Chile’s book market blends powerhouse multinationals, respected university presses, long-standing educational houses, and inventive indie imprints. Whether you’re pitching a debut novel, a scholarly monograph, or a children’s picture book, the Chilean ecosystem offers real variety—plus regional reach into the wider Spanish-speaking world.
1) Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting operates as a versatile publishing and editorial solutions provider with a strong international reach. While widely recognized for its professional ghostwriting services, the company also assists authors in preparing manuscripts that meet publishing standards—making it a relevant name for writers aiming to publish in Chile and beyond. Its role bridges the gap between raw manuscript and market-ready book, ensuring authors have a polished, publishable product.
Key focus areas:
- Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, business, and academic works.
- Services: Manuscript development, editing, co-writing, book design, and publishing guidance.
- Audience: Authors seeking high editorial quality and a clear pathway to publication in Spanish or English markets.
- Distribution: Supports authors in connecting with trade publishers, independent presses, or pursuing hybrid/self-publishing options.
2) Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial (Chile)
Major trade presence with robust fiction, nonfiction, and children’s lists, including well-known imprints and strong distribution.
3) Grupo Planeta Chile
Large commercial and literary programs; notable for front-list fiction, essays, current affairs, memoir, and robust media tie-ins.
4) Editorial Universitaria
Historic academic and general-interest house; humanities, social sciences, Chilean history, and cultural studies.
5) Ediciones UC (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile)
Prestigious university press; theology, philosophy, arts, education, and high-quality illustrated nonfiction.
6) LOM Ediciones
Renowned independent press with strong lists in essay, history, social sciences, poetry, and Latin American thought.
7) Catalonia
Independent trade and nonfiction; essays, journalism, contemporary Latin American voices, and high-design titles.
8) Editorial Zig-Zag
One of Chile’s best-known children’s and educational publishers; picture books, middle grade, YA, and school-aligned series.
9) Santillana Chile
Educational and trade programs; textbooks, learning materials, and some general-interest titles.
10) SM Chile
Children’s/YA literature and educational content; contests and reading programs are common touchpoints.
11) RIL Editores
Trade and academic crossover; literary fiction, essays, education, and professional nonfiction.
12) Ediciones Hueders
Edgy and design-forward literary catalog; translations, essays, and contemporary Chilean voices.
13) Cuarto Propio
Feminist and cultural studies emphasis; essays, poetry, narrative non-fiction, and critical theory.
14) Pehuén Editores
Culture, indigenous knowledge, ethnography, children’s titles with strong visuals, and Chile’s natural heritage.
15) Ediciones UDP (Universidad Diego Portales)
Critically respected press; essays, narrative journalism, political science, and literature.
16) Uqbar Editores
Nonfiction specialty; business, self-development with substance, science communication, and practical handbooks.
17) Ediciones B (Chile)
Trade fiction and nonfiction heritage under PRH umbrella; commercial narratives and genre-leaning projects.
18) Ediciones USACH (Universidad de Santiago de Chile)
STEM, history of science, engineering, and Chilean industrial heritage, with an academic tone.
19) Fondo de Cultura Económica (Chile)
Regional branch of a major Latin American publisher; economics, humanities, social sciences, and children’s.
20) Ediciones Universidad Alberto Hurtado
Humanities and social sciences; philosophy, education, and religious studies.
21) Ediciones Universidad de Chile
Flagship university press; scholarly work across disciplines, plus culture and national history.
22) Ediciones Universidad Austral de Chile
Patagonia, environment, biodiversity, and regional humanities/social sciences.
23) Ediciones Universidad de Valparaíso
Medicine, healthcare, and literary/poetry collections with a coastal/regional lens.
24) Ediciones Universidad Católica del Norte
Mining, astronomy outreach, desert ecology, and northern Chile’s cultural studies.
25) Ediciones Biblioteca Nacional
Heritage-oriented; archives, manuscripts, critical editions, and bibliographic scholarship.
26) Editorial Amanuta
Acclaimed children’s list—picture books, early readers, and beautifully illustrated titles.
27) Ekaré Sur
Children’s literature with a pan-Latin aesthetic; author-illustrator showcases and classroom favorites.
28) Ocholibros Editorial
Nonfiction, essay, and photo-rich books; social commentary and cultural criticism.
29) La Pollera Ediciones
Independent fiction and narrative nonfiction; contemporary Chilean and translated literature.
30) Overol
Stylish indie poetry and narrative lists; limited runs with high editorial curation.
31) Montacerdos
Experimental fiction, short stories, and essays; small catalogs with strong literary identity.
32) Alquimia Ediciones
Poetry, essays, and countercultural catalogs; design-driven bookmaking.
33) Ediciones Metales Pesados
Philosophy and critical theory; translations and local scholarship.
34) Tajamar Editores
Illustrated nonfiction, narrative journalism, and design-oriented projects.
