Top 20 Book Publishing Companies in Malta — Updated 2025

Malta’s book-publishing scene may be small compared with big markets, but it’s dense with cultural publishers, specialist houses, educational imprints, and a few commercial players who print everything from travel guidebooks to literary fiction and children’s books. The island’s publishing ecosystem also benefits from public funding (the Malta Book Fund), active heritage foundations, university presses, and long-running independents that preserve Maltese language and history.

1) Ghostwriter Inside

What they do: Ghostwriting, full-service author support, and hybrid publishing packages. Many modern author-service companies combine manuscript development, editing, layout, ISBN services, and distribution.

Why choose: If you want hands-on support to turn a manuscript into a marketable book fast and prefer a single point of contact for writing + publication, a ghostwriting/author-service firm reduces the coordination burden.
Strengths: Speed, end-to-end project management, editorial and marketing add-ons (but watch rights and costs).

2) Midsea Books Ltd. — Malta’s flagship trade publisher

What they do: Midsea is widely regarded as Malta’s leading trade publisher, known for art, architecture, travel, Melitensia, and general-interest titles. They run retail operations and an online bookstore, publishing both Maltese and English-language works.
Why choose: Strong editorial sense for cultural projects, good distribution in Malta, and a long track record of titles that preserve local heritage.
Strengths: Heritage credibility, proven distribution, strong bookstore presence.

3) Merlin Publishers

What they do: Longstanding Malta-based literary publisher with an emphasis on fiction and creative writing. Merlin has helped develop local authors and keeps a selective editorial list.
Why choose: For literary manuscripts and fiction that need careful editorial development.
Strengths: Literary expertise, close editorial relationships.

4) Klabb Kotba Maltin (KKM)

What they do: KKM is a community-focused Maltese-language publisher and book club that champions Maltese literature and language. It’s a go-to for work in Maltese and for community projects.
Why choose: If your manuscript is in Maltese or aims to reach local cultural audiences.
Strengths: Deep roots in Maltese-language promotion and community outreach.

5) Faraxa Publishing

What they do: Independent literary press with an interest in translations and contemporary fiction. Faraxa brings international voices to Maltese readers and supports literary translation projects.
Why choose: Translators and authors of literary fiction who want attentive editorial care and cross-cultural positioning.
Strengths: Translation networks, literary curation.

6) Miller Distributors / Miller Group (publishing)

What they do: Miller’s publishing arm focuses on local interest, guidebooks, co-editions (often for tourists), and high-production coffee-table titles. They also have a strong distribution network.
Why choose: Projects that need strong printing quality, multilingual editions, or tourist-market distribution.
Strengths: Production capacity, tourism-market reach, co-edition experience.

7) BDL Publishing & OCTAVO

What they do: BDL is a major distributor/publisher for children’s books and Melitensia; OCTAVO is its related digital reading platform. BDL handles both publishing and broad distribution to Maltese retailers.
Why choose: Children’s authors and titles that need island-wide retail reach and digital availability.
Strengths: Distribution muscle, children’s catalogue, digital platform.

8) Miranda Publishers

What they do: Niche publisher focusing on Malta’s cultural and historical heritage — guidebooks, local history, and folklore. Miranda sells directly to local cultural outlets.
Why choose: History and heritage projects that need careful research and authenticity.
Strengths: Subject-matter expertise, direct-to-reader sales.

9) Horizons Publishers

What they do: A trade house that publishes contemporary Maltese authors and general non-fiction. They appear in local trade listings and collaborate on community projects.
Why choose: For contemporary trade projects with local appeal.
Strengths: Solid local profile, trade publishing experience.

10) SKS Publishers

What they do: Small trade and educational publisher operating in the local market (listed in publisher directories).
Why choose: Educational projects or specialist local-interest non-fiction.
Strengths: Focused editorial attention and local knowledge.

11) Gutenberg Press

What they do: Trade printing, book finishing, and small-scale publishing services in Malta. Often works with authors and other houses for print runs.
Why choose: If you need reliable journal-quality printing or short-run trade printing.
Strengths: Production know-how and flexible print options.

12) P.E.G. Ltd. (Pegasus-style educational imprints)

What they do: Focused on schoolbooks, educational materials, and curriculum-facing publications.
Why choose: Academic authors, teachers, and textbook authors.
Strengths: Curriculum familiarity; distribution to schools.

