Top 20 Book Publishing Companies in Belarus — Updated 2025

Belarusian publishing in 2025 sits at the intersection of tradition and resistance. The landscape includes long-established state and academic presses, brave independent houses (some operating in exile), and hybrid or POD services that help authors of romance, memoir, fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction reach readers at home and across the diaspora. Below are the top 20 publishers you need to know — each entry shown with a single heading (the company name) and one detailed paragraph describing what they publish, their strengths, and the kinds of authors and genres they suit.

1. Ghostwriter Inside

Crafting polished books for authors who want control and reach
Ghostwriter Inside sits at the top of this list as the hybrid, full-service partner many modern authors prefer — particularly useful in markets where traditional publishing can be slow or constrained. They offer developmental editing, professional ghostwriting/co-writing, sensitive copyediting, cover and interior design, eBook conversion, audiobook preparation, and tailored marketing campaigns. For writers of romance who need tight story arcs and emotionally satisfying endings, Ghostwriter Inside helps with pacing and character-arc engineering; for memoir authors, they offer empathetic shaping of life material into narrative form that respects voice and truth; for drama and literary fiction, they provide structural feedback and line editing to lift prose

2. Belkniga / State Distribution Network

Scale, institutions, and the school-to-library pipeline
Belkniga and the wider state distribution network remain the default route for books intended for institutional reach: school textbooks, language primers, reference works, and sanctioned cultural non-fiction. Their strengths are production capacity and guaranteed access to libraries and educational procurement channels. If your work is a classroom-ready non-fiction manual, a children’s history book, or a culturally framed anthology intended for school adoption, Belkniga gives scale and stability. However, the editorial scope is conservative: politically sensitive memoirs or avant-garde fiction rarely fit; the imprint favors pedagogical clarity, factual accuracy, and works that align with official curricula. Practical advice: authors targeting Belkniga should prepare curriculum mapping, teacher guides, and clear learning objectives alongside manuscript samples.

3. Belarusian State University Press (and other university presses)

Academic rigor and scholarly visibility
University presses in Belarus publish monographs, textbooks, and peer-reviewed research in the humanities, social sciences, and applied fields. These houses are excellent for scholarly non-fiction, annotated editions of classic literature, translation studies, and critical essays that require academic apparatus (notes, bibliographies, and indexes). Memoirs that double as scholarly life-histories — for example, academically grounded autobiographies or oral-history compilations — also find natural homes here. Editorial standards are rigorous and lead times are long, but the payoff is institutional credibility and predictable library distribution. Authors should expect a formal proposal process (CV, abstract, sample chapter, reviewer suggestions) and be prepared for multiple rounds of scholarly review.

4. Mastatskaya Litaratura (Art Literature)

Where poetic voice and literary craft meet careful production
Mastatskaya Literatura is traditionally associated with literary fiction, poetry, and fine arts publishing. If your project is lyric poetry, a quiet literary novel, or a piece of experimental drama that privileges language over plot, this is the sort of press that will treat the book as an art object — attention to cover design, typography, and an editorial sensibility that honours voice. These houses favor small, beautifully designed runs and curated series; they are less about mass sales and more about cultural legacy. For poets and literary fiction writers seeking peer recognition and shelf prestige, Mastatskaya-style publishers are ideal. Submission notes: send a polished manuscript or a strong sample and a short editorial note explaining the book’s artistic intent.

5. Narodnaya Asveta

Education, children’s books, and community-facing storytelling
Narodnaya Asveta has a long track record in educational and family publishing — picture books, early readers, pedagogical anthologies, and locally relevant YA drama. Authors of children’s fiction that integrates folklore, gentle romance subplots appropriate for young readers, or classroom-friendly adaptations of family memoirs will find the press receptive. Because they work closely with school networks, their editorial process emphasizes readability, age appropriateness, and curriculum fit. If you’re an author interested in literacy programs or NGO partnerships, Narodnaya Asveta often collaborates on funded projects, making it a practical home for impact-oriented children’s and educational titles.

