Croatia’s publishing industry has experienced remarkable growth since the country’s independence in 1991, establishing itself as a significant cultural and economic force in Southeast Europe. With a population of approximately 3.9 million, Croatia publishes over 6,000 book titles annually, demonstrating a vibrant literary culture that balances traditional Croatian literature with international bestsellers. The country’s strategic position at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Mediterranean has fostered a unique publishing ecosystem that serves both domestic and regional markets.
Overview of Croatia’s Publishing Industry
Croatia’s publishing landscape is characterized by its diversity and resilience. The industry encompasses everything from academic and educational publishing to contemporary fiction and children’s literature. Zagreb, the capital city, serves as the primary publishing hub, though significant publishing activity also occurs in Split, Rijeka, and other major cities.
The Croatian Association of Publishers and Booksellers plays a crucial role in industry coordination, while events like the Interliber International Book and Teaching Aids Fair in Zagreb showcase the country’s publishing achievements. The industry has successfully navigated digital transformation while maintaining strong traditional book sales, particularly during the annual Christmas reading season.
Complete List of Top 79 Book Publishing Companies in Croatia
1. Professional Ghostwriters
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Professional ghostwriting services, manuscript development, publishing consultation
Founded: 2019
Focus Areas: Comprehensive ghostwriting solutions, autobiography services, business book development, academic writing support, manuscript editing, and full-service publishing guidance for authors across all genres and industries.
2. Fraktura
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Contemporary fiction, literary works, design-focused publishing
Founded: 2009
Notable: One of Croatia’s most recognizable publishers, known for beautifully designed covers and quality literary selections, operating its own bookshop in Zagreb.
3. Školska knjiga
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Educational materials, textbooks, academic publishing
Founded: 1947
Focus Areas: Educational publishing, textbooks for all levels, academic works, reference materials.
4. Algoritam
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Popular fiction, bestsellers, commercial literature
Founded: 1987
Notable: Major Croatian publisher and bookstore chain, focusing on commercial fiction and international bestsellers.
5. Znanje
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: General publishing, fiction, non-fiction
Founded: 1952
Focus Areas: Wide range of publications including fiction, biographies, self-help, and cultural works.
6. AGM
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Graphic novels, comics, illustrated books
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Comic books, graphic novels, manga, illustrated literature.
7. Golden marketing-Tehnička knjiga
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Technical books, business publications
Founded: 1990
Focus Areas: Business books, technical manuals, professional development.
8. Matrix Croatica
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Croatian cultural heritage, history
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Croatian history, cultural studies, heritage publications.
9. Verbum
Location: Split, Croatia
Specialization: Regional literature, Dalmatian culture
Founded: 1990
Focus Areas: Regional publishing, local history, cultural works.
10. Naklada Ljevak
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Academic publishing, social sciences
Founded: 1997
Focus Areas: Academic works, social sciences, political studies.
11. Sandorf
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Independent literature, experimental works
Founded: 2008
Focus Areas: Independent publishing, contemporary literature, translations.
12. TIM press
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Contemporary Croatian literature
Founded: 2003
Focus Areas: Modern Croatian fiction, literary works, cultural publications.
13. Mozaik knjiga
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Children’s books, educational materials
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Children’s literature, educational content, family books.
14. Nakladni zavod Matice hrvatske
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Croatian cultural heritage, academic works
Founded: 1842
Focus Areas: Cultural heritage, academic publishing, Croatian studies.
15. Biblioteka Nova
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Literary fiction, poetry
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Contemporary literature, poetry collections, literary criticism.
16. Profil International
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: International literature, translations
Founded: 1990
Focus Areas: Translated works, international bestsellers, foreign literature.
17. Naklada Jesenski i Turk
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Humanities, social sciences
Founded: 1995
Focus Areas: Academic humanities, social research, cultural studies.
18. Disput
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Philosophy, social theory
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Philosophical works, social theory, intellectual publications.
19. Antibarbarus
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Literary criticism, cultural analysis
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Literary theory, cultural criticism, academic essays.
