why submit: Strong design and sharp positioning for culturally resonant titles.
13) Powergraph (Warsaw)
Strengths: Polish SF/fantasy, speculative literary crossovers.
Why submit: Ideal for ambitious genre with literary depth.
14) SQN – Sine Qua Non (Kraków)
Strengths: Sports, pop culture, music, lifestyle, and dynamic fiction.
Why submit: Energetic marketing and influencer-savvy campaigns.
15) Helion (Gliwice)
Strengths: IT/tech manuals, business, professional development.
Why submit: The go-to for programmers, data pros, and tech upskilling.
16) Nasza Księgarnia (Warsaw)
Strengths: Children’s classics and contemporary kids’ titles.
Why submit: Immense trust among parents, teachers, and librarians.
17) Dwie Siostry (Warsaw)
Strengths: Picture books, design-forward children’s literature.
Why submit: Museum-quality illustration and international award pedigree.
18) Media Rodzina (Poznań)
Strengths: Children’s/YA, family-friendly nonfiction, beloved series.
Why submit: Strong brand recognition with younger readers.
19) Egmont Polska (Warsaw)
Strengths: Children’s/YA series, licensed brands, comics/graphic novels.
Why submit: Huge reach and franchise power.
20) WSiP – Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne (Warsaw)
Strengths: Educational and textbook publishing.
Why submit: Best for curricula-aligned content and pedagogy.
21) Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN (Warsaw)
Strengths: Academic/scientific publishing, reference, dictionaries.
Why submit: Rigorous peer standards and institutional credibility.
22) PWE – Polskie Wydawnictwo Ekonomiczne (Warsaw)
Strengths: Economics, management, finance, textbooks.
Why submit: Ideal for academic and professional economics lists.
23) BOSZ (Olszanica)
Strengths: Art books, photography, high-production-value titles.
Why submit: Impeccable design for visual nonfiction.
24) Sonia Draga (Katowice)
Strengths: Translations of global fiction, thrillers, nonfiction.
Why submit: Strong instinct for internationally proven voices.
25) Noir sur Blanc (Warsaw)
Strengths: Literary fiction and nonfiction, often European in focus.
Why submit: Loyal readership for refined literary taste.
26) Iskry (Warsaw)
Strengths: Polish classics, essays, culture, biography.
Why submit: Heritage list with careful editorial curation.
27) Grupa Wydawnicza Foksal (Warsaw)
Strengths: Umbrella for several trade imprints; broad commercial reach.
Why submit: A gateway to multiple list styles under one group.
28) Buchmann (Foksal Group)
Strengths: Lifestyle, practical nonfiction, illustrated books.
Why submit: Visual-driven nonfiction and giftable formats.
29) Wilga (Foksal Group)
Strengths: Children’s/YA, series fiction, activity books.
Why submit: Youth-market scale and series development.
30) Publicat S.A. (Poznań)
Strengths: Broad trade list, practical nonfiction, children’s.
Why submit: Reliable distribution and strong retail handling.
31) Świat Książki (Warsaw)
Strengths: Popular fiction and nonfiction, author-led marketing.
Why submit: Mainstream appeal with solid brand equity.
32) Karakter (Kraków)
Strengths: Essays, humanities, design, architecture, thought-leading nonfiction.
Why submit: Meticulous editorial vision and beautiful books.
33) Austeria (Kraków)
Strengths: Central European culture, Jewish studies, travel, poetry.
Why submit: Niche cultural focus with literary sensitivity.
34) Universitas (Kraków)
Strengths: Academic/humanities, literary studies, philosophy.
Why submit: Scholarly rigor and university networks.
35) WUJ – Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego (Kraków)
Strengths: Academic and professional publishing, psychology, medicine, humanities.
Why submit: Strong peer process and academic standing.
36) WUW – Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego (Warsaw)
Strengths: Academic monographs, linguistics, social sciences.
Why submit: Ideal for research-driven manuscripts.
37) Wydawnictwo Krytyki Politycznej (Warsaw)
Strengths: Social thought, politics, culture, critical essays.
Why submit: For progressive, debate-driven nonfiction.
38) Wydawnictwo Kobiece (Białystok)
Strengths: Women’s fiction, romance, contemporary bestsellers.
