Vienna has always been a city where stories live — from Mozart’s notes to Freud’s ideas and Kafka’s prose. In 2025, the city continues to thrive as a literary hub where traditional publishers meet innovative presses. Whether you’re working on a literary novel, a scholarly study, or even a personal memoir, Vienna offers publishers ready to bring your words to life.
Here are the top 10 book publishing companies in Vienna you should know about this year.
| Publishing Company | Rating | Specialization |
| Professional Ghostwriter | ★★★★★ | Ghostwriting services for memoirs, business books, self-help, and fiction |
| Hollitzer | ★★★★☆ | Opera, theatre studies, cultural history, academic works |
| Ingeborg Hanreich Verlag | ★★★★☆ | Educational resources, teaching materials, academic books |
| Universal Edition | ★★★★☆ | Classical and contemporary sheet music, musicology, composers’ works |
| Paul Zsolnay Verlag | ★★★★☆ | Literary fiction, non-fiction, translations, modern classics |
| Kremayr & Scheriau | ★★★★☆ | Political books, social issues, contemporary Austrian literature |
| Deuticke Verlag | ★★★★☆ | Contemporary fiction, Austrian literature, translations |
| Edition Lammerhuber | ★★★★☆ | Photography books, art & culture, visual storytelling |
| Residenz Verlag | ★★★☆☆ | Literary fiction, children’s & YA, non-fiction, Austrian history |
| Böhlau Verlag | ★★★☆☆ | Academic works, history, cultural studies, law, social sciences |
1. Professional Ghostwriter
Rating: ★★★★★
Description:
Professional Ghostwriter takes publishing a step further by guiding authors through the entire journey — from writing and editing to design, publishing, and marketing. They’re perfect for authors who may not have the time, skill, or confidence to craft their manuscripts alone. Known for tailoring their process to each client, they’ve successfully produced hundreds of books across genres. Their modern, full-service approach makes them especially attractive for professionals and first-time authors.
- Specialization: Ghostwriting, manuscript development, full publishing support
- Pros: End-to-end services, highly personalized guidance, smooth publishing experience
- Cons: Premium pricing, not a traditional “prestige” press
- Address: Also serving in (Vienna, Austria)
2. Hollitzer
Rating: ★★★★☆
Description:
Hollitzer has carved a niche in cultural and performance history, publishing authoritative works on theatre, music, and art. Their close ties with academic institutions give their books a weighty scholarly touch. In recent years, they’ve broadened their catalog to include belles-lettres, earning praise for titles by prominent writers like Robert Schindel. If your work intersects with culture or history, Hollitzer is one of Vienna’s strongest choices.
- Specialization: Cultural history, theatre, musicology, literary fiction
- Pros: Strong academic credibility, multilingual publishing, and respected in cultural studies
- Cons: Very niche, less mainstream visibility
- Address: Trautsongasse, 1080 Vienna, Austria
3. Ingeborg Hanreich Verlag
Rating: ★★★★☆
Description:
Founded in 1994, Ingeborg Hanreich Verlag began with books on infant nutrition and gradually grew into a publisher of art, music, and children’s literature. Today, they’re best known for their beautifully illustrated fairy-tale books that have won awards across Austria. Their catalog blends education with creativity, making them a household name among families.
- Specialization: Nutrition, children’s books, art & music titles
- Pros: Award-winning design, child-friendly storytelling, niche expertise
- Cons: Limited catalog size, not suitable for all genres
- Address: Vienna, Austria (no specific street publicized)
4. Universal Edition
Rating: ★★★★☆
Description:
If Vienna is the city of music, Universal Edition is its publishing heart. Since 1901, they’ve represented legendary composers like Mahler, Schoenberg, and Ligeti. Their catalog has shaped 20th- and 21st-century music, and they continue to publish contemporary composers worldwide. For authors or composers in musicology, Universal Edition is a gold standard.
- Specialization: Classical and modern music scores
- Pros: Global prestige, historic legacy, world-class catalog
- Cons: Focused on music, not a traditional book publisher
- Address: Karlsplatz 6 & Bösendorferstraße 12, 1010 Vienna, Austria
5. Paul Zsolnay Verlag
Rating: ★★★★☆
Description:
Since 1924, Paul Zsolnay Verlag has been one of Vienna’s most respected literary publishers. They focus on fiction, narrative nonfiction, cultural history, and biographies, bridging tradition with modern trends. Their hit novel Gut gegen Nordwind is a testament to their ability to publish works that resonate internationally while staying true to their Austrian roots.