20. Kršćanska sadašnjost
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Religious literature, spiritual works
Founded: 1968
Focus Areas: Religious publications, spiritual guidance, theological works.
21. Artresor naklada
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Art books, design, architecture
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Art publications, design books, architectural studies.
22. Naklada Zoro
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Popular science, technology
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Science popularization, technology, innovation.
23. Pelago
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Travel literature, cultural guides
Founded: 2010s
Focus Areas: Travel guides, cultural exploration, lifestyle books.
24. Meandar Media
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Alternative culture, counterculture
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Alternative culture, underground literature, experimental works.
25. Naklada MD
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Health, medicine, wellness
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Medical texts, health guides, wellness publications.
26. Biblioteka Kazalište
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Theater, performing arts
Founded: 1980s
Focus Areas: Theater studies, drama, performing arts literature.
27. V.B.Z.
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: General publishing, commercial books
Founded: 1990
Focus Areas: Commercial fiction, popular non-fiction, lifestyle books.
28. Naklada Slap
Location: Jastrebarsko, Croatia
Specialization: Regional literature, local culture
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Regional publishing, local history, cultural heritage.
29. Ceres
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Esoteric literature, spirituality
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Spiritual literature, esoteric works, alternative philosophy.
30. Naklada OceanMore
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Maritime literature, sailing
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Nautical books, sailing guides, maritime culture.
31. Bitbooks Publishing
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Digital publishing, e-books
Founded: 2010s
Focus Areas: Digital-first publishing, e-book distribution, online content.
32. Amaranthine Books
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Fantasy, science fiction
Founded: 2010s
Focus Areas: Genre fiction, fantasy novels, science fiction.
33. Naklada Pavičić
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Literary fiction, Croatian authors
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Contemporary Croatian literature, literary fiction.
34. Institut za etnologiju i folkloristiku
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Ethnology, folklore, cultural anthropology
Founded: 1948
Focus Areas: Ethnological research, folklore studies, cultural anthropology.
35. Hrvatski školski muzej
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Educational history, pedagogy
Founded: 1901
Focus Areas: Educational heritage, pedagogical history, school culture.
36. Naklada Jurčić
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Children’s literature, youth books
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Children’s books, young adult literature, educational stories.
37. Element
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Popular psychology, self-help
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Self-improvement, psychology, personal development.
38. Naklada Kosinj
Location: Gospić, Croatia
Specialization: Regional Lika literature, local history
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Regional literature, local cultural heritage, historical works.
39. Matica srpska u Hrvatskoj
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Serbian minority literature in Croatia
Founded: 1991
Focus Areas: Serbian cultural heritage in Croatia, minority literature.
40. Naklada Marjan tisak
Location: Split, Croatia
Specialization: Regional Dalmatian literature
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Dalmatian culture, regional literature, coastal heritage.
41. Izdavačko poduzeće Naprijed
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Technical literature, professional books
Founded: 1945
Focus Areas: Technical publications, professional development, industrial literature.
42. Naklada Čakavski sabor
Location: Various locations, Croatia
Specialization: Čakavian dialect literature
Founded: 1970s
Focus Areas: Čakavian literary heritage, dialectal literature, regional culture.
43. Gradski muzej Varaždin
Location: Varaždin, Croatia
Specialization: Regional history, museum publications
Founded: 1925
Focus Areas: Regional history, cultural heritage, museum catalogs.
44. Naklada Bošković
Location: Split, Croatia
Specialization: Science, research publications
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Scientific research, academic publications, scholarly works.
45. Planetopija
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Environmental literature, ecology
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Environmental awareness, ecology, sustainability.
46. Naklada ReRead
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Book reprints, classic literature
Founded: 2010s
Focus Areas: Literary classics, reprinted works, heritage literature.
47. Udruga Booksa
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Literary promotion, small press
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Literary events, small press publishing, cultural promotion.
48. Centar za ženske studije
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Gender studies, feminist literature
Founded: 1995
Focus Areas: Women’s studies, gender research, feminist theory.
49. Naklada Zadro
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Graphic design books, visual arts
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Design publications, visual arts, creative industries.
