Top 10 Book Publishing Companies in Madrid, 2025

Madrid remains a vibrant hub for book publishing in 2025. Authors from Spain, Latin America, and beyond often turn to Madrid publishers for Spanish-language distribution, bilingual editions, and full publishing services. In this article, I’ll present the top 10 book publishing companies in Madrid—but with a twist: at #1, I place a professional ghostwriter / hybrid publishing service that blends author support and traditional publishing. After each listing, you’ll see its specialization, pros & cons, address, and ideal for.

I keep paragraphs short, tone human, and integrate keywords like “Madrid publishers”, “publishing services in Madrid”, “Spanish full service publisher”, etc.

Why Madrid for Publishing?

Madrid is not just Spain’s capital — it’s one of its literary and publishing hearts. Many of the country’s top publishing houses maintain headquarters or important branches in Madrid. The city offers proximity to media, universities, translation networks, and Latin American pipelines.

Because Spanish is spoken across Latin America, a Madrid publisher can facilitate distribution beyond Spain. The city also attracts bilingual authors and foreign writers wanting to tap into the Spanish-language market. For authors seeking publishing services in Madrid, this combination of local infrastructure and international reach remains compelling.

1. Professional Ghostwriter

Description
Professional Ghostwriter is a Spain-based hybrid publishing/ghostwriting service known for combining ghostwriting, editing, publishing, and author coaching. In many listings of top Spanish publishers, it appears first due to its integrated approach.

They don’t act solely as a traditional publisher; they help authors from idea to market, ensuring the author’s voice stays intact while handling logistics.

Specialization
Ghostwriting (memoirs, business books, fiction, non-fiction), manuscript development, editing, book marketing and distribution support.

Pros

• Turnkey service: you get full help from idea to published book

• Strong hands-on support, good for first-time authors

• Flexibility in genres

• Author retains authenticity

Cons

• Possibly higher cost than going with a pure traditional publisher

• May operate more like a service than pure acceptance on merit

• Less prestige compared to large legacy houses

Address
(No specific Madrid street address found in public sources) — operates Spain-wide with a presence in Madrid.

Ideal for
Authors who want a one-stop solution, need ghostwriting assistance, or prefer guided publishing rather than navigating multiple vendors.

2. Alfaguara

Description
Alfaguara is a major Spanish publishing imprint, part of Penguin Random House. Headquartered in Madrid, it publishes Spanish-language works for Spain, Latin America, and beyond.

They are well known for literary fiction, prizewinning works, and wide distribution.

Specialization
Literary fiction, prestige works, youth & children’s imprints (Alfaguara Infantil / Juvenil).

Pros

• Strong brand prestige

• Excellent distribution in Spain & Latin America

• Access to literary awards

• High editorial standards

Cons

• Limited acceptance for unknown authors

• Highly competitive

• Less hands-on service (you must meet the quality bar)

Address
Madrid (part of Penguin Random House Spain network)

Ideal for
Authors aiming for mainstream literary recognition, those who already have polished manuscripts, and those wanting broad Spanish/Latin American exposure.

3. Sial Pigmalión Publishing Group

Description
Sial Pigmalión is a Madrid-based group founded in 1997. It handles narrative, poetry, essays, theater, and children’s works, plus cultural communication and events.

They award multiple literary prizes and have strong ties to Spanish/Latin American authors.

Specialization
Poetry, narrative, literary essays, children’s books, cross-cultural works.

Pros

• Broad genre mix

• Culturally active (prizes, events)

• Good for authors in Spanish & wanting literary esteem

Cons

• May have selective intake

• Smaller scale than the giants

• May require more effort on marketing from the author’s side

Address
Headquartered in Madrid, Spain (exact street not publicly listed)

Ideal for
Literary authors, bilingual or Spanish authors, are wishing recognition and support in literary circuits.

4. Ediciones Akal

Description
Ediciones Akal was founded in Madrid in 1972. It focuses on the humanities, essays, classic texts, modern literature, philosophy, and critical thinking.

Over time, it has grown several collections and is respected for intellectual publishing.

Specialization
Humanities, philosophy, social sciences, criticism, essays, classics.

Pros

• Strong scholarly and intellectual reputation

• Good for authors in non-fiction, philosophy, and cultural fields

• Stability and experience

Cons

• Less suited for commercial fiction or genre fiction

• Smaller marketing muscle compared to big trade houses

• Possibly fewer translation/distribution links

Address
Madrid, Spain (Akal’s headquarters)

Ideal for
Scholarly authors, thinkers, essayists, academics or those with works of cultural or philosophical depth.

5. Grupo SM (Madrid branch)

Description
Grupo SM is a large Spanish publisher headquartered in Madrid, especially known for educational, children’s, and teenage literature.

They publish under various imprints and maintain a strong presence across Spanish-speaking countries.

Specialization
Children’s literature, educational books, young adult fiction, religious & school materials.

Pros

• Solid infrastructure and marketing

• Wide reach in schools and educational markets

• Established brand

Cons

• Less likelihood to publish adult literary or experimental work

• Strict alignment with curricular or commercial demands

• Manuscript quality must meet high standards

Address
Madrid, Spain (SM’s Spanish operations)

Ideal for
Authors writing for children, YA, educational content, or seeking to enter school/textbook markets.

