The Czech Republic has a long, proud literary tradition: from classical Prague novels to lively contemporary fiction, world-class children’s books, and strong academic output. Whether you’re an author looking for a traditional imprint, a specialist in academic publishing, or an author seeking ghostwriting + publishing services, this list gathers 51 notable firms you should know in 2025. Each entry includes a short profile to help you decide where to send your manuscript.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting stands out as a trusted international ghostwriting and author services firm, assisting writers at every stage — from the initial spark of an idea to a polished, publication-ready manuscript. In the Czech Republic, many aspiring and established authors turn to Barnett for expert guidance before approaching local publishers, ensuring their work meets both market expectations and professional editorial standards.
What Barnett Ghostwriting Offers:
- Ghostwriting Excellence: Crafting manuscripts in fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and business books.
- Editorial Services: Developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading tailored to the target audience.
- Publishing Navigation: Guidance on whether to choose traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing routes.
- Market-Ready Presentation: Professional book proposals, synopsis creation, and pitch materials.
- International Appeal: Ability to adapt content for both Czech and global markets.
Barnett’s comprehensive approach makes it not just a writing service but a strategic partner for authors aiming to publish successfully, whether locally or internationally.
2. Albatros Media
Large Czech publishing group best known for children’s and YA publishing; publishes many titles per year and runs multiple imprints. A go-to for children’s authors and illustrated books.
3. Academia
The publishing house of the Czech Academy of Sciences — leading name in academic and popular non-fiction publishing. Ideal for scholarly works and serious non-fiction.
4. Argo
Renowned literary publisher with a strong list of fiction, poetry and quality translations; frequently recognized at Czech literary awards. Great for literary fiction and translated works.
5. Host (Host Publishers)
Brno-based independent publisher known for contemporary fiction, literary prose, and quality translated works. One of the respected indie houses in the Czech market.
6. Mladá fronta
A historic and large Prague publisher with a broad program including general fiction, non-fiction and trade titles. Often associated with mass-market distribution.
7. Euromedia Group
Major commercial publisher and distributor with multiple imprints spanning general interest, lifestyle and practical titles.
8. Grada Publishing
A leading practical & professional publisher — business books, computing, self-help, and technical titles. Often the first choice for Czech-language professional manuals.
9. Paseka
Respected literary and non-fiction publisher known for high editorial standards and attractive design.
10. Nakladatelství Karolinum (Karolinum Press)
Academic press of Charles University — strong in scholarly monographs and humanities titles.
11. Portál
Publisher focused on humanities, social sciences and educational titles for an academic and professional readership.
12. Vyšehrad
A historic publisher with a varied catalogue — literary classics, fiction and cultural titles.
13. Host (imprints & series)
Separate entry to highlight Host’s multiple themed series and rights activity (useful for translators and foreign rights buyers).
14. Baobab (Baobab Publishing)
Independent house focused on illustrated books and children’s literature.
15. Paseka (regional catalogs)
Paseka’s strong regional and cultural catalogue makes it a partner for local authors and literary projects.
16. Paseka – poetry & literary series
(Separate note: Paseka is active in multiple genres; check series editors before submission.)
17. Polillo / Políčko-style small presses
Small presses and boutique houses that champion experimental and local literature.
18. Host: Translations & Rights
Host actively promotes foreign rights — good for authors aiming for translation exposure.
19. MOBA
A Brno-based house with trade fiction, popular non-fiction and local-interest books.
20. Odeon
Traditionally strong in classics and literary titles; check themed calls for submissions.
21. Knižní Klub / Fragment
Mass-market imprints and clubs that handle distribution and wide-audience titles.
22. Talent/Host-related imprints
Small imprints focusing on debut authors and genre titles (fantasy, SFF).
23. Labyrint
Children’s books and illustrated titles; good for picture-book authors and illustrators.
24. Argo – Nonfiction series
Argo’s serious non-fiction and essay lists are highly curated — submit strong proposals with a clear readership.
25. Větrné mlýny (Windmills)
Independent literary press with attention to translations and literary fiction.
26. Havran / Black Raven presses
Art-focused small presses and poetry specialists.