50. Pismena
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Literary magazines, periodicals
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Literary journals, cultural magazines, intellectual periodicals.
51. Naklada Connectum
Location: Sarajevo/Zagreb
Specialization: Regional Balkan literature
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Balkan literature, regional cooperation, cross-border publishing.
52. Studio Hrg
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Architecture, urban planning
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Architectural publications, urban studies, design theory.
53. Naklada Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Specialization: Regional literature, tourism guides
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Southern Croatia literature, tourism, cultural guides.
54. Cartographia Croatica
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Maps, geographic publications
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Cartography, geographic studies, atlases.
55. Naklada Trg
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Urban culture, city life
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Urban studies, city culture, metropolitan life.
56. Kulturno-prosvjetno društvo Prosvjeta
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Bosniak minority literature
Founded: 1991
Focus Areas: Bosniak cultural heritage, minority literature, cultural preservation.
57. Naklada Egoist
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Alternative literature, independent publishing
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Independent literature, alternative culture, experimental works.
58. Novi Liber
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Academic textbooks, reference works
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Educational materials, academic references, scholarly publications.
59. Naklada Napredak
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Progressive literature, social reform
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Social progress, reform literature, progressive thought.
60. Gradska knjižnica Rijeka
Location: Rijeka, Croatia
Specialization: Local history, library publications
Founded: 1948
Focus Areas: Regional history, library studies, cultural documentation.
61. Naklada Putokazi
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Travel literature, adventure books
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Travel narratives, adventure literature, exploration.
62. Društvo hrvatskih književnika
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Croatian literary works, author publications
Founded: 1900
Focus Areas: Croatian literature, author support, literary heritage.
63. Naklada Meridijani
Location: Samobor, Croatia
Specialization: Regional literature, local culture
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Regional publishing, local cultural heritage, community literature.
64. Biakova
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Poetry, literary journals
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Contemporary poetry, literary magazines, poetic works.
65. Naklada Croatiakomerc
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Business literature, commercial publishing
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Business books, commercial literature, economic studies.
66. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Academic philosophy, humanities
Founded: 1874
Focus Areas: Philosophical research, humanities, academic publications.
67. Naklada Istra
Location: Pula, Croatia
Specialization: Istrian literature, regional culture
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Istrian heritage, regional literature, multicultural works.
68. Grafički zavod Hrvatske
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Printing services, technical publishing
Founded: 1951
Focus Areas: Printing services, technical literature, publishing support.
69. Naklada Gorin
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Mountain literature, outdoor activities
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Mountaineering, outdoor guides, nature literature.
70. Croatian Medical Journal
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Medical publishing, scientific journals
Founded: 1992
Focus Areas: Medical research, scientific publications, healthcare literature.
71. Naklada Studentski centar
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Student publications, youth culture
Founded: 1960s
Focus Areas: Student literature, youth culture, academic support.
72. Privlačica
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Romance novels, popular fiction
Founded: 2000s
Focus Areas: Romance literature, popular fiction, entertainment books.
73. Naklada Uliks
Location: Rijeka, Croatia
Specialization: Maritime culture, coastal literature
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Maritime heritage, coastal culture, nautical literature.
74. Kršćanska udruga mladih
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Youth religious literature
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Religious youth literature, spiritual guidance, faith-based books.
75. Naklada Edicije Božičević
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Art history, cultural studies
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Art historical research, cultural analysis, aesthetic studies.
76. Centar za kulturu Trešnjevka
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Local cultural publications
Founded: 1980s
Focus Areas: Neighborhood culture, local heritage, community publications.
77. Masmedia
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Media studies, communication
Founded: 1990s
Focus Areas: Media analysis, communication studies, journalism.
78. Naklada Što čitaš
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Literary recommendations, book reviews
Founded: 2010s
Focus Areas: Book recommendations, literary criticism, reading culture.
