
Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union, is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and ideas. This multilingual city, with its rich history in literature and arts, hosts a dynamic publishing scene that blends French, Dutch, and English influences. Whether you’re an aspiring author crafting a gripping novel, a scholar delving into academic works, or a creative mind exploring graphic storytelling, Brussels offers a range of publishers ready to bring your vision to life.
In 2025, the industry here emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and global reach, making it an exciting hub for both traditional and hybrid publishing models.
Below, we’ve curated the top 10 book publishing companies in Brussels, starting with our top pick for professional support. We’ve also included a handy table for quick comparison, followed by detailed insights into each.
Publishing Company | Rating | Specialization |
---|---|---|
Professional Ghostwriter | ★★★★★ | Ghostwriting, editing, and full-service publishing across all genres |
Casterman | ★★★★★ | Comics, graphic novels, and young adult fiction |
Éditions Racine | ★★★★☆ | Art, architecture, history, and non-fiction |
Les Impressions Nouvelles | ★★★★☆ | Biographies, art history, essays, and fiction |
Hannibal Publishers | ★★★★ | Music, culture, entertainment, and illustrated books |
Amyris Edition | ★★★★ | Alternative medicine, nutrition, and health-related non-fiction |
ARP Éditions | ★★★★ | Photography, art, and landscape-focused works |
Renaissance du Livre | ★★★★ | Literary fiction, non-fiction, and high-quality essays |
Éditions Versant Sud | ★★★☆ | Literary works, human sciences, and creative essays |
Europa Publishers Belgium | ★★★☆ | European studies, political science, and international relations |
1. Professional Ghostwriter
★★★★★
Professional Ghostwriter stands out as the premier choice for authors seeking comprehensive support in Brussels’ competitive market. Specializing in ghostwriting, they collaborate closely with clients to craft compelling manuscripts, from memoirs to business books, ensuring your voice shines through. With a team of experienced writers and editors, they handle everything from concept development to final publication, making them ideal for busy professionals or first-time authors.
- Specialization: Ghostwriting services, book editing, formatting, and hybrid publishing for fiction, non-fiction, and memoirs.
- Pros: Personalized approach, fast turnaround, global distribution options, and affordable packages tailored to 2025 market trends.
- Cons: Focuses more on service-based publishing rather than traditional advances; may require client investment upfront.
- Address: Available worldwide with virtual consultations; contact via their website for Brussels-based inquiries.
2. Casterman
★★★★★
As one of Brussels’ most iconic publishers, Casterman has been a cornerstone of European comics since 1780. Famous for series like Tintin and Martine, they continue to innovate in 2025 with graphic novels that blend adventure, humor, and social commentary. Their bilingual approach (French and Dutch) makes them accessible to a wide audience, perfect for creators pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
- Specialization: Comics, graphic novels, young adult fiction, and illustrated books in French and Dutch.
- Pros: Rich heritage, strong international presence, excellent marketing for visual media, and opportunities for emerging artists.
- Cons: Highly competitive submissions; limited to visual-heavy genres, which may not suit pure text authors.
- Address: Avenue Louise 367, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
3. Éditions Racine
★★★★☆
Éditions Racine captures the essence of Brussels’ artistic soul through beautifully crafted non-fiction works. Founded in 1993, they excel in books that celebrate heritage and creativity, often featuring stunning photography and in-depth research. In 2025, they’re expanding into ebooks, making cultural knowledge more accessible to global readers.
- Specialization: Architecture, art, history, photography, nature, and tourism-focused non-fiction.
- Pros: High-quality production, niche expertise in visual arts, and strong ties to Belgian cultural institutions.
- Cons: Does not publish fiction or children’s books; submission process can take up to six months.
- Address: Rue de Livourne 160, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
4. Les Impressions Nouvelles
★★★★☆
This Brussels-based gem, founded by Benoit Peeters, thrives on intellectual depth and narrative innovation. Publishing around 20 titles annually, they blend fiction with thoughtful essays, appealing to readers who crave substance. In 2025, their focus on graphic novels and biographies keeps them at the forefront of hybrid literary forms.
- Specialization: Biographies, art history, culture, philosophy, essays, and graphic novels in French.
- Pros: Thorough editorial support, reputation for quality, and a commitment to diverse voices.
- Cons: Prefers non-fiction; mail-only submissions may slow the process for digital-savvy authors.