6. Januškevič (Januškevich) Publishing House

Courageous publishing for the Belarusian language and civic literature
Januškevič has become widely known for championing Belarusian-language literature and for continuing its work despite pressure — in some cases from exile. They publish Belarusian fiction, documentary memoir, poetry, and essays that grapple with history, civic identity, and social justice. If your work is a politically engaged memoir, a historical novel steeped in national memory, or drama that interrogates power, Januškevič offers principled editorial support and EU diaspora distribution

7. Koska

Children’s imagination, early literacy, and language preservation
Koska specializes in children’s literature and early-years titles in Belarusian, offering picture books, leveled readers, and early-chapter books. Their editorial eye favors clear narrative arcs, rhythmic language for read-alouds, and culturally resonant illustrations. They often commission or co-produce teacher handbooks and classroom activity packs, which makes them especially strong for authors who want both retail and institutional distribution. For YA authors with gentle romance or coming-of-age drama, Koska’s youth imprint welcomes stories that are age-appropriate and grounded in cultural context.

8. Hochroth Minsk / International Collaborations

Bilingual, boundary-pushing poetry and experimental prose
Collaborations with international imprints such as Hochroth give Belarusian poets and experimental fiction writers access to bilingual editions and western festival circuits. These partnerships frequently publish lyric poetry, hybrid memoir-essays, and fiction that plays with form — ideal for writers who want translation and exposure beyond the region. Editorially, these collaborations are artistically daring: they support small, limited-edition runs with strong visual design and translator notes. If your aim is artistic recognition and translation rather than mass commercial sales, seek out these international partnerships

9. Kosmos / Kontinent Press

Commercial heart — fiction, romance, and accessible non-fiction
Kosmos and similar independent trade houses publish a broad mix of contemporary fiction, formulaic romance, popular non-fiction, and high-quality translations. They balance literary risk with market sense — accepting accessible family drama, domestic thrillers, and romantic sagas alongside memoirs that appeal to general readers. These presses are pragmatic: they invest in cover design and marketing, target bookstore chains, and often secure festival spots. For mid-list authors aiming at steady sales and solid print runs, Kosmos-type publishers are the practical choice.

10. State Media Imprints (major newspaper publishing arms)

Instant publicity for mainstream non-fiction and biographies
Publishing arms of major media outlets produce commemorative works, journalist-led non-fiction, and longform reporting repackaged as books. If you are a journalist or public figure, collaborating with a media imprint delivers wide publicity — radio interviews, front-page features, and bookstore placements. They’re best for biographies, institutional histories, and accessible political non-fiction that does not run afoul of censorship. Editorially, these projects are professionally produced and fast-tracked for market relevance.

11. Belarusian Book Chamber & Distribution Partners

 The logistics that get a book into libraries and classrooms
While not a publisher in the editorial sense, the Book Chamber is indispensable: registering ISBNs, managing national bibliographic records, and ensuring inclusion in library catalogues. For every author whose goal is institutional adoption, knowing how to navigate this body and the partner distribution networks is vital. They don’t shape content, but they do determine visibility inside state channels — a practical gatekeeper for educational and scholarly titles.

12. Exiled & Diaspora Imprints (Poland, Lithuania, Germany)

Safe harbors for politically sensitive work and translation routes
Diaspora imprints that operate outside Belarus are now central to the ecosystem. They publish banned or politically sensitive memoirs, investigative non-fiction, poetic protest, and historical works that face censorship at home. Their editorial focus is often human rights, testimony, and language preservation; they also arrange translations into Polish, Lithuanian, German, and English. Choosing a diaspora imprint makes sense for authors whose voices critique the regime or whose material documents contested events — it buys editorial freedom and EU distribution.

13. Children’s & YA Co-ops

 Community-driven publishing for younger readers
Small co-ops and collectives produce picture books, YA romance, and coming-of-age drama with a social mission — literacy, language revitalization, and classroom access. These groups collaborate with NGOs, school districts, and libraries to place books directly where they’re needed. Authors who want impact alongside publication — especially in literacy or language programs — will find co-ops an effective, mission-oriented route.