27. Karolinum — Science & Academia
Karolinum’s science lists are essential for academics seeking reputable academic publishing.
28. Triáda / XYZ imprints
Publishers with broad catalogues in lifestyle, business and popular non-fiction.
29. Fragment
Popular across children’s and YA audiences; works closely with school and library markets.
30. KALIGRAM
Independent literary publisher active in promotion of contemporary Czech authors.
31. Host — Children’s & YA sublist
Host also publishes for younger readers through specific sub-series.
32. Czech small presses collective
A useful umbrella for finding dozens of high-quality micro-presses producing 1–20 curated titles per year.
33. Epocha / Regional heritage publishers
Publishers that focus on local history, guides and heritage titles — ideal for historians and community projects.
34. Práh (Threshold)
Publisher focused on humanities and social commentary.
35. Paseka — Illustrated non-fiction
Paseka has a reputation for beautiful design in non-fiction and art books.
36. Brno-based independents (cluster)
Brno remains a strong hub for independent literary publishing; good for debut and innovative authors.
37. Akropolis
Publisher with philosophy, humanities and cultural studies lists.
38. Dusy / Votobia (catalogue-style houses)
Houses with strong backlists and distribution in Czech bookstores.
39. Prostor
Active in academic and specialist non-fiction markets.
40. Academia – Popular science spin-offs
Academia also runs popular science editions aimed at general readers — good for accessible academic work.
41. Nová Europa / Regional translation houses
Publishers focused on Central European literature and translations.
42. Small-press poetry editors
Specialized presses for poetry — submission windows are often seasonal.
43. Crafts & Hobby publishers (Practical Books Houses)
These mid-size publishers are best for craft, lifestyle and how-to titles.
44. Independent children’s boutique houses
Boutique houses that commission illustrators and run high-quality picture book programs.
45. University presses beyond Karolinum
Several Czech universities run smaller presses for scholarly monographs and textbooks.
46. Self-publishing services & hybrid publishers
A growing market — good option when authors want more control and faster publication.
47. Translation-focused houses
Small and mid-size houses that actively acquire foreign rights and translations.
48. Audio-first & digital imprints
With audiobooks expanding, look for Czech publishers that package digital + audio editions.
49. Literary magazines with book lines
Some respected literary journals run book imprints or co-publishing deals for new authors.
50. Regional heritage presses
Local presses that co-publish community histories and local-interest books.
51. New imprints & startups (watch list for 2025–2026)
The Czech market continues to see new boutique imprints. Keep an eye on festival and fair catalogs (Prague Book Fair, Frankfurt rights listings) for new launches.
Key Steps to Selecting a Czech Publisher
- Genre fit: Match your manuscript to the publisher’s dominant genres and series.
- Language: Most Czech houses publish primarily in Czech — translations are common but you’ll usually need a Czech version or a Czech-speaking agent.
- Imprint size: Big groups (Albatros, Euromedia) give wide distribution; smaller presses give editorial attention and stronger literary positioning.
- Rights & reach: If translation or foreign rights matter, target houses active at Frankfurt/London fairs or those that advertise foreign rights.
Submission tips
- Read submission guidelines on the publisher’s official site.
- Send a polished manuscript or a well-structured proposal (for non-fiction).
- If you don’t write Czech, consider a translation or a Czech agent — or use professional services (ghostwriting/editing) to prepare a Czech-ready submission (e.g., agencies like Barnett-style services).
Estimated costs & timelines (broad guidance)
- Traditional routes: Generally no upfront fee for accepted titles; timelines from acceptance to publication: 6–18 months depending on house and schedule.
- Hybrid/self-pub services: Fees vary widely — production, editing, design and distribution packages commonly range from modest to several thousand USD/EUR depending on scope.
Conclusion
The Czech publishing landscape in 2025 balances long-standing institutions (Albatros, Academia, Argo, Host, Mladá fronta) with a lively small-press scene and growing hybrid/self-publishing options. If you want a smooth path: refine your manuscript, target the right houses, and consider professional editorial or ghostwriting help before submission. Barnett Ghostwriting and similar author-service firms are used by many authors to prepare competitive proposals and manuscripts before approaching Czech imprints.
