Panama’s publishing industry is small but diverse, blending academic presses, cultural imprints, and independent publishers. In 2025, writers have more options than ever, from traditional houses to hybrid services that support new authors. This list of the top 68 book publishing companies in Panama highlights the main players shaping the country’s literary scene.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting functions not only as a writing support agency but also as a publishing partner in Panama. It offers a complete pathway from manuscript development to professional editing, cover design, and final publication. While many authors approach Barnett for ghostwriting help, others use it as a publishing solution, ensuring their ideas become polished books ready for readers.
- Strength: End-to-end publishing support.
- Best suited for: Business leaders, memoir writers, and first-time authors.
2. Editorial Universitaria de Panamá
As the publishing arm of the University of Panama, this press emphasizes academic integrity and educational value. It provides a platform for researchers, professors, and students to publish scholarly works.
- Focus on textbooks and research monographs.
- Key player in higher education publishing.
3. Editorial Portobelo
Known for its dedication to Panamanian culture, Portobelo highlights maritime history, Caribbean influence, and national heritage. Its catalog supports cultural identity and preservation.
- Cultural and historical focus.
- Suitable for heritage writers and historians.
4. Editorial Norma (Panama)
This global educational publisher has a strong Panamanian branch. It publishes children’s books, classroom materials, and teacher resources, making it one of the most influential names in the local school system.
- Major provider of school texts.
- Trusted by educators nationwide.
5. Corporación La Prensa – Publishing Division
A well-known media corporation in Panama, La Prensa extends its reach into book publishing. Their titles often explore investigative journalism, political issues, and contemporary affairs.
- Non-fiction with journalistic depth.
- Best for authors with timely, topical manuscripts.
6. Publicar de Panamá S.A.
A general trade publisher with a commercial orientation, handling fiction, non-fiction, and professional books. Their wide reach ensures availability across bookstores.
- General audience focus.
- Balanced between fiction and business writing.
7. Ediciones Don Quijote de Panamá
This press supports creative literature, especially translated works and fiction. It is respected among emerging authors and literary circles.
- Literary fiction and essays.
- Encourages cross-cultural projects.
8. Horizontes del Saber
An educational publisher dedicated to learning resources. It has a strong presence in schools and adult learning institutions.
- Textbooks, guides, and references.
- Ideal for educational writers.
9. E.L.T. Books Panama
A niche publisher focused on professional development. They emphasize business, leadership, and entrepreneurship literature.
- Specializes in business titles.
- Target audience: professionals and entrepreneurs.
10. Verdecielo Ediciones
An independent, art-driven press that publishes poetry and short prose. Their works often come in beautifully designed limited editions.
- Poetry and experimental fiction.
- Best for writers of literary forms.
11. Círculo de Escritores S.A.
A cooperative publisher created by local writers, producing collective anthologies and cultural projects.
- Community-driven publishing.
- Popular among literary groups.
12. Editorial Ejecutiva
This publishing house emphasizes business strategy and executive leadership. Their books are often used as training resources.
- Business and leadership manuals.
- Targets corporate readers.
13. Editorial Alfa y Omega
A faith-based imprint publishing religious devotionals, inspirational works, and spiritual memoirs.
- Focus on religion and spirituality.
- Great for Christian writers.
14. Imprenta La Prensa
Both a printing press and a publishing service, Imprenta La Prensa helps independent authors turn manuscripts into finished books.
- Reliable printing services.
- Trusted for short runs and custom orders.
15. Panama Publishing Inc.
A versatile publisher handling both fiction and non-fiction, with flexibility for digital editions.
- Broad audience scope.
- Offers print and e-book options.
16. Cultural Bookstore Portobelo (Imprint)
This cultural hub doubles as a bookstore and publisher, producing titles that emphasize Panamanian folklore and illustrated stories.
- Focus on cultural heritage.
- Popular for children’s and illustrated books.
17. Editorial Isla Negra (Panama)
Regional imprint promoting literature and poetry. They’re known for elevating voices from across the Caribbean and Latin America.
- Strong in poetry and essays.
- Suitable for regional authors.
18. Editorial Andina (Panama Branch)
Part of a broader Latin American publishing network. They focus on literature with cross-border appeal.
- Offers regional distribution.
- Best for authors seeking wider reach.
19. La Imprenta S.A.
Traditional printing house with publishing services for local authors and smaller presses.
- Trusted in production quality.
- Offers both short and large print runs.
20. Nueva Visión Ediciones
An independent publisher of contemporary fiction and non-fiction. They often welcome new voices.
- Modern and accessible literature.
- Encourages debut writers.
21. Grupo Epasa (Publishing Arm)
Media conglomerate with book-publishing projects tied to cultural or investigative journalism.