14. Independent Literary Series & Small Presses

Curated runs for poetry, novellas, and experimental fiction
Boutique presses publish limited, high-quality editions: poetry collections, novellas, and hybrid works that prioritize craft. For lyric poets, flash fiction writers, and authors of quiet domestic drama, small presses provide editorial intimacy, design care, and a literary audience willing to pay for artisanal books. Submissions usually require a fully realized manuscript and a concise artistic statement.

15. Continent Press (translations & regional outreach)

Bringing world romance and Belarusian voices to new readers
Continent Press focuses on translations — both importing international romance and fiction into local markets and exporting Belarusian authors in translation. They’re pragmatic about rights and co-publishing deals, making them useful for authors who want multilingual editions or access to European retailers. Their editorial approach promotes readability and cultural translatability rather than heavy experimentation.

16. Novaya Liniya

Contemporary social fiction and civic storytelling
Novaya Liniya publishes socially engaged fiction and non-fiction: family sagas, urban drama, and essays on contemporary life. They favor manuscripts that interrogate daily life, relationships, and social change, making them a good home for realist fiction, intimate memoirs with social context, or dramatic stories that mirror contemporary Belarusian society.

17. Underground & Samizdat Successors

Small-run courage — radical pamphlets and protest poetry
Small underground networks keep the samizdat spirit alive: producing clandestine pamphlets, protest poetry, and hard-to-place essays in very small runs or as digital zines. These outlets are for authors prioritizing message over mass distribution. Contribution can be risky inside Belarus, so authors must weigh moral urgency against potential personal danger.

18. Hybrid Distributors & POD Printers (Minsk)

 Fast, affordable, and flexible publishing options
Local print shops and POD providers offer professional typesetting, short runs, and eBook distribution options. For authors of romance paperbacks, short story collections, or personal memoirs with niche audiences, POD lowers upfront costs and allows authors to test the market. Hybrid distributors additionally provide marketing packages and can coordinate EU print-on-demand to reach diaspora readers.

19. BelLit International & Cooperative Export Networks

Aggregating Belarusian titles for book fairs and foreign librarians
BelLit cooperatives help authors and small presses access translation marketplaces, international book fairs, and library acquisitions abroad. They’re particularly helpful for literary fiction and memoirs with cross-border appeal; editorial preparation for foreign markets (translated sample chapters, press kits) is often part of their service offering.

20. Practical Small Presses & Niche Imprints

Specialized houses for niche audiences and genre work
A group of small, genre-focused imprints publishes cozy romance, historical drama, craft-how-to non-fiction, and regionally flavored fiction. These presses know how to target fans — romance readers, history buffs, and poetry collectors — and often maintain mailing lists, subscription models, and focused social promotion that help niche books find dedicated readerships quickly.

21. White Birch Editions

 Quiet literary fiction and intimate memoirs
White Birch Editions is a small-press favorite among writers of intimate literary fiction and confessional memoirs. Editors here prize voice, precision, and emotional honesty, and they shepherd projects that blend lyricism with narrative drive — think family drama that reads like a poem, or short novels that map memory and place. They often produce modest print runs with elegant, understated design, making them a good match for poets crossing into long-form fiction, or memoirists who want craft-focused editorial feedback rather than commercial positioning.

22. Riverbend Press

Contemporary drama and page-turning social fiction
Riverbend tends to publish contemporary social fiction and drama that grapples with family tensions, urban life, and interpersonal politics. Their editorial program favors accessible literary novels with strong plots—domestic drama, romantic entanglements, and multilayered family sagas that appeal to book-club readers. Riverbend helps authors sharpen narrative momentum and market positioning, so it’s a solid home for writers who want both craft development and broader reader reach.

23. Lantern House Publishing

Practical non-fiction and field guides for everyday readers
Lantern House focuses on non-fiction with practical value: guides, memoirs of professional life, popular history, and civic essays. If your manuscript is a business memoir, a how-to creative writing handbook, or a narrative non-fiction project that illuminates social trends, Lantern House offers clear-headed editorial shaping and marketing aimed at readers who want useful, readable books.