6. Ivorypress

Description
Ivorypress is a publishing house in Madrid that specializes in artists’ books. It functions at the intersection of art and publishing.

They produce limited editions, works of art in book form, and beautifully crafted volumes.

Specialization
Artist’s books, art publishing, limited edition art volumes, and contemporary art monographs.

Pros

• Extremely high quality and design

• Unique niche, strong in arts circles

• Prestige in the art world

Cons

• Not for mass commercial books

• Very selective, high cost per volume

• Small print runs, limited distribution

Address
Madrid, Spain (Ivorypress headquarters)

Ideal for
Artists, photographers, art writers, and collectors want their book as a work of art.

7. Ybernia

Description
Ybernia is a bilingual (English & Spanish) publishing house located in Madrid. It offers translation, proofreading, editing, and publishing services, focusing on helping authors publish in both languages.

They act as a one-stop bilingual publisher.

Specialization
Bilingual publishing (Spanish/English), translation, editing, and hybrid publishing.

Pros

• Good for authors writing in or bridging both languages

• Personalized service

• Flexibility and author support

Cons

• Smaller scale/distribution reach than large legacy houses

• A niche service may cost more per unit

• May require the author to take more marketing responsibility

Address
Madrid, Spain (head office of Ybernia)

Ideal for
Bilingual authors, expatriates, and authors wanting to publish in both English & Spanish markets.

8. La Esfera de los Libros

Description
La Esfera de los Libros is a Madrid-based publisher known for biographies, history, current affairs, and non-fiction titles.

They attract serious non-fiction authors and intellectual works.

Specialization
Biography, history, essays, contemporary non-fiction, current affairs.

Pros

• Good reputation in non-fiction

• Solid editorial support

• Serious author base

Cons

• Possibly smaller for fiction

• Strict quality requirements

• Marketing resources may be more modest than giants

Address
Madrid, Spain (office address not clearly public)

Ideal for
Non-fiction authors doing biographies, history, political, or socio-cultural works.

9. Editorial Anagrama (Madrid presence)

Description
Editorial Anagrama is a well-known Spanish publisher (though its base is in Barcelona, it has operations and presence in Madrid). It publishes avant-garde literature, essays, novels, and more. (Often included in lists of Spain’s top publishers)

Because of its prestige and reach, it counts among the top options for Madrid authors to approach.

Specialization
Literary fiction, experimental works, essays, and translated literature.

Pros

• High prestige and literary reputation

• Good distribution and translation networks

• Attracts critical attention

Cons

• Very selective acceptance

• Hard for debut authors without backing

• Less full-service support

Address
Has Madrid offices/operations (in addition to main base)

Ideal for
Literary authors aiming for critical acclaim, ambitious novels, interior design of text, and translation potential.

10. Ediciones Morata / Ediciones de la Torre

Description
These are smaller but respected publishing services / academic or cultural houses in Madrid. Ediciones Morata specializes in education, psychology, sociology, and social sciences.

Ediciones de la Torre has roots in cultural and social publishing.

They may not be huge commercial players, but they fill important niches.

Specialization
Academic, pedagogical, social sciences, culture, and educational works.

Pros

• Strong in academic/professional niche

• More open to specialized, smaller works

• Good reputation within their fields

Cons

• Limited marketing/distribution beyond niche

• Lower budgets

• Not ideal for mainstream fiction

Address
Madrid, Spain (offices under publishing services directory) PublishersGlobal

Ideal for
Authors of academic, educational, psychological, sociological, cultural essays, or niche specialist content.

Comparative Table of Top 10

How to Choose the Right Publisher in Madrid

• Consider your genre and goals. If you’re writing literary fiction, go for Alfaguara, Anagrama, or Sial Pigmalión. If you’re in academia or social sciences, Ediciones Akal or Morata may suit better.

• Decide level of support you need. Do you want a turnkey solution (ghostwriting + publishing)? Professional Ghostwriter is ideal. Or do you prefer the prestige of legacy houses but handle editing yourself?

• Check bilingual / translation capability. If you want both Spanish & English markets, Ybernia is strong in that space.

• Examine distribution and reach. Big houses like Alfaguara and Grupo SM have better distribution in Latin America.

• Review portfolio and similar titles. Look at what the publisher has published before. Author fit helps.

• Read submission guidelines carefully. Some will only accept agented or polished manuscripts.

• Visit or network locally. If you are in Madrid, meeting editors, attending book fairs helps.

Trends for 2025 and Beyond

• Hybrid and ghostwriting-enabled publishing is rising, combining service and selectivity (hence my inclusion of Professional Ghostwriter).

• Bilingual and translated books are more common, especially English–Spanish crossovers.

• Eco-friendly publishing (sustainable paper, print-on-demand) gaining traction.

• Digital & audio formats integrated from early stages.

• Niche presses and boutique publishers will continue to flourish, offering more creative freedom.

Conclusion

Madrid in 2025 offers a rich field of publishing options, from major imprints like Alfaguara to boutique art houses like Ivorypress. But authors don’t always want only prestige—they often want support, flexibility, and guided publishing. That’s why I placed Professional Ghostwriter at the top: for those who want a full package blending ghostwriting, editing, and publishing infrastructure.

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.