- Non-fiction and cultural anthologies.
- Works closely with journalists.
22. Primo Editorial
A small publisher with emphasis on memoir and creative non-fiction. Their strength lies in narrative storytelling.
- Creative non-fiction specialists.
- Perfect for life stories.
23. Ediciones Análisis
Known for essay collections, political commentary, and social analysis.
- Commentary and reports.
- Appeals to intellectual audiences.
24. Editorial Voces Caribeñas
This house highlights Caribbean-Panamanian culture, folklore, and oral storytelling traditions.
- Specializes in cultural identity.
- Protects oral traditions in print.
25. Ediciones del Canal
Focused on the history of the Panama Canal, maritime studies, and engineering.
- Historical and technical works.
- Great for academic and historical writers.
26. Editorial Infantil Panamá
Specialists in children’s literature, from illustrated picture books to early readers.
- Children’s literature focus.
- Perfect for illustrators and storytellers.
27. Editorial Testimonio
Dedicated to social justice, human rights, and oral histories, often in partnership with NGOs.
- Advocacy publishing.
- Best for cause-driven works.
28. Editorial Científica Panamá
Publishes scientific and technical works, with emphasis on research and applied sciences.
- Academic and scientific focus.
- Supports research dissemination.
29. Editorial Mediterráneo – Panama Office
A regional press known for translations and literary fiction.
- Translated works and contemporary fiction.
- Connects Panama to broader markets.
30. Ediciones del Archipiélago
Independent press supporting experimental literature, lyric essays, and poetry.
- Supports avant-garde writing.
- Appeals to artistic authors.
31. Editorial Historia Viva
Dedicated to preserving Panamanian and Central American history through biographies and historical studies.
- Historical and archival publishing.
- Great for historians and biographers.
32. Editorial Técnica S.A.
Specialists in manuals, technical guides, and vocational materials.
- Focused on applied skills.
- Supports professional training.
33. Editorial Digital Panamá
A digital-first publisher producing e-books and serialized works.
- Emphasis on digital distribution.
- Flexible for indie authors.
34. La Casa del Libro Panamá
Bookstore and publisher producing curated anthologies, city guides, and cultural titles.
- Hybrid model of retail + publishing.
- Focus on community authors.
35. Ediciones Puente
Small publisher known for creative non-fiction and well-designed editions.
- Focus on storytelling and design.
- Blends aesthetics with strong content.
36. Editorial Mirador
Publishes cultural criticism, essays, and interviews.
- Essays and commentary.
- Ideal for cultural journalists.
37. Editorial Encuentro
Focused on social sciences and development studies, often partnering with NGOs.
- Academic + social development texts.
- Best for NGOs and researchers.
38. Editorial Tradición
Preserves folklore and oral traditions through published collections.
- Folk tales and legends.
- Protects cultural identity.
39. Editorial Juvenil Panamá
Specializes in young adult fiction, including popular genres like fantasy and romance.
- Teen-focused fiction.
- Encourages new YA writers.
40. Ediciones del Istmo
Regional imprint showcasing Central American voices.
- Regional distribution.
- Encourages cross-border readership.
41. Editorial Creativa
Publishes bilingual children’s books and creative educational materials.
- Illustrated and bilingual titles.
- Best for international audiences.
42. Libro y Cultura Editorial
Focuses on literary criticism, essays, and author interviews.
- Academic and literary texts.
- Appeals to scholars and critics.
43. Editorial Plaza Mayor
Trade publisher covering fiction and non-fiction with a focus on marketable works.
- Balances commercial and literary projects.
- Open to debut authors.
44. Editorial Centroamérica
Publishes across multiple Central American countries, offering broad exposure.
- Multi-country distribution.
- Suitable for ambitious authors.
45. Ediciones Comunitarias del Este
Grassroots publisher working with community authors in eastern Panama.
- Local histories and memoirs.
- Very community-oriented.
46. Ediciones del Barrio
Urban culture and art-driven publishing, focused on contemporary voices.
- Street culture and arts.
- Appeals to young urban writers.
47. Editorial Latina Editorial
Publishes Latin American works and translations aimed at diaspora markets.
- Strong in cross-cultural writing.
- Appeals to bilingual communities.
48. Imprenta y Editorial Moderna
Printing press and publisher assisting small presses and authors.
- Short-run and custom projects.
- Known for flexibility.
49. Editorial Nuevo Siglo
Publishes non-fiction about politics, economics, and society.
- Focused on public policy and social issues.
- Appeals to academics and policymakers.
50. Taller Editorial Independiente
Collective-style publisher producing limited editions and artist books.
- Experimental and small-scale works.