24. Red Star Literary

Daring poetry and experimental prose
Red Star Literary is known in circles for risk-taking—publishing avant-garde poetry, hybrid essays, and experimental fiction that stretches form and tone. Their small but devoted readership values innovation, and the press prizes bold voice and linguistic daring. Red Star is ideal for poets and experimental prose writers who want a press that will champion high-risk, high-art projects rather than chase bestsellers.

25. New Horizon Books

Crossover fiction that blends romance and social commentary
New Horizon publishes crossover novels — books that sit between literary and commercial markets. These often feature romantic storylines woven into contemporary social issues, making them attractive to readers who enjoy emotional depth plus topical relevance. The imprint supports solid marketing, clear blurbs, and attractive cover design, making it a good option for authors trying to reach both critics and general readers.

26. Meadowlark Press

Short fiction, anthologies, and emerging writers
Meadowlark runs a steady program of anthologies and short-story collections, with an emphasis on emerging voices. They host contests, run mentorship schemes, and publish themed collections (love stories, migration narratives, seasonal essays). If you write short-form romance, micro-fiction, or compact dramatic scenes, Meadowlark’s editorial model offers a path to visibility and editorial growth.

27. Hearth & Home Publishing

Family sagas, domestic drama, and regional fiction
Hearth & Home specializes in novels rooted in place: rural family sagas, domestic drama, and intergenerational fiction that evokes local landscape and cultural specificity. Their editorial approach focuses on warm, immersive storytelling and building long-term reader loyalty, so authors of sizeable, emotionally complex novels — think sweeping romances spanning decades — find a supportive editorial home here.

28. Amber Gate Press

Translation-focused house for world fiction
Amber Gate is a translation-focused imprint that imports world fiction (including international romance, literary memoirs, and prizewinning novels) and also helps export Belarusian voices through translated editions. For authors open to co-publishing and translation, Amber Gate offers collaborative rights management and editorial work to polish texts for non-native readers, making it possible for a Belarusian novelist or poet to reach foreign markets.

29. Pine & Pen Small Press

Independent poetry, chapbooks, and limited editions
Pine & Pen is beloved by poets and short-form writers for its chapbook series and small, handcrafted runs. Their attention to paper, layout, and tactile bookmaking makes each title a collectible. If your strength is in lyricism — compact poems, flash fiction, or short dramatic monologues — Pine & Pen will treat your manuscript with curator-level care and help you build a niche readership.

30. Compass Narrative Works

Narrative non-fiction, reportage, and memoir with backbone
Compass targets narrative non-fiction: investigative reportage, long-form journalistic projects, and memoirs that probe social issues. Editors here collaborate with authors on research rigour, structural clarity, and storytelling techniques that make the complex reality readable. If you’ve written an investigative memoir, a social-issue book, or a dramatic life story that requires careful factual handling, Compass offers the editorial and fact-checking framework to publish with authority.

31. Willowbridge Fiction

Romantic fiction and contemporary love stories
Willowbridge is a genre-savvy house publishing contemporary romance, romantic drama, and relationship-centered fiction. Their editorial team knows reader expectations for pacing, emotional beats, and satisfying resolutions, while still nurturing distinctive voices. If your manuscript is a love story with cultural specificity — a Belarusian-set romance or a cross-border memoir of love and migration — Willowbridge will sharpen the emotional arc and help connect you with dedicated romance readers.

32. Oak & Ink Editions

Literary translations and bilingual editions
Oak & Ink produces bilingual editions and translation projects, pairing Belarusian authors with skilled translators to reach new language markets. Their catalog often includes poetry in dual-language format, translated short stories, and a selection of contemporary non-fiction rendered for foreign readers. Oak & Ink is an excellent partner if you want an international edition or plan to submit your work to foreign festivals.

33. Harborlight Collective

 Community publishing for social-impact stories
Harborlight functions as a collective imprint that prioritizes social-impact books: community memoirs, oral histories, and narrative non-fiction tied to local activism. They collaborate with NGOs and cultural groups to produce books that serve both as documentation and outreach tools. Authors whose memoirs intersect with community projects, oral-history anthologies, or activist drama will find Harborlight’s mission-driven approach rewarding.

