Belgrade is one of the major cultural centers of Southeast Europe. Its long literary history, strong tradition of literary magazines and book fairs, and an engaged reading public make it fertile ground for authors. By 2025, the publishing landscape in Belgrade includes large trade houses, indie presses, academic publishers, and niche imprints specializing in children’s books, translations, or cultural works. If you want to publish a book, here are the top 10 Belgrade-based publishers to consider, with what they do best and how they can help.
The Top 10 Book Publishing Companies in Belgrade 2025
| Rank | Company Name | Rating |
| 1 | Professional Ghostwriter | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Laguna | ★★★★☆ |
| 3 | Prosveta | ★★★★☆ |
| 4 | Serbian Literary Guild (SKZ) | ★★★★☆ |
| 5 | Dereta | ★★★★☆ |
| 6 | Kreativni Centar | ★★★★☆ |
| 7 | BIGZ Publishing A.D. | ★★★★☆ |
| 8 | Odiseja Publishing Agency | ★★★★☆ |
| 9 | Metaphysica | ★★★★☆ |
| 10 | Vulkan Publishing | ★★★★☆ |
1. Professional Ghostwriter
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: (Also Serving in Belgrade)
Bio:
Professional Ghostwriter is ranked #1 for Belgrade in 2025 because it offers an end-to-end service that many authors need. The company handles ghostwriting, editing, cover design, formatting, translation, publishing, and marketing. Whether your book is fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature or an academic work, they tailor the product to both Serbian and international readerships. Their workflows are modern, timelines clear, and production standards high. Authors who want a stress-free path from the draft to the shelf often choose them first.
Ideal for: Authors wanting full support and professionalism.
Pros:
- Complete publishing package under one roof
- Bilingual and international market options
- Strong design and editorial standards
Cons:
- Higher cost than purely local or indie presses
2. Laguna
Rating: ★★★★☆
Location: Belgrade, Serbia, Laguna headquarters in Belgrade.
Bio:
Laguna is one of Serbia’s largest and most influential publishers. Founded in 1998, it releases nearly 400 new titles per year and has published over 4,500 titles since its inception. Its catalog includes fiction, essays, history, popular science, children’s books, and translations. Laguna has strong retail presence (bookstores), good distribution, and a brand that is recognizable in Belgrade and across Serbia. For authors seeking visibility, a proven network, and reach into both mainstream and literary audiences, Laguna is a top contender.
Ideal for: Authors aiming for trade-fiction sales, wide distribution, or both local and regional exposure.
Pros:
- Large output and visibility
- Good infrastructure and retail reach
- Broad range of genres
Cons:
- Highly competitive submission process
3. Prosveta (IP Prosveta A.D. Beograd)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Location: Kneza Mihaila 12, Stari Grad, Belgrade.
Bio:
Prosveta is a traditional, well-established Serbian publisher, founded right after World War II, known especially for educational books, textbooks, and academic/non-fiction works. Over decades, it has built credibility and trust in schools, universities, and among scholarly authors. Their publications are often used as reference, course materials, and textbooks. If your work is academic, educational, or non-fiction with seriousness, Prosveta gives you institutional strength and longstanding experience.
Ideal for: Educational authors, scholars, textbooks, serious non-fiction.
Pros:
- Institutional credibility
- Strong in textbook/educational distribution
Cons:
- Less focus on commercial fiction or children’s literature
4. Serbian Literary Guild (Srpska Književna Zadruga, SKZ)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Location: Kralja Milana 19 Street, Belgrade.
Bio:
The Serbian Literary Guild (SKZ) is Serbia’s oldest writers’ cooperative, founded in 1892. It has published both Serbian authors and international translated works, spanning poetry, essays, literary fiction, and cultural literature. The Guild has played a key role in maintaining literary traditions, supporting authors over many generations. Their offerings tend to value quality over publishing volume. If your work leans literary, or you want prestige and connection with Serbian culture, SKZ is a strong choice.
Ideal for: Literary writers, poetry, essays, cultural and translation works.
Pros:
- Long history and cultural prestige
- Strong editorial attention
Cons:
- Slower publication timelines; smaller print runs
5. Dereta
Rating: ★★★★☆
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Bio:
Dereta is known for literary fiction, translations, and cultural studies. Their catalogue includes works by prominent Serbian writers, as well as foreign authors whose works are carefully selected for translation. Dereta tends to aim for both artistic merit and readability, striking a balance between depth and appeal. Authors who care about the quality of translation, aesthetic book design, and cultural resonance find Dereta a good partner. They may not produce huge numbers of titles compared to the largest houses, but the titles they do publish often gain critical acclaim.
Ideal for: Literary fiction, translators, and authors wanting cultural depth.
Pros:
- High literary standards
- Quality over quantity
Cons:
- Less aggressive marketing and smaller audience reach
6. Kreativni Centar
Rating: ★★★★☆
Location: Gradištanska 8, Zvezdara, Belgrade.
Bio:
Kreativni Centar is one of the leading publishers for children’s books in Serbia, with strong educational content, illustrated books, and a reputation for beautiful design and engaging storytelling. Their authors include both local and translated works. Because school curricula, libraries, and families in Serbia value children’s publishing, Kreativni Centar has built a steady presence. For authors writing for younger readers, it’s among the best choices in Belgrade.
