The Bahamas is celebrated for its rich culture, music, and history, but in recent years, its publishing world has also grown steadily. Writers from the islands are telling stories that capture local traditions, modern experiences, and voices that resonate far beyond the Caribbean. To support this, both local and international publishers have stepped in to provide platforms for Bahamian authors.
In 2025, publishing in the Bahamas is more diverse than ever. Traditional houses, educational presses, faith-based imprints, and global self-publishing services all play a role in shaping the industry. Whether an author is producing academic research, fiction, poetry, or inspirational works, there is now a wide range of publishers to choose from.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting is globally recognized for its editorial services, but in the Bahamas, it operates much like a publisher. Authors work with Barnett from manuscript creation to final publication, receiving support similar to what traditional publishers offer.
- Services: ghostwriting, professional editing, design, managed publishing
- Ideal for: writers seeking professional polish and international reach
- Specialty: hybrid publishing and full-service author support
2. Etienne Dupuch Jr. Publications Ltd.
This long-standing Bahamian publisher is best known for the Bahamas Handbook and other guides. It documents Bahamian culture, tourism, and business in authoritative volumes.
- Services: guidebooks, handbooks, directories
- Ideal for: travel writing, tourism literature
- Specialty: high-quality national reference publishing
3. One Rib Publications
Based in Nassau, One Rib Publications focuses on inspirational, motivational, and community-driven titles. It has become a strong platform for spiritual voices.
- Services: editing, local distribution, small-run publishing
- Ideal for: religious and motivational authors
- Specialty: uplifting and faith-centered works
4. Inspire Publishing
Inspire Publishing supports emerging Bahamian writers through print-on-demand services and creative coaching. It appeals to authors publishing their first works.
- Services: POD, cover design, author support
- Ideal for: debut and independent writers
- Specialty: accessible publishing for small projects
5. Benchmark Publishing Co. Ltd.
This Nassau-based company combines publishing with business directories and custom content. It bridges the gap between professional publishing and community needs.
- Services: business guides, custom projects, directories
- Ideal for: nonfiction and professional resources
- Specialty: community-focused and practical titles
6. Making A Difference Publishing
A socially conscious press that prioritizes community stories, educational titles, and grassroots projects. It helps amplify local voices.
- Services: small-run books, NGO publishing support
- Ideal for: schools, charities, community authors
- Specialty: accessible, mission-driven publishing
7. Paul Street Group Publishing
This company provides customized publishing and printing solutions for Bahamian writers. It is especially useful for niche and tailored book projects.
- Services: design, print, editing
- Ideal for: niche nonfiction and specialty titles
- Specialty: bespoke publishing packages
8. Media Enterprises
Primarily a distributor, Media Enterprises also supports educational and general publishing in the Bahamas. It connects books with stores and schools.
- Services: distribution, retail support
- Ideal for: educational publishers, trade authors
- Specialty: connecting books to readers
9. Seaworthy Publications
Although not based in the Bahamas, Seaworthy specializes in nautical guides and is essential for marine-related publishing in the region.
- Services: travel and nautical books
- Ideal for: sailing, cruising, diving authors
- Specialty: regional travel publishing
10. University of The Bahamas Publications
The university’s press publishes scholarly works, research reports, and cultural studies. It plays a key role in documenting Bahamian heritage.
- Services: academic and research publishing
- Ideal for: scholars, historians, cultural writers
- Specialty: scholarly Bahamian publications
11. Macmillan Caribbean
Macmillan Caribbean provides textbooks and learning materials used widely across Bahamian schools. It is one of the largest educational publishers in the region.
- Services: textbooks, workbooks, curriculum resources
- Ideal for: educators and academic writers
- Specialty: school and curriculum publishing
12. University of the West Indies Press
UWI Press is a respected regional academic publisher. Bahamian authors often publish cultural and scholarly works here.
- Services: peer-reviewed publications, academic works
- Ideal for: researchers, nonfiction writers
- Specialty: Caribbean scholarship and history
13. Peepal Tree Press
Based in the UK, Peepal Tree Press is dedicated to Caribbean literature. It publishes poetry, fiction, and critical works by Bahamian authors.
- Services: literary fiction, poetry, essays
- Ideal for: writers seeking global literary recognition
- Specialty: Caribbean creative literature
14. Ian Randle Publishers
A Jamaican publisher with a strong Caribbean presence, Ian Randle specializes in nonfiction, history, and cultural titles.