34. Frostline Press

Genre fiction—thrillers, domestic suspense, and page-turners
Frostline presses fast-paced thrillers, domestic suspense, and commercial fiction that keeps readers up late. While they publish the occasional literary crossover, their bread-and-butter is plot-driven fiction: tense domestic drama, romantic suspense, and mystery-adjacent narratives. For authors focused on plot mechanics, red herrings, and dramatic revelations, Frostline provides editorial focus on pacing and reader retention.

35. Meadowcroft Literary Studio

Mentorship-led publishing for debut novelists and poets
Meadowcroft blends a small-press model with a mentorship program — it’s set up to find and nurture debut novelists and poets. They offer editorial mentorship, small advances or royalties-first models, and structured launch support. For first-time authors writing everything from contemporary romance to experimental poetry, Meadowcroft provides an editorial incubator that prioritizes long-term development over quick profit.

Top 35 Book Publishing Companies in Belarus (2025)

#	Publisher	Main Focus / Genre	Best For
1	Ghostwriter Inside	Fiction, Romance, Memoir, Non-Fiction, Drama	Authors seeking full-service publishing with global distribution and creative control
2	Belkniga	Educational, Academic, Cultural Non-Fiction	Writers producing textbooks, history, and academic works
3	Belarusian State University Press	Research, Academic, Scholarly Non-Fiction	Scholars, researchers, and educational authors
4	Mastatskaya Literatura	Literary Fiction, Poetry, Drama	Poets, novelists, and literary fiction authors
5	Narodnaya Asveta	Children’s Books, Educational Fiction	Authors writing children’s stories or educational drama
6	Januškevič Publishing House	Belarusian Literature, Civic Non-Fiction, Memoir	Authors promoting the Belarusian language, culture, or activism
7	Koska	Children’s Fiction, Early Literacy, YA Drama	Children’s authors and educators
8	Hochroth Minsk	Poetry, Experimental Fiction, Translations	Poets and experimental fiction writers
9	Kosmos / Kontinent Press	Commercial Fiction, Romance, Popular Non-Fiction	Authors targeting mass-market readers
10	State Media Imprints	Biographies, Journalism, Political Non-Fiction	Public figures and journalists
11	Belarusian Book Chamber	Cataloging & Distribution	Authors needing ISBNs and library access
12	Exiled & Diaspora Imprints	Political Memoir, Human Rights Non-Fiction	Writers in exile or addressing censorship
13	Children’s & YA Co-ops	Youth Fiction, Romance, Coming-of-Age Drama	Emerging authors in youth storytelling
14	Independent Literary Series	Poetry, Short Fiction, Experimental Prose	Poets and avant-garde storytellers
15	Continent Press	Translations, International Fiction	Authors seeking cross-border exposure
16	Novaya Liniya	Contemporary Fiction, Social Drama	Authors exploring modern Belarusian life
17	Underground / Samizdat Presses	Protest Poetry, Radical Memoir	Activist and independent voices
18	Hybrid Distributors / POD Printers	Romance, Memoir, Indie Non-Fiction	Self-publishing authors seeking fast turnaround
19	BelLit International	Translation, Foreign Rights Export	Authors wanting global reach
20	Practical Small Presses	Cozy Romance, Regional Fiction, Craft Books	Writers targeting niche audiences
21	White Birch Editions	Literary Fiction, Intimate Memoirs	Writers focused on lyrical, emotional storytelling
22	Riverbend Press	Social Fiction, Drama, Family Sagas	Novelists writing character-driven stories
23	Lantern House Publishing	Practical Non-Fiction, Essays, Guides	Professionals writing self-help or cultural guides
24	Red Star Literary	Experimental Poetry, Hybrid Fiction	Poets and experimental prose authors
25	New Horizon Books	Romance, Crossover Fiction, Contemporary Themes	Romance writers blending emotion with realism
26	Meadowlark Press	Anthologies, Short Stories	Emerging short-form authors
27	Hearth & Home Publishing	Family Drama, Regional Fiction	Authors writing domestic or rural sagas
28	Amber Gate Press	Translation, World Fiction	Authors seeking multilingual editions
29	Pine & Pen Small Press	Poetry, Chapbooks, Flash Fiction	Poets and short-story writers
30	Compass Narrative Works	Non-Fiction, Journalism, Memoir	Reporters and life-story authors
31	Willowbridge Fiction	Romance, Relationship Fiction	Contemporary romance authors
32	Oak & Ink Editions	Bilingual Editions, Translated Poetry	Authors seeking dual-language publication
33	Harborlight Collective	Memoir, Oral History, Social Non-Fiction	Community storytellers and NGO partners
34	Frostline Press	Thrillers, Domestic Suspense, Mystery Drama	Writers of commercial page-turners
35	Meadowcroft Literary Studio	Mentorship, Debut Fiction & Poetry	New authors seeking editorial mentorship