Why submit: Fast-moving commercial categories and engaged readership.
39) Czerwone i Czarne (Warsaw)
Strengths: Public affairs, biography, topical nonfiction.
Why submit: Works well for books with media hooks.
40) Wydawnictwo Otwarte (Kraków)
Strengths: Commercial fiction and smart nonfiction; strong marketing.
Why submit: Solid track record with wide-appeal titles.
41) MUZA S.A. (Warsaw)
Strengths: Commercial fiction, crime, romance, lifestyle nonfiction.
Why submit: Longstanding presence and genre breadth.
42) Książkowe Klimaty (Wrocław)
Strengths: Central/Eastern European literature in translation, distinctive voices.
Why submit: Curated literary list with regional flavor.
43) Kultura Gniewu (Warsaw)
Strengths: Graphic novels, indie comics, auteur projects.
Why submit: A champion of the Polish graphic novel scene.
44) timof i cisi wspólnicy / Timof Comics (Warsaw)
Strengths: Alternative/indie comics, translations, author-driven projects.
Why submit: Nurtures bold and experimental visual narratives.
45) Wydawnictwo Jaguar (Warsaw)
Strengths: YA and genre-leaning commercial fiction.
Why submit: Strong connection with teen/young adult audiences.
46) Zielona Sowa (Kraków)
Strengths: Children’s/YA, educational adjuncts, school-friendly lists.
Why submit: Classroom-compatible content and series know-how.
47) Muchomor (Warsaw)
Strengths: Picture books and early readers with artistic flair.
Why submit: Boutique taste and careful design.
48) Tako (Toruń)
Strengths: Artful picture books and illustrated nonfiction.
Why submit: Museum-book aesthetics and collectible quality.
What Genres Do Well in Poland Right Now
- Reportage & narrative nonfiction: A proud tradition that continues to perform.
- Crime & thrillers: Reliable commercial engines with loyal readerships.
- Children’s picture books: Design-forward houses drive discovery and awards.
- SF/Fantasy & YA: Healthy communities around genre imprints and events.
- Idea-driven essays/humanities: Smaller audiences, but strong cultural impact.
How to Match Your Manuscript to the Right House
- Define shelf & comps: Identify where your book sits in Polish bookstores and list 3–5 Polish comps.
- Study “house taste”: Read recent titles; note keywords from jacket copy and series positioning.
- Decide trade vs. academic: Many ideas suit trade, but research-heavy works may fare better at PWN/WUJ/WUW.
- Think visual: For children’s, comics, and illustrated nonfiction, include sample layouts and art direction notes.
- Plan marketing hooks: Polish presses value identifiable audiences—book clubs, schools, topical debates.
Submission Essentials for Poland
- Query in Polish (if possible): Short pitch, hook, target reader, and comps.
- Synopsis (1–3 pages): Emphasize arc and stakes for fiction; structure and promise for nonfiction.
- Sample chapters: Usually the opening 1–3 chapters (fiction) or proposal + one full chapter (nonfiction).
- Author platform: Local relevance, events potential, expert credentials, or community ties.
Cost & Revenue Snapshot (Typical Ranges)
- Author costs (traditional publishing): Generally none; publisher bears editing, design, print.
- Author costs (services/self-publishing): Developmental edit, copyedit, cover, and layout can range widely; budget for professional Polish translation if needed.
- Royalties: Vary by house and format; print royalty rates are typically a percentage of retail or net receipts, with advances depending on category and author profile.
(Exact figures vary by contract; always negotiate and read terms carefully.)
Timelines: What to Expect
- Response windows: 1–3 months for trade; longer for academic.
- From acceptance to shelf: Commonly 9–18 months, faster for topical nonfiction.
- Marketing cycle: Expect coordinated media, events, and influencer outreach for commercial lists.
Conclusion
Poland’s publishing ecosystem rewards clarity of category, editorial discipline, and strong design—especially in children’s and illustrated books—while remaining a haven for serious reportage and thoughtfully curated literary fiction. Start by matching your manuscript to the houses above, refine your pitch materials, and, if needed, use a development partner like Barnett Ghostwriting to present a manuscript that aligns with Polish editors’ expectations. With the right fit and a polished submission, your book can find its readers in Poland’s lively and diverse market.