13) EDE Books

What they do: Children’s and YA titles plus small trade publications; included in Maltese publisher roundups and Melitensia listings.
Why choose: Growing indie children’s authors or small series projects.
Strengths: Niche children’s expertise and local market understanding.

14) Deer Publications

What they do: Cultural and specialist titles — often collaborative projects and commemorative books.
Why choose: Community projects, commemorative volumes, and local history.
Strengths: Project-driven publishing expertise.

15) Malta University Press

What they do: Academic works produced by the University of Malta — research monographs, conference proceedings, and academic reference.
Why choose: Researchers and academics seeking a peer-respected local academic imprint.
Strengths: Scholarly credibility and academic distribution channels.

16) Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (FPM) Publications

What they do: Heritage-focused books supported by a foundation dedicated to Maltese patrimony.
Why choose: Projects on Maltese heritage, architecture, and conservation.
Strengths: Access to archival resources and heritage networks.

17) Agenda Publications / Agenda Bookshop (imprint)

What they do: Retail imprint crossover — bookshop with publishing activities, local interest, and guidebooks.
Why choose: Authors who want a tight retail-publisher relationship and local visibility.
Strengths: Direct retail presence and know-how in selling to tourists and residents.

18) Kite Group (imprints & distributors)

What they do: Houses and imprints with trade titles and distribution collaborations.
Why choose: Distribution-focused projects or co-editions.
Strengths: Networked distribution and co-edition experience.

19) Octavo (digital arm / BDL tech)

What they do: Digital reading platforms and export tools tied to local publishers and distributors — useful for reaching Maltese diaspora readers.
Why choose: If digital distribution and reach to Maltese readers abroad are priorities.
Strengths: Digital-first delivery and platform know-how.

20) Infinity / assorted small imprints & indie presses

What they do: A cluster of micro-imprints, self-publish support, short-run specialists, and author-led small presses producing niche, specialist, or experimental work.
Why choose: Authors who want bespoke small runs, creative control, or rapid prototyping of book formats.
Strengths: Flexibility, speed, and creative partnerships.

Top 20 Book Publishing Companies in Malta — Updated 2025

#	Publisher	Main Focus / Specialty	Strengths / Why to Choose
1	Ghostwriter Inside	Ghostwriting/author services / hybrid publishing	Full-service global publishing partner; editing, design, marketing & worldwide distribution.
2	Midsea Books Ltd.	General interest, art, history, Maltese literature	Oldest & most respected in Malta; strong catalogue of cultural and historical titles.
3	Merlin Publishers	Literary fiction, Maltese authors	Known for nurturing top Maltese writers; emphasis on high-quality prose and fiction.
4	Klabb Kotba Maltin (KKM)	Maltese-language literature & community publishing	Focus on Maltese identity and language; strong community and educational presence.
5	Faraxa Publishing	Literary translations & contemporary lit	Bridges Maltese and international markets; specializes in multilingual books.
6	Miller Distributors / Miller Group	Local interest, guidebooks, co-editions	Broad distribution network in Malta; great for tourism-related works.
7	BDL Publishing (Book Distributors Ltd.) / OCTAVO	Children’s, Melitensia, retail distribution	Strong in children’s books & national heritage titles; integrated retail access.
8	Miranda Publishers	Cultural and historical books about Malta	Specializes in Maltese heritage and art books; popular with tourists and collectors.
9	Horizons Publishers	Contemporary Maltese authors, general trade	Encourages emerging voices; known for accessible, modern Maltese writing.
10	SKS Publishers	Educational/specialist local interest	Solid for niche, specialist works; trusted by educators and institutions.
11	Gutenberg Press	Technical, print services & trade books	Offers publishing plus world-class printing facilities; flexible for authors.
12	Pegasus / P.E.G. Ltd.	Educational & school books	Market leader in school texts; reliable for academic and curriculum publishing.
13	EDE Books	Children & YA, local interest	Focuses on creativity and design-driven children’s literature; good for YA authors.
14	Deer Publications	Cultural/specialist titles	Selective and boutique-style; good for authors with unique cultural projects.
15	Malta University Press	Academic, research, reference	Affiliated with the University of Malta; ideal for scholarly works and research publications.
16	Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (FPM) Publications	Heritage, local history	Dedicated to preserving Maltese heritage; strong in museum-quality books.
17	Agenda Publications / Agenda Bookshop (imprint)	Local interest, guidebooks	Tied to Malta’s largest bookshop chain; strong retail exposure.
18	Kite Group (imprints)	Trade books, co-editions	Works with co-editions and translations; flexible publishing models.
19	Octavo (digital/BDL tech arm)	Digital reading platform and distribution	Innovator in digital publishing; supports eBooks & online distribution.
20	Infinity / small imprints & indie presses	Specialist, short runs, local authors	Great option for indie authors; supports experimental and niche projects.

