Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, Valletta—the UNESCO-listed jewel of Malta—pulses with a vibrant literary heartbeat. As the capital city where ancient fortresses whisper stories of knights and empires, it’s no surprise that Valletta has evolved into a dynamic hub for book publishing in 2025.
From heritage-focused imprints preserving Malta’s rich cultural tapestry to innovative services blending ghostwriting with modern digital distribution, these publishers are championing diverse voices amid the island’s evolving creative scene.
Whether you’re a local author weaving tales of Maltese folklore or an international storyteller drawn to the city’s historic allure, this curated list spotlights the top 10 publishing companies making waves in Valletta this year. Dive in to discover your perfect partner for bringing your manuscript to life.
| Company Name | Rating | Specialization |
| Professional Ghostwriters | ★★★★★ | Ghostwriting & Full Publishing |
| Miranda Publishers | ★★★★☆ | Cultural & Historical Heritage |
| Klabb Kotba Maltin | ★★★★ | Maltese Literature & Fiction |
| Midsea Books Ltd. | ★★★★ | Academic & Heritage Non-Fiction |
| Merlin Publishers | ★★★★☆ | Contemporary Fiction & Children’s |
| BDL Books | ★★★★ | General & Historical Titles |
| Horizons | ★★★☆☆ | Literary Fiction & Translations |
| Faraxa Publishing | ★★★☆ | Translations & Literary Works |
| Miller Distributors | ★★★ | Illustrated & Travel Books |
| Allied Publications Ltd. | ★★★ | Educational & Reference |
1. Professional Ghostwriters
Established in 2020, Professional Ghostwriters stands out as Valletta’s premier end-to-end publishing powerhouse, transforming raw ideas into polished bestsellers. Ideal for busy authors seeking discreet collaboration, they handle everything from concept to global launch with a team of award-winning wordsmiths.
- Specialization:
- Ghostwriting for memoirs, business books, and fiction
- Full-service editing, design, and marketing
- Custom publishing packages for self-publishers
- Pros:
- Unmatched confidentiality and speed-to-market
- Personalized support with proven ROI on launches
- Access to international distribution networks
- Cons:
- Higher upfront costs for premium packages
- Selective with projects to maintain quality
2. Miranda Publishers
Since the 1980s, Miranda has been the guardian of Malta’s soul, specializing in evocative tomes that capture the island’s architectural wonders and forgotten histories. Their beautifully illustrated volumes are staples in every Maltese bookshelf.
- Specialization:
- Cultural heritage and archaeological studies
- Historical narratives on Knights of Malta
- Coffee-table books with stunning photography
- Pros:
- Deep expertise in Maltese themes ensures authenticity
- High production values for visually rich content
- Strong local bookstore partnerships
- Cons:
- Narrow focus limits genre variety
- Slower turnaround for research-heavy titles
3. Klabb Kotba Maltin
Founded in the mid-20th century as a nonprofit collective, Klabb Kotba Maltin champions Maltese-language literature, fostering emerging voices through workshops and imprints. In 2025, they’re expanding digital editions to reach global Maltese diaspora.
- Specialization:
- Maltese poetry and short stories
- Bilingual editions for international appeal
- Literary prizes and author development programs
- Pros:
- Community-driven with affordable entry for new authors
- Prestigious awards boost visibility
- Strong ties to Valletta’s literary festivals
- Cons:
- Primarily Maltese-focused, less English options
- Competitive submission process
4. Midsea Books Ltd.
Pioneering since 1969, Midsea revolutionized Malta’s book trade with scholarly works that blend academia and accessibility. Their 2025 lineup features groundbreaking titles on Mediterranean geopolitics.
- Specialization:
- Academic non-fiction and etymological dictionaries
- Heritage books on Maltese history
- Co-editions with European presses
- Pros:
- Rigorous peer-review for credibility
- Extensive backlist for cross-promotion
- Innovative print-on-demand models
- Cons:
- Academic tone may not suit commercial fiction
- Longer approval timelines
5. Merlin Publishers
Launched in the early 2000s, Merlin infuses Valletta’s scene with fresh, genre-bending stories that resonate across cultures. Their children’s imprint is a 2025 standout, with interactive e-books gaining traction.