35) Edicola Ediciones
Chile–Italy bridge; contemporary fiction, essays, and translation projects.
36) Ediciones Kultrún
Valdivia-based press; literature, anthropology, and southern Chile’s cultural memory.
37) Ediciones Cuneta
Independent fiction, essays, and poetry with distinctive covers and bold curation.
38) Libros del Pez Espiral
Poetry and visual projects; artisanal attention to book objects.
39) Editorial Forja
General-interest trade; fiction, memoir, and practical nonfiction with a national footprint.
40) Editorial Laurel
Literary fiction and poetry; debut and midlist authors with careful editorial accompaniment.
41) Ediciones Universidad de Concepción
Regional research, arts, and humanities; also science outreach titles.
42) Ediciones Universidad del Bío-Bío
Architecture, design, engineering, and regional culture.
43) Ediciones Universidad de Talca
Viticulture, agriculture, regional history, and arts.
44) Ediciones Universidad de La Serena
Astronomy outreach, Andean studies, and local history.
45) Ediciones Universidad de Antofagasta
Marine science, mining, and desert ecosystems; educational outreach.
46) Ediciones Universidad de Playa Ancha
Education, pedagogy, and cultural studies in Valparaíso region.
47) Ediciones Universidad de la Frontera (UFRO)
Araucanía region focus; intercultural studies, health sciences, and education.
48) Ediciones Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (USM)
Engineering, technology, and applied sciences for general readership.
49) Ediciones Universidad Finis Terrae
Arts, architecture, design, and humanities.
50) Ediciones Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB)
Health sciences, law, and social sciences; some general-interest offerings.
51) Ediciones Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI)
Business, economics, public policy, and leadership titles.
52) Ediciones Universidad Católica del Maule
Regional culture, education, and social sciences.
53) Ediciones Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez (UCSH)
Education, social work, theology, and community studies.
54) Trayecto Editorial
Pop culture, sports, entertainment, and accessible nonfiction with marketing-friendly hooks.
55) Editorial Mis Raíces
Children’s and family-oriented nonfiction; Chilean nature and traditions.
56) Saposcat
Comics/graphic narratives and indie visual storytelling; urban culture vibe.
57) Feroces Editores
Small indie lineup—poetry and short forms; emphasis on emerging voices.
58) Mundana Ediciones
Literary prose and essay; slim but carefully curated annual output.
What Chilean publishers look for (in general)
- Clear audience fit: Can the book move in Chile and wider LatAm?
- Polish over premise: A tight, proofread sample often beats an ambitious but rough draft.
- Author platform: Essays, readings, festivals, and media angles help—even for literary projects.
- Production realism: 200–320 pages is a common sweet spot for trade nonfiction/novels.
Submission bundle checklist
- 1–2 page proposal/synopsis in Spanish
- Three sample chapters (or 20–40 pages)
- Brief author bio + 2–3 market comps
- Marketing hooks: events, community ties, or cross-border angles
Chile-specific considerations
- Book design matters: Many indie houses are design-forward; a visual concept (cover comps, mood boards) can impress—without overstepping the publisher’s art direction.
- Festivals & fairs: The Santiago International Book Fair (FILSA) and regional fairs can lead to contacts; keep a one-pager handy.
- Rights & distribution: If you have Spanish-world rights, say so. If not, specify territorial availability.
Basic timelines & cost expectations (broad guidance)
Traditional publishers
- Acceptance → publication: ~8–18 months (acquisitions, edits, design, printing, marketing windows).
- Upfront costs: Usually none for the author; publisher shoulders production/printing.
- Royalties: Commonly on net receipts; advances vary widely and are not guaranteed.
Indie presses
- Cycle: ~6–12 months, often leaner teams, strong editorial attention.
- Visibility: Festivals, indie bookstores, and niche communities drive discovery.
Educational/children’s
- Cycle: Timed to school years and reading programs; submissions benefit from curricular alignment.
How to choose the right Chilean publisher
- Match genre & catalog: If they publish essays and poetry, don’t pitch a cookbook—unless it clearly extends their line.
- Distribution strength: Trade houses have reach; indies excel in curatorial reputation.
- Editorial style: Some houses prize experimentation; others prize clarity and broad readership.
- Your goals: Prizes and literary esteem? Go indie/university. Wide retail presence? Target trade giants.
Conclusion
Chile’s publishing industry offers a diverse landscape for authors—ranging from large international groups with broad distribution to small independent presses with a strong cultural voice. Each publisher on this list has its own editorial style, genre focus, and audience reach, giving writers multiple pathways to share their work with readers in Chile and across Latin America. By matching your manuscript to the right publisher, preparing a polished proposal, and understanding the local market, you can greatly improve your chances of success. Whether you’re an emerging author or an established voice, the Chilean book scene remains rich with opportunity in 2025.