- Appeals to art-focused authors.
51. Ediciones de la Frontera
Regional publisher exploring cross-border narratives and borderland cultures.
- Emphasizes regional identity.
- Appeals to international audiences.
52. Editorial Renacimiento
Publishes humanities, literature, and cultural analysis.
- Humanities-focused.
- Encourages in-depth works.
53. Editorial EcoLibro
Dedicated to environmental writing, conservation, and natural history.
- Environmental niche.
- Appeals to NGOs and scientists.
54. Editorial Archivo Vivo
Focused on historical documents, archival research, and annotated texts.
- Archival publications.
- Great for history researchers.
55. Ediciones del Sur
Publishes southern-hemisphere cultural works and literary projects.
- Cross-cultural exchange focus.
- Appeals to Latin American writers.
56. Editorial Horizonte Cultural
Works with museums to publish exhibition catalogs and cultural works.
- Museum and arts publishing.
- Appeals to curators and artists.
57. Editorial Arte y Diseño
Specialists in art books, photography, and design-focused publishing.
- Visual art focus.
- Ideal for photographers and designers.
58. BookLab Panama
A hybrid press offering author services, ISBNs, and distribution guidance.
- Flexible publishing services.
- Supports indie authors.
59. Ediciones Cooperativas
Publishes co-authored works, educational packs, and community projects.
- Collaborative publishing.
- Ideal for schools and NGOs.
60. Editorial Narrativa
Publishes novels and genre fiction, with a preference for open submissions.
- Fiction-driven imprint.
- Encourages emerging authors.
61. Editorial Voz Indígena
Dedicated to indigenous voices, languages, and bilingual editions.
- Indigenous-language publishing.
- Supports cultural preservation.
62. Ediciones de la Región
Publishes regional studies, economics, and policy works.
- Academic + economic focus.
- Appeals to think tanks and researchers.
63. Editorial Microcuento
Specialists in micro-fiction, flash fiction, and experimental prose.
- Flash fiction experts.
- Perfect for short-form writers.
64. Panama Self-Publishers Collective
A service-oriented collective helping authors self-publish with editing, design, and ISBN support.
- Hybrid publishing support.
- Ideal for first-time authors.
65. Editorial Puerta del Sol
Publishes contemporary voices in both fiction and non-fiction.
- General trade press.
- Balances literary and marketable titles.
66. Editorial Región Cultural
Produces cultural heritage projects and folklore anthologies.
- Local cultural preservation.
- Appeals to historians and folklorists.
67. Editorial Estrella del Pacífico
Focused on maritime heritage, ocean studies, and regional history.
- Maritime publishing.
- Perfect for oceanic researchers.
68. Editorial Horizonte Nuevo
A modern, future-oriented publisher producing works on technology, innovation, and forward-looking ideas.
- Technology and innovation.
- Appeals to business and futurist writers.
Table: Snapshot of Book Publishing Companies in Panama (2025)
|
# |
Publisher Name | Main Focus Area | Best For |
| 1 | Barnett Ghostwriting | Ghostwriting + full publishing |
New and professional authors |
|
2 |
Editorial Universitaria de Panamá | Academic + research works | Scholars, students |
| 3 | Editorial Portobelo | Culture + history |
Historians, cultural writers |
|
4 |
Editorial Norma (Panama) | Children’s books + education | Schools, young readers |
| 5 | Corporación La Prensa | Investigative non-fiction |
Journalists, analysts |
|
6 |
Verdecielo Ediciones | Poetry + literary works | Poets, emerging voices |
| 7 | Publicar de Panamá S.A. | General trade publishing |
Fiction & non-fiction writers |
|
8 |
Editorial Alfa y Omega | Religious + inspirational works | Faith-based authors |
| 9 | E.L.T. Books Panama | Business + leadership |
Entrepreneurs, professionals |
|
10 |
Horizontes del Saber | Educational guides | Teachers, learners |
FAQs on Book Publishing in Panama
Q1. How many active publishers are in Panama in 2025?
There are 68 notable publishing companies across genres.
Q2. Which publishers are best for academic works?
Editorial Universitaria de Panamá and university presses lead in this area.
Q3. Do Panamanian publishers work with international authors?
Yes, many welcome writers from abroad, especially cultural and academic houses.
Q4. What genres are most common in Panama?
Educational, cultural history, poetry, and children’s books are most frequent.
Q5. Can authors self-publish in Panama?
Yes, hybrid publishers and print services make self-publishing accessible.
Final Thought
From academic research to children’s books and cultural heritage, Panama’s publishers cover a wide range of voices. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just starting out, these 68 companies offer opportunities to bring your work into print and reach readers both locally and beyond.