- Services: nonfiction and academic publishing
- Ideal for: historians, cultural authors
- Specialty: regional scholarship and nonfiction
15. Heinemann Caribbean
Known for its Caribbean Writers Series, Heinemann has published many Bahamian and regional authors, particularly in educational contexts.
- Services: educational and literary books
- Ideal for: educators, literary authors
- Specialty: classic and educational Caribbean titles
16. Peekash Press
Peekash Press focuses on Caribbean anthologies and short story collections. It highlights emerging regional voices.
- Services: anthologies, fiction publishing
- Ideal for: short fiction writers
- Specialty: collaborative Caribbean storytelling
17. Bahamas Handbook (Imprint)
An imprint of Dupuch Publications, the Bahamas Handbook stands as a national reference. Updated annually, it is a key publication.
- Services: comprehensive guides, national records
- Ideal for: nonfiction reference writers
- Specialty: flagship Bahamian reference title
18. Regional Church & Ministry Presses
Various church organizations publish devotional works, religious texts, and faith-centered literature.
- Services: faith-based publishing
- Ideal for: pastors, inspirational writers
- Specialty: religious and motivational works
19. Boutique Nassau Publishers
Small-scale independent publishers in Nassau help authors with memoirs, poetry, and family histories.
- Services: memoir and poetry publishing
- Ideal for: independent and niche authors
- Specialty: personalized local publishing
20. IngramSpark
A global POD platform that Bahamian authors rely on for wide international distribution.
- Services: POD, global distribution
- Ideal for: self-publishers seeking reach
- Specialty: cost-effective worldwide access
21. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
KDP is the most widely used platform for Bahamian authors releasing eBooks and paperbacks worldwide.
- Services: digital and print self-publishing
- Ideal for: authors of all genres
- Specialty: global reach with minimal barriers
22. Lulu
Lulu provides POD services with a specialty in photo-heavy and custom print projects.
- Services: hardcover and photo book publishing
- Ideal for: visual and artistic authors
- Specialty: high-quality illustrated books
23. Blurb
Known for art and design publishing, Blurb is popular with creatives producing coffee-table and art-focused works.
- Services: art and design books
- Ideal for: photographers, artists
- Specialty: premium illustrated publishing
24. BookBaby
BookBaby offers full-service packages, combining editing, design, and distribution. It is an accessible hybrid model.
- Services: editing, cover design, distribution
- Ideal for: indie authors seeking support
- Specialty: simplified author services
25. Xlibris
Xlibris is an assisted publishing service that provides structured packages for self-publishers.
- Services: design, editing, distribution
- Ideal for: self-publishing authors
- Specialty: structured publishing pathways
26. AuthorHouse
AuthorHouse offers publishing support for writers seeking guided self-publishing packages.
- Services: editing, layout, publishing packages
- Ideal for: first-time authors
- Specialty: accessible entry into publishing
27. iUniverse
iUniverse provides POD and distribution while giving authors more flexibility than traditional houses.
- Services: POD, editing, distribution
- Ideal for: authors wanting hybrid support
- Specialty: custom publishing models
28. Caribbean Cultural Imprints
Local cultural centers and museums run small imprints to publish heritage and history.
- Services: heritage book publishing
- Ideal for: historians, cultural authors
- Specialty: preserving cultural memory
29. US & UK Independent Presses
Many Bahamian writers publish with small international presses specializing in Caribbean or diaspora literature.
- Services: literary publishing
- Ideal for: authors seeking international exposure
- Specialty: niche literary markets
30. Caribbean Educational Publishers
Smaller education presses complement Macmillan with local school resources.
- Services: textbooks, workbooks
- Ideal for: teachers, educational authors
- Specialty: localized curriculum publishing
31. Local Offset Printers
Printers in Nassau and Freeport often double as publishers for small runs.
- Services: offset printing, binding
- Ideal for: memoirs, community books
- Specialty: short-run affordability
32. Independent Literary Series
Micro-presses focus on chapbooks, anthologies, and poetry, supporting Bahamian poets.
- Services: chapbooks, small anthologies
- Ideal for: poets and emerging writers
- Specialty: creative expression in print
33. Regional Distribution Partnerships
Partnerships between publishers and distributors expand Bahamian books into the wider Caribbean.