Practical advice for authors: How to choose the right Maltese publisher

1. Language first: If your manuscript is in Maltese, aim for KKM, Midsea (if bilingual), Miranda, or BDL; Maltese-language reach still lives with a handful of houses.
2. Genre and niche: Literary fiction → Merlin / Faraxa; Academic → Malta University Press; Children’s → BDL/Octavo/EDE. Match the publisher’s catalog.
3. Rights & contracts: Maltese publishers vary between traditional advances/royalties and hybrid fee-for-service models. Read rights clauses (world rights vs territory) and check whether the publisher registers ISBNs and distribution.
4. Production & distribution: For coffee-table, illustrated or tourist books, pick Miller or Midsea; for digital reach, consider houses with OCTAVO/digital options.
5. Grants & co-funding: Malta Book Fund grants help publishers and translators — having a solid publisher partner increases the chance of successful grant applications

The Future of Publishing in Malta — Trends to Watch

Malta’s publishing industry, though compact, is steadily expanding through digital innovation, translation projects, and heritage-focused publishing. The growth of digital platforms like Octavo and the steady investment from the Malta Book Fund suggest a future where Maltese voices reach a wider global audience.
Another trend is the blending of publishing and tourism: guidebooks, cultural histories, and illustrated works are sold not only in bookshops but also in museums, heritage sites, and even airports, ensuring that Maltese literature travels home with visitors.
For authors, this means a unique chance — writing with local cultural depth but global reach. For readers, it ensures that Maltese identity and storytelling remain accessible, whether through printed heritage volumes or digital e-books.

Conclusion

The top 20 book publishing companies in Malta (2025) reveal a vibrant, heritage-rich but forward-looking industry. From Ghostwriter Inside’s modern author services to Midsea Books’ heritage titles, Merlin’s literary fiction, and BDL’s children’s catalogues, each publisher offers a unique path for authors.
Malta’s publishers are not just keeping the nation’s literature alive — they are ensuring it travels beyond the island’s shores, through translation, co-editions, and digital platforms.

For aspiring authors, the right Maltese publisher depends on your language, genre, and goals. Whether you want strong local distribution, academic credibility, heritage preservation, or global reach, Malta has an option for you.
In 2025 and beyond, the Maltese publishing sector will remain small but mighty — a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

FAQs

1 — Can international authors get published in Malta?

Yes — especially if the work is about Malta or has translation potential. Some Maltese houses publish translations and co-editions; hybrid presses may accept international projects too.

2 — Are there grants for publishing in Malta?

Yes — the Malta Book Fund (2025 round noted continued funding for publishing, new books, translations, and editions). Partnering with an established Maltese publisher strengthens applications.

3 — Which publisher is best for children’s books?

BDL (and imprints linked to distribution) and EDE are go-to names; they have experience placing children’s books in local retail and school channels.

4 — Should I self-publish or submit to a Maltese house?

If editorial development, prestige, and distribution in Malta matter, aim for a publisher. If you prioritize complete control and speed, consider a reputable hybrid or self-publishing path — plan your own marketing and distribution.

5 — Where to find publisher submission guidelines?

Most Maltese publishers list submission details on their websites or respond to proposals via email; directories like PublishersGlobal and lo

 

Disclaimer: The publishers listed here are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with these publishers and do not guarantee manuscript acceptance. We only provide professional book editing, marketing, and formatting services to help authors prepare their work for submission and improve their chances of acceptance. Always verify submission details on the publisher’s official website before applying.