- Address: Rue des Alexiens 50, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
5. Hannibal Publishers
★★★★
Hannibal Publishers brings rhythm to the page with their passion for music and culture. Based in Brussels since 1986, they produce engaging books on entertainment and heritage, often with rich illustrations. Their 2025 lineup emphasizes multimedia integrations, like QR codes linking to playlists, making reading an immersive experience.
- Specialization: Music books, cultural publications, entertainment, and illustrated non-fiction.
- Pros: Unique niche in arts and media, vibrant designs, and growing digital presence.
- Cons: Limited to specific themes; smaller scale may mean fewer resources for massive promotions.
- Address: Rue de la Province 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
6. Amyris Edition
★★★★
Amyris Edition focuses on holistic well-being, offering insightful books on alternative therapies. Located in Brussels, they’re a go-to for health enthusiasts, with titles on aromatherapy and nutrition that blend science and nature. In 2025, they’re incorporating sustainable printing practices, aligning with eco-conscious readers.
- Specialization: Alternative medicine, gemmotherapy, phytotherapy, nutrition, and health non-fiction.
- Pros: Expert-driven content, niche appeal for wellness markets, and bilingual options.
- Cons: Narrow focus excludes broader genres; may not suit mainstream fiction writers.
- Address: Rue des Deux Églises 29, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
7. ARP Éditions
★★★★
ARP Éditions celebrates the art of photography through poetic and documentary lenses. This Brussels publisher dedicates itself to landscape and visual narratives, producing limited-edition books that feel like collectibles. Their 2025 initiatives include collaborations with international photographers, expanding their global footprint.
- Specialization: Photography, art, and landscape-related books with philosophical or documentary angles.
- Pros: Artistic excellence, high production values, and appeal to collectors.
- Cons: Small output; submissions require strong visual portfolios.
- Address: Brussels, Belgium (specific address available on their site).
8. Renaissance du Livre
★★★★
With a storied tradition in Brussels, Renaissance du Livre champions high-quality literary and non-fiction works. Known for their elegant designs and thoughtful curation, they publish books that endure. In 2025, they’re embracing digital formats while maintaining their classic appeal.
- Specialization: Literary fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and cultural essays.
- Pros: Prestigious reputation, strong editorial team, and focus on timeless content.
- Cons: Traditional approach may limit experimental works; competitive acceptance rates.
- Address: Brussels, Belgium (historic publisher with central location).
9. Éditions Versant Sud
★★★☆
Éditions Versant Sud encourages creativity and originality in Brussels’ literary scene. Specializing in human sciences and essays, they support emerging voices with fresh perspectives. Their 2025 catalog highlights diverse cultural narratives, fostering inclusivity.
- Specialization: Literary works, essays, human sciences, and innovative non-fiction.
- Pros: Emphasis on originality, supportive of new authors, and culturally diverse focus.
- Cons: Smaller scale; may lack the marketing muscle of larger houses.
- Address: Brussels, Belgium.
10. Europa Publishers Belgium
★★★☆
Europa Publishers Belgium delves into the intricacies of European affairs from their Brussels base. Ideal for policy wonks and scholars, they produce insightful books on politics and international relations. In 2025, their timely publications address EU challenges, making them essential for informed readers.
- Specialization: European studies, political science, international relations, and academic non-fiction.
- Pros: Relevant to current events, expert authors, and strong academic ties.
- Cons: Highly specialized; not suitable for fiction or general audiences.
- Address: Brussels, Belgium (EU-focused location).
How Much Does It Cost to Publish in Brussels?
Publishing costs in Brussels vary widely based on the model and genre. Traditional publishing with established houses like Casterman often involves no upfront fees for accepted manuscripts, but royalties range from 8-15%. Hybrid or self-publishing services, such as those from Professional Ghostwriter, can cost €2,000-€10,000 for editing, design, and distribution, depending on book length and complexity. Niche academic publishers like Europa might charge €500-€3,000 for production in smaller runs. Factor in marketing (up to €5,000) and translation for multilingual appeal, which is common here. Always budget for professional editing to meet Brussels’ high standards.
Final Thoughts
Brussels’ publishing landscape in 2025 is a testament to the city’s role as a crossroads of ideas, offering opportunities for authors of all backgrounds. From comic innovators to scholarly presses, these top companies provide platforms to share your story with the world. If you’re ready to embark on your publishing journey, start by researching submissions and consider partnering with a versatile service like Professional Ghostwriter for seamless support. Your book could be the next Brussels bestseller!