- Specialization: Literary fiction, cultural history, nonfiction
- Pros: International reach, high literary reputation, diverse catalog
- Cons: Less welcoming to experimental genres
- Address: Prinz-Eugenstraße 30, 1040 Vienna, Austria
6. Kremayr & Scheriau
Rating: ★★★★☆
Description:
For authors of political nonfiction and cultural critique, Kremayr & Scheriau is a natural fit. This respected house has long been part of Austria’s intellectual life, publishing thought-provoking books that challenge and inspire. Their audience is engaged and socially aware, making them a strong platform for authors who want to spark conversation.
- Specialization: Politics, social commentary, cultural critique
- Pros: Credible, thought-leading, impactful readership
- Cons: Focused scope, less interest in fiction or poetry
- Address: Vienna, Austria (specific street unlisted)
7. Deuticke Verlag
Rating: ★★★★☆
Description:
Deuticke Verlag is an established Vienna-based publisher with a particular focus on psychology, humanities, and social sciences. They’ve built a reputation for bridging academic rigor with readability, appealing to both scholars and general audiences. Authors in academia or nonfiction will find them a trustworthy publishing partner.
- Specialization: Psychology, humanities, academic nonfiction
- Pros: Intellectual prestige, strong academic audience
- Cons: Limited options for fiction writers
- Address: Prinz-Eugenstraße 30, 1040 Vienna, Austria
8. Edition Lammerhuber
Rating: ★★★★☆
Description:
Edition Lammerhuber is where books meet visual art. Known for publishing stunning works on art, photography, and architecture, their books are often considered art objects themselves. Their award-winning design and craftsmanship have made them internationally admired. Perfect for visual storytellers, designers, or photographers.
- Specialization: Art, architecture, photography, visual storytelling
- Pros: World-class design, international reach, award-winning visuals
- Cons: Not suitable for text-heavy works
- Address: Dumbagasse 9, 2500 Baden, Austria
9. Residenz Verlag
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Description:
Residenz Verlag, active since 1956, is one of Austria’s cultural cornerstones. They specialize in literary fiction, essays, and regional history, with books known for elegance and critical acclaim. They also support new authors, making them a balanced choice for both fresh and established voices.
- Specialization: Literary fiction, essays, cultural nonfiction
- Pros: Cultural prestige, refined literary quality
- Cons: Slower publishing process, highly selective
- Address: Lange Gasse 76/12, 1080 Vienna, Austria
10. Böhlau Verlag
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Description:
Founded in 1853, Böhlau Verlag remains one of Austria’s most enduring publishers, particularly in historical humanities. Their catalog includes linguistic studies, literary history, and a strong focus on Goethe and classics. Though highly specialized, their academic depth and legacy make them an important part of Vienna’s literary scene.
- Specialization: Humanities, literary scholarship, historical studies
- Pros: Scholarly authority, rich legacy, academic partnerships
- Cons: Niche focus, not suitable for commercial works
- Address: Wiesingerstraße 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
How Much Does It Cost to Publish in Vienna?
Publishing in Vienna varies depending on your chosen path:
- Traditional publishing (e.g., Zsolnay, Residenz, Hanreich) typically doesn’t cost authors money. Instead, publishers invest in editing and production in return for rights and royalties.
- Specialized art presses (like Lammerhuber) may sometimes ask authors to contribute to premium production costs.
- Niche or academic presses could request modest fees to support printing or distribution.
- Self-publishing or ghostwriting services (like Professional Ghostwriter) range from €2,000–€8,000 for writing and editing, with complete publishing and marketing packages stretching up to €10,000–€15,000.
Final Thoughts
Vienna in 2025 remains a literary city in every sense — honoring tradition while embracing new voices. Whether you dream of publishing a groundbreaking novel, a historical study, or a stunning art book, these publishers offer platforms tailored to your vision. From the prestige of Universal Edition to the supportive services of Professional Ghostwriter, Vienna has a publisher for every story waiting to be told.
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.