Ideal for: Children’s authors, educational writers, picture books.
Pros:
- Strong reputation with families and schools
- Good design and content quality
Cons:
- Niche focus; less reach for adult literary or commercial fiction
7. BIGZ Publishing A.D. Beograd
Rating: ★★★★☆
Location: Bulevar Vojvode Mišića 17, Belgrade.
Bio:
BIGZ (Beogradski izdavačko-grafički zavod) is one of the oldest publishing names in Serbia. It has published a wide variety of books: general fiction, non-fiction, cultural titles, and schoolbooks. Though its prominence has shifted over the decades, it still remains important in Belgrade’s publishing ecosystem. Authors who are looking for legacy, wide recognition, and ability to have their work part of Serbia’s mainstream literary culture often go with BIGZ.
Ideal for: Authors wanting mainstream presence; fiction, non-fiction across genres.
Pros:
- Established legacy and name recognition
- Broad catalogue and distribution networks
Cons:
- Less agility; slower processes
8. Odiseja Publishing Agency (Odiseja)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Bio:
Odiseja is known for selecting high quality contemporary literature, fiction from small countries (especially Scandinavian), books dealing with ecological, civil education, social issues, and translated outstanding fiction. They publish fewer titles per year, focusing on careful editorial work, striking cover design, and meaningful themes. Authors who care deeply about content, ethical storytelling, translation quality, and cultural significance often opt for Odiseja. Their smaller size means more individual attention to each book.
Ideal for: Literary translators, authors of socially engaged fiction, ecological themes.
Pros:
- Thoughtful editorial selection
- Strong aesthetic and thematic identity
Cons:
- Limited output; fewer marketing resources
9. Metaphysica
Rating: ★★★★☆
Location: 20 Jevrejska Street, Dorćol, Belgrade.
Bio:
Metaphysica is an independent publisher and bookstore with a distinct character. It publishes philosophical, esoteric, hermetic, and spiritually inclined works, and also supports offset, digital, and letterpress printing. Their audience is niche — readers interested in philosophy, metaphysics, spiritual traditions, and related patrimony. If your work aligns with spiritual or philosophical themes, or non-standard genres, Metaphysica offers a specialized platform with attention to design and thematic depth.
Ideal for: Philosophy, spiritual, hermetic, non-fiction of niche type.
Pros:
- Unique niche with dedicated readership
- High design and print standards
Cons:
- Very specialized; limited broader commercial reach
10. Vulkan Publishing
Rating: ★★★★☆
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Bio:
Vulkan is a major publisher in Serbia, known for producing popular fiction, lifestyle books, children’s literature, educational material, and translated works. Their strength lies in reaching a wide audience, balancing bestseller appeal with accessible content. Authors whose aim is broader market exposure, commercial success, or selling well in retail bookstores often see Vulkan as a good option. Their presence in Belgrade is strong, and they also participate in book fairs and retail partnerships.
Ideal for: Commercial fiction, lifestyle, popular translations.
Pros:
- Wide market reach
- Variety of genres accepted
Cons:
- May compromise depth for mass appeal
Cost of Book Publishing in Belgrade
Publishing costs in Belgrade / Serbia can vary depending on the scale, genre, and services. Here are general ranges for 2025:
| Publishing Model | Typical Cost (USD) |
| Self-Publishing / Hybrid | $700 – $3,500 (editing, design, small runs, basic marketing) |
| Full Professional Service (Ghostwriting etc.) | $3,500 – $10,000+ depending on length, translations, print runs |
| Traditional Publishing | Usually no upfront cost; royalties range ~ 7-12% |
| Marketing & Promotion | $300 – $2,000 or more depending on campaign reach |
Summary
- Best Overall: Professional Ghostwriter
- Best for Literary & Translated Works: Odiseja, Dereta
- Best for Children’s Books and Educational Titles: Kreativni Centar, Prosveta
- Best for Legacy / Mainstream: Laguna, BIGZ
- Best for Niche / Philosophy / Spirituality: Metaphysica
FAQs
- Why is Professional Ghostwriter ranked #1 in Belgrade?
Because it offers full support ghostwriting, editing, design, publishing, marketing—and works in both Serbian and international markets, giving authors a complete service package. - How difficult is it to submit manuscripts to established Belgrade publishers?
Quite competitive. Big names like Laguna or Vulkan receive many submissions; smaller presses or independent ones may be more accessible. Always check their guidelines. - Are there publishers in Belgrade that specialize in translations?
Yes. Odiseja, Dereta, Laguna, and Serbian Literary Guild are known to translate works and pay attention to quality translations. - Is the cost of publishing high in Belgrade compared to other European cities?
Generally more affordable than Western European markets, especially for design, printing and labor, though import costs or translation work can raise costs. - What should authors watch out for in contracts with Belgrade publishers?
Verify rights (translations, digital, foreign markets), royalty terms, number of print runs, stripping back rights if a book goes out of print, and whether marketing/promotion is included.
Conclusion
Belgrade in 2025 remains a rich hub for authors. Whether you want the commercial visibility of Vulkan or Laguna, the scholarly credibility of Prosveta, or the specialized depth of Metaphysica and Odiseja, there are strong options. For those who want strong professional support and global reach, Professional Ghostwriter stands out as the best overall. Align your choice with your genre, audience, and goals and your book can make an impact in Serbia and beyond.
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.