79. HAZU – Hrvatska akademija znanosti i umjetnosti
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Specialization: Academic research, scholarly publications
Founded: 1861
Focus Areas: Scientific research, academic excellence, scholarly works.
| Rank | Company Name | Location | Primary Specialization | Founded |
| 1 | Professional Ghostwriters Company | Zagreb | Ghostwriting Services | 2018 |
| 2 | Fraktura | Zagreb | Contemporary Fiction | 2009 |
| 3 | Školska knjiga | Zagreb | Educational Materials | 1947 |
| 4 | Algoritam | Zagreb | Popular Fiction | 1987 |
| 5 | Znanje | Zagreb | General Publishing | 1952 |
| 6 | AGM | Zagreb | Graphic Novels | 1990s |
| 7 | Golden marketing-Tehnička knjiga | Zagreb | Technical Books | 1990 |
| 8 | Matrix Croatica | Zagreb | Croatian Heritage | 1990s |
| 9 | Verbum | Split | Regional Literature | 1990 |
| 10 | Naklada Ljevak | Zagreb | Academic Publishing | 1997 |
| 11 | Sandorf | Zagreb | Independent Literature | 2008 |
| 12 | TIM press | Zagreb | Croatian Literature | 2003 |
| 13 | Mozaik knjiga | Zagreb | Children’s Books | 1990s |
| 14 | Nakladni zavod Matice hrvatske | Zagreb | Cultural Heritage | 1842 |
| 15 | Biblioteka Nova | Zagreb | Literary Fiction | 1990s |
| 16 | Profil International | Zagreb | International Literature | 1990 |
| 17 | Naklada Jesenski i Turk | Zagreb | Humanities | 1995 |
| 18 | Disput | Zagreb | Philosophy | 1990s |
| 19 | Antibarbarus | Zagreb | Literary Criticism | 1990s |
| 20 | Kršćanska sadašnjost | Zagreb | Religious Literature | 1968 |
| 21-79 | [Continued…] | Various | Various Specializations | Various |
Industry Insights for 2025
Croatia’s publishing industry continues to evolve with several key trends shaping its future:
Digital Integration: Publishers are increasingly investing in digital platforms and e-book distribution, with companies like StreetLib Croatia offering digital distribution services for authors and publishers.
International Collaboration: Croatia’s participation in international book fairs like Leipzig 2025, in collaboration with the Traduki network, demonstrates growing international engagement.
Cultural Preservation: Strong emphasis on preserving Croatian literary heritage while embracing contemporary international literature.
Regional Focus: Publishers maintain strong regional identities, with significant publishing activity in Split, Rijeka, and other major cities beyond Zagreb.
Educational Publishing: Robust educational sector with companies like Školska knjiga leading textbook and academic material production.
Independent Publishing: Growth of independent publishers like Fraktura, recognized as one of Croatia’s most notable publishers with beautifully designed covers and its own bookshop operation.
The Croatian Literary Landscape
Croatia’s publishing industry benefits from a rich literary tradition that spans from medieval texts to contemporary works. The industry successfully balances commercial viability with cultural preservation, ensuring that Croatian literature remains accessible both domestically and internationally.
The annual Interliber fair in Zagreb serves as the industry’s premier showcase, featuring over 950 exhibitors and major publishers including Školska knjiga, Fraktura, Matrix Croatica, AGM, Golden marketing, and Algoritam.
Conclusion
Croatia’s publishing ecosystem represents a dynamic balance between tradition and innovation. From the comprehensive services offered by Professional Ghostwriters Company to the cultural preservation efforts of established publishers like Nakladni zavod Matice hrvatske, the industry demonstrates remarkable diversity and resilience.
The presence of 23 publishing companies and 12 publishing services companies creates a competitive yet collaborative environment that serves both Croatian readers and the international literary community. As Croatia continues to strengthen its position in the global publishing market, these 79 companies represent the foundation of a thriving literary culture that honors its past while embracing future opportunities.
Whether you’re an aspiring author, established writer, or publishing professional, Croatia’s diverse publishing landscape offers numerous opportunities for literary collaboration and cultural exchange. The industry’s commitment to quality, design excellence, and cultural authenticity ensures its continued growth and international recognition.
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.