Finding the right publisher in Belgium can feel like a hunt for treasure, with unique literary scenes thriving in both Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia. To help you navigate this rich landscape, here is an essential guide to the top 57 book publishing companies in Belgium for 2025.
1. Vox Ghostwriting
Vox Ghostwriting isn’t a traditional publishing house that acquires manuscripts, but a professional service that can be instrumental for authors looking to get published. As a ghostwriting and publishing services platform, it’s an excellent resource for those who have a book idea but need help with the writing process. This unique position in the market makes it a top choice for aspiring authors who want to ensure their manuscript is polished and ready for submission to traditional publishers or for self-publishing.
- Key Services: Professional editing, ghostwriting, book design, and publication support.
- Specialization: Offers a wide range of services for fiction, non-fiction, business books, and memoirs.
- Author Focus: Provides a comprehensive solution for authors who need professional-level assistance from concept to publication.
2. Lannoo Publishers (Uitgeverij Lannoo)
Lannoo Publishers is one of Belgium’s largest and most respected publishing houses, based in Tielt. A cornerstone of the Flemish publishing scene, it has a long history and a diverse catalog that spans various genres.
- Genres: Fiction, non-fiction, art books, children’s books, travel guides, and lifestyle.
- Notable: Known for high-quality, beautifully produced books. It has a significant presence in the international market, particularly for its art and photography titles.
3. DPG Media Group
As a major media conglomerate, DPG Media Group is a powerful force in the Belgian and Dutch media landscape. While primarily known for newspapers and magazines, it has a significant publishing arm that includes several well-known book imprints.
- Genres: Broad range of fiction and non-fiction, often leveraging its media network for promotion.
- Impact: Its sheer size and market reach give it a huge advantage in book distribution and marketing.
4. Roularta Media Group
Another major Belgian multimedia company, Roularta Media Group, is a key player in publishing. It owns numerous magazines and newspapers, and its book division, like DPG’s, benefits from a vast network and audience.
- Genres: A wide array of books, from general interest to more specialized topics, often related to its magazine titles.
- Influence: Has a strong focus on media and events, which often ties into its book releases.
5. Borgerhoff & Lamberigts
Borgerhoff & Lamberigts is a dynamic publisher with a reputation for a strong commercial sense and a keen eye for bestsellers. Based in Ghent, it has become a prominent name in the Flemish publishing world.
- Genres: Non-fiction, memoirs, current affairs, and popular science.
- Characteristics: Known for publishing titles that often become bestsellers and generate a lot of media attention.
6. Davidsfonds Uitgeverij
Rooted in the Flemish cultural movement, Davidsfonds Uitgeverij is a publisher with a strong focus on history, art, and heritage. It publishes books that contribute to the knowledge and appreciation of Flemish culture.
- Genres: History, art, culture, and fiction with a strong local connection.
- Mission: To promote the Flemish language and culture through its publications.
7. Pelckmans Uitgeverij
Pelckmans Uitgeverij is a well-established name, particularly in the educational sector. While it is a major producer of schoolbooks and teaching materials, it also has a general publishing list.
- Genres: Educational books, non-fiction, and children’s literature.
- Reputation: A leader in educational publishing in Flanders.
8. EPO (Epo Uitgeverij)
Epo Uitgeverij is a politically engaged publisher known for its critical and left-leaning titles. It focuses on social and political issues, offering a platform for authors who challenge the mainstream.
- Genres: Political non-fiction, current affairs, history, and social science.
- Characteristics: An independent press with a clear ideological stance.
9. Averbode (Uitgeverij Averbode)
Averbode is a major publisher of children’s and youth literature. It is renowned for its high-quality educational and recreational publications for young readers.
- Genres: Children’s books, comic books, and magazines for different age groups.
- Market: A key player in the school and children’s market in both Flanders and Wallonia.