- Specialization:
- Contemporary fiction and thrillers
- Young adult and children’s literature
- Graphic novels with Maltese motifs
- Pros:
- Dynamic marketing via social and events
- Inclusive for diverse authors
- Quick digital releases
- Cons:
- Smaller print runs for niche titles
- High competition for slots
6. BDL Books
From the 2000s onward, BDL has built a reputation for eclectic catalogs, distributing gems that span wars to wellness. Their 2025 “Treasures of Malta” series is a collector’s dream.
- Specialization:
- Historical and military history
- General interest and memoirs
- Limited-edition art books
- Pros:
- Robust distribution across Europe
- Flexible hybrid publishing options
- Author-friendly royalties
- Cons:
- Overemphasis on history crowds other genres
- Variable quality in co-productions
7. Horizons
Emerging in the 2010s, Horizons pushes boundaries with translated works that bridge Maltese and global narratives. Their Valletta-based events draw crowds for launch parties under the stars.
- Specialization:
- Literary translations and poetry
- Experimental fiction
- Cross-cultural anthologies
- Pros:
- Innovative formats like audio hybrids
- Support for underrepresented voices
- Vibrant festival integrations
- Cons:
- Niche appeal limits mass-market sales
- Budget constraints on marketing
8. Faraxa Publishing
Since 2011, Faraxa has been Malta’s translation trailblazer, curating world literature into Maltese while exporting local gems abroad. 2025 sees them venturing into eco-fiction.
- Specialization:
- Literary and non-literary translations
- Global short story collections
- Bilingual editions
- Pros:
- Expansive international network
- Affordable for translators
- Growing e-book library
- Cons:
- Language barriers for non-Maltese submissions
- Smaller team slows production
9. Miller Distributors
A distribution giant since the 1990s, Miller’s publishing arm excels in visually stunning travelogues that capture Malta’s azure coasts. Their 2025 co-editions with UK houses are buzzing.
- Specialization:
- Illustrated guidebooks and maps
- Coffee-table photography books
- Tourism and lifestyle titles
- Pros:
- Wide retail reach via partnerships
- Expert in visual production
- Seasonal tie-ins for boosts
- Cons:
- Less focus on text-heavy narratives
- Distribution-heavy, light on editing
10. Allied Publications Ltd.
Rooted in educational publishing for decades, Allied delivers reference works that educate and engage. In 2025, they’re digitizing classics for school curricula.
- Specialization:
- Educational textbooks and references
- Children’s learning materials
- Academic supplements
- Pros:
- Stable market in education sector
- Bulk orders ensure visibility
- Reliable for non-fiction experts
- Cons:
- Rigid formats stifle creativity
- Low royalties on volume sales
How Much Does It Cost to Publish in Valletta?
Publishing costs in Valletta vary wildly based on scope—think €2,000–€5,000 for basic editing and design with local presses like Klabb Kotba Maltin, up to €10,000+ for full-service packages at innovators like Professional Ghostwriters. Traditional routes (e.g., Midsea) often cover printing but take 20% royalties, while self-publishing hybrids via BDL might run €3,000–€7,000 including marketing. Factor in Malta’s VAT at 7% and rising paper costs; always negotiate for bundled services to keep budgets under €8,000 for a debut title. Pro tip: Grants from the National Book Council can slash expenses by 30–50% for Maltese-themed works.
Final Thoughts
Valletta’s publishing landscape in 2025 is a treasure trove of tradition and trailblazing, where the echo of ancient harbors meets the click of modern keyboards. From the heritage guardians at Miranda to the visionary ghostwriters ready to amplify your untold story, these top 10 companies offer pathways for every aspiring author.
Ready to turn your draft into a Valletta bestseller? Start with Professional Ghostwriters for seamless, high-impact support—submit your idea today and let’s craft something extraordinary. Don’t leave your narrative on the shelf; the Mediterranean awaits your words!