- Services: book distribution
- Ideal for: regional authors
- Specialty: wider Caribbean market reach
34. Academic Publishers in North America
University presses in the US and Canada often feature Caribbean studies, welcoming Bahamian authors.
- Services: scholarly book publishing
- Ideal for: academic researchers
- Specialty: Caribbean-focused research titles
35. Caribbean Literary Festival Anthologies
Festivals often publish anthologies showcasing new regional talent, including Bahamian voices.
- Services: literary anthologies
- Ideal for: emerging authors
- Specialty: showcasing new writers
36. Community-Driven Presses
NGOs and cultural groups publish books documenting community projects and local histories.
- Services: grassroots publishing
- Ideal for: activists, local historians
- Specialty: social impact titles
37. Travel & Guidebook Specialists
Tourism publishers focus on Bahamian diving, travel, and lifestyle guides.
- Services: travel guides, lifestyle books
- Ideal for: travel writers
- Specialty: tourism-driven content
38. Education Resource Creators
Independent providers produce supplementary teaching guides and exam resources.
- Services: workbooks, test prep
- Ideal for: teachers, schools
- Specialty: exam and curriculum support
39. Regional Literary Agents
Agencies help Bahamian writers sell rights and secure international publishers.
- Services: rights management
- Ideal for: authors seeking representation
- Specialty: connecting Caribbean writers abroad
40. Digital-First Publishers
Focused on eBooks, serialized works, and digital distribution, these publishers fit modern audiences.
- Services: eBook publishing
- Ideal for: digital-first authors
- Specialty: online literary markets
41. Reissue Specialists
These publishers bring older Bahamian and Caribbean works back into print for modern audiences.
- Services: reprints, digitization
- Ideal for: heritage authors
- Specialty: cultural preservation
42. International University Presses
Beyond UWI, North American and European presses regularly publish Bahamian academic works.
- Services: academic publishing
- Ideal for: global scholars
- Specialty: peer-reviewed scholarship
43. POD + Local Bookstores
Some Bahamian shops combine POD publishing with in-store stocking, supporting indie writers.
- Services: POD, retail display
- Ideal for: local indie authors
- Specialty: combining print and sales
44. Hybrid Publishers (Global)
Shared-cost models give authors professional publishing with creative control.
- Services: editing, design, partial investment
- Ideal for: indie writers with budgets
- Specialty: blending indie and traditional
45. Regional Magazine Imprints
Magazines sometimes publish collected essays or features as book editions.
- Services: essay and feature anthologies
- Ideal for: essayists, journalists
- Specialty: literary nonfiction
46. Transnational Small Presses
Diaspora publishers based abroad publish Caribbean and Bahamian writers.
- Services: fiction and poetry publishing
- Ideal for: diaspora authors
- Specialty: multicultural publishing
47. Exhibition & Museum Presses
Museums and galleries publish catalogs and art books tied to exhibitions.
- Services: art catalogs, museum publications
- Ideal for: artists, cultural historians
- Specialty: visual and cultural publishing
48. Rights & Translation Houses
These organizations manage rights sales and translate Caribbean works into other languages.
- Services: rights management, translations
- Ideal for: authors seeking global reach
- Specialty: expanding markets abroad
Estimated Publishing Costs in the Bahamas (2025)
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
| Editing (per book) | $600 – $2,500 | Depends on length and depth of edit |
| Cover Design | $200 – $700 | Professional artwork and layout |
| Print Setup (Local) | $500 – $1,500 | Offset or short-run print setup |
| Print-on-Demand (Global) | $0 – $200 setup | Paid per copy ordered |
| Marketing & Promotion | $500 – $5,000 | Varies by package and reach |
Choosing the Right Publisher in the Bahamas
Authors in the Bahamas must think strategically about where their audience is. If the goal is community and church outreach, a small local imprint might be best. Writers producing academic works may turn to UWI Press or University of the Bahamas Publications. Those seeking international exposure often use KDP, IngramSpark, or international small presses. Matching genre, scale, and budget is essential to picking the right partner.
Conclusion
The Bahamas may not have the sheer number of large publishing houses found in major markets, but it offers a wide mix of opportunities for authors. From stalwarts like Etienne Dupuch Jr. Publications and university presses to regional Caribbean imprints and global POD platforms, Bahamian writers in 2025 have a mosaic of choices. Whether aiming for local impact, regional recognition, or international sales, the right publishing partner is available.