10. Houtekiet (WPG Uitgevers)
Houtekiet is an imprint of WPG Uitgevers, a major Dutch publishing group with a strong presence in Belgium. It is known for its diverse and high-quality fiction and non-fiction.
- Genres: Literary fiction, thrillers, and non-fiction.
- Reputation: A respected name that publishes both established and new authors.
11. Standaard Uitgeverij
Standaard Uitgeverij is a household name in Belgium, especially for its comic book publishing. It is the publisher of iconic Belgian comics, including classics like Suske en Wiske (Spike and Suzy) and De Kiekeboes.
- Genres: Comic books, children’s books, and general interest.
- Legacy: A cultural institution in Belgium due to its connection to the country’s famous comic strip tradition.
12. Manteau
Manteau is one of the most prestigious literary imprints in Flanders. It has a long history of publishing significant Flemish authors and has played a crucial role in the development of Flemish literature.
- Genres: Literary fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.
- Distinction: A publisher with a rich literary heritage and a focus on high-quality, award-winning writing.
13. Witsand Uitgevers
A younger, more independent publisher, Witsand Uitgevers has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on a select number of carefully chosen titles each year.
- Genres: Literary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
- Approach: Known for its boutique feel and close relationship with its authors.
14. Vrijdag
Vrijdag is an independent publisher with a strong focus on literary fiction and thoughtful non-fiction. Based in Antwerp, it is committed to publishing books that are both commercially viable and artistically significant.
- Genres: Literary fiction and non-fiction.
- Ethos: A publisher with a clear identity and a dedication to quality content.
15. De Bezige Bij Antwerpen
An offshoot of the famous Dutch publisher De Bezige Bij, the Antwerpen branch has its own identity and focuses on a mix of local and international authors.
- Genres: Literary fiction, poetry, and essays.
- Heritage: Benefits from the legacy of its parent company while maintaining a distinct Flemish focus.
16. Van In
Van In is a major educational publisher, focusing exclusively on creating and distributing textbooks and digital learning materials for primary and secondary education.
- Genres: Educational publishing.
- Market Position: A dominant force in the Belgian school market.
17. Clavis (publisher)
Clavis is an internationally renowned children’s book publisher, based in Hasselt. It’s known for its beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully crafted books for young readers.
- Genres: Children’s picture books, young adult novels, and board books.
- Global Reach: Its books are translated and sold in many countries, making it a major player in the international children’s book market.
18. Academia Press
Academia Press is an academic publisher based in Ghent. It specializes in scholarly works and scientific publications, often in partnership with universities and research institutions.
- Genres: Academic and scientific literature.
- Focus: A vital publisher for Belgian scholars and researchers.
19. UGA Uitgevers
UGA Uitgevers specializes in professional literature, particularly in legal and business fields. It provides a wide range of books and digital products for professionals.
- Genres: Law, economics, and business.
- Audience: Professionals and students in specialized fields.
20. Uitgeverij P
Uitgeverij P is a small, independent publisher with a strong focus on poetry and literary fiction. It is a vital part of the Belgian literary scene, giving a platform to poets and new voices.
- Genres: Poetry, literary fiction, and essays.
- Specialization: A key player in the niche market of Belgian poetry.
21. Le Lombard
Le Lombard is a legendary comic book publisher, based in Brussels. It is one of the most iconic publishers of the “Franco-Belgian” comic style and is responsible for classics like Tintin.
- Genres: Comic books (bande dessinée).
- Legacy: A powerhouse in the European comic book industry with a historic legacy.
22. Dupuis
Another historic and highly influential comic book publisher, Dupuis is responsible for creating a pantheon of beloved characters, including Spirou et Fantasio and the Smurfs.
- Genres: Comic books and youth literature.
- Cultural Significance: A giant of the Franco-Belgian comic book world.
23. Casterman
Casterman is a renowned publisher with a long history. It is famous for its comic books, particularly for publishing the first adventures of Tintin in book form, but it also has a strong literary and youth publishing division.