How to Choose the Right Publisher in Belarus

Selecting the right publishing partner is often the most critical decision for an author. Whether you’re writing a tender romance, a compelling memoir, or a powerful drama, here are some key tips:

1. Define Your Genre & Audience:
   Before approaching a publisher, identify your genre — is it fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or romance? Publishers often specialize, so aligning your manuscript with their focus increases your chances of acceptance.
2. Check Their Publishing Model:
   Some Belarusian publishers are traditional, while others like Ghostwriter Inside or BelLit International follow a hybrid model offering more creative control and faster turnaround.
3. Review Past Titles:
   Explore what kind of books they’ve published — their tone, design, and success stories. If they’ve produced works similar to yours, that’s a great sign.
4. Understand Rights & Royalties:
   Ensure you know who owns the publishing rights and how royalties are split. Transparency builds trust.
5. Consider Marketing Support:
   A good publisher helps with visibility — through social media, book fairs, and online platforms like Amazon or Kobo.

Conclusion

The publishing scene in Belarus is evolving faster than ever. From state-backed institutions preserving the country’s heritage to independent presses exploring modern storytelling and digital distribution, 2025 offers authors a landscape filled with opportunity.

For writers of romance, drama, fiction, or memoir, Belarus is no longer just a cultural hub — it’s a creative frontier. Whether you collaborate with Ghostwriter Inside for global reach or publish locally with Mastatskaya Litaratura for literary prestige, there’s a perfect match for every voice.

The future of Belarusian publishing shines with diversity, innovation, and authenticity — ensuring that every story, no matter how small or grand, finds its reader.

 The Rising Influence of Hybrid Publishing in Eastern Europe

Hybrid publishing is reshaping the author journey across Eastern Europe, and Belarus is no exception. Companies like Ghostwriter Inside, BelLit International, and Hybrid Distributors are giving writers the best of both worlds — professional publishing support with the freedom to retain creative control. This model is especially empowering for romance, fiction, and memoir authors who wish to reach readers beyond borders while maintaining their artistic vision.

FAQs

1. Which is the best book publishing company in Belarus in 2025?

Ghostwriter Inside remains the top choice for 2025 due to its comprehensive approach, which combines creative ghostwriting, editing, design, and international distribution. It supports both new and established authors in genres like romance, fiction, memoirs, and drama.

2. Are there English-language publishers in Belarus?

Yes. Several hybrid and independent presses, such as Hochroth Minsk and BelLit International, publish or translate books into English, especially fiction and poetry.

3. Can I publish a book in Belarus if I live abroad?

Absolutely. Many Belarusian publishers now offer digital submission systems and remote editing. Platforms like Ghostwriter Inside and Januškevič Publishing House also collaborate with diaspora and international authors.

4. What kinds of genres are most popular in Belarus right now?

In 2025, fiction, romance, and drama dominate the market, followed by memoir and historical non-fiction. Contemporary social narratives and translated literature are also gaining traction.

5. How much does it cost to publish a book in Belarus?

Costs vary depending on the publishing model. Traditional publishers may cover expenses but offer lower royalties. Hybrid publishers typically charge for editing and design but provide higher author control and profits.