- Genres: Comic books, children’s books, and general literature.
- Influence: An old and respected name in French-language publishing.
24. Mijade
Mijade is a French-language publisher of children’s and youth literature. It focuses on beautifully illustrated books that often address important social and emotional themes.
- Genres: Children’s books.
- Characteristics: Known for its high-quality illustrations and engaging stories.
25. Weyrich Edition
Weyrich Edition is a publisher based in Wallonia, with a strong focus on local history, heritage, and regional guides. It is a publisher deeply connected to its local community.
- Genres: Regional guides, history, and non-fiction.
- Focus: A champion of Walloon culture and history.
26. M.E.O. Éditions
M.E.O. Éditions is a literary publisher based in Brussels. It’s known for publishing a wide range of general literature, including works from foreign authors in translation.
- Genres: General literature, essays, and translations.
- Profile: An active and growing part of the French-speaking literary scene.
27. Luc Pire Éditions
Luc Pire Éditions is a well-known name in French-speaking Belgium. It publishes a diverse range of non-fiction, including essays, history, and books on current events.
- Genres: Non-fiction, essays, and history.
- Reputation: A respected publisher with a reputation for thought-provoking content.
28. Renaissance du Livre
A historic and prestigious publishing house in Brussels, Renaissance du Livre has a long tradition of publishing high-quality literary and non-fiction books.
- Genres: Literature, art, and history.
- Legacy: A publisher with deep roots in Belgian cultural history.
29. Kennes Éditions
Kennes Éditions is a relatively young publisher but has quickly become a key player in the French-speaking market, especially for its youth literature and comic books.
- Genres: Youth literature, comic books, and non-fiction.
- Growth: A modern and dynamic publisher with a growing market share.
30. Racine (Éditions Racine)
Racine is the French-language sister company of Lannoo Publishers. It focuses on a similar catalog of high-quality illustrated books, including art, history, and heritage titles.
- Genres: Art, history, heritage, and lifestyle.
- Connection: Part of a larger publishing group with a strong reputation.
31. La Martinière Jeunesse
As part of a larger French group, La Martinière Jeunesse has a strong presence in the Belgian market for its high-quality children’s books.
- Genres: Children’s and young adult books.
- Quality: Known for innovative and visually stunning books.
32. L’Âge d’Homme
L’Âge d’Homme is a Swiss publisher with a notable presence in French-speaking Belgium. It is known for its serious literary and philosophical works.
- Genres: Literary fiction, philosophy, and essays.
- International: Part of a larger, international publishing network.
33. Éditions Labor
Éditions Labor is a long-standing publisher in Wallonia with a focus on education and general knowledge. It is a key provider of educational resources.
- Genres: Educational, historical, and general non-fiction.
- Role: A significant contributor to the French-speaking educational system.
34. Les Impressions Nouvelles
Les Impressions Nouvelles is an independent publisher with a focus on literary fiction, essays, and graphic novels. It is a respected name in the more alternative and literary scene.
- Genres: Literary fiction, graphic novels, and non-fiction.
- Profile: A publisher with a unique and curated catalog.
35. Espace Nord
Espace Nord is a publisher dedicated to reprinting and publishing classic works of Walloon and Brussels literature. It is an important project for preserving and promoting the literary heritage of the region.
- Genres: Classic literature, poetry, and essays.
- Mission: To make the literary heritage of French-speaking Belgium accessible to a new generation of readers.
36. Larcier (Larcier-Intersentia)
Larcier is a major legal and business publisher. It provides a wide range of books, journals, and digital resources for legal and financial professionals.
- Genres: Legal and professional publishing.
- Authority: A leading name in Belgian legal publishing.
37. die Keure
die Keure is a family-owned publishing and printing company based in Bruges. It is a significant player in the educational and professional publishing sectors.
- Genres: Educational books, professional literature (especially law), and custom publishing.
- Services: Offers both publishing and high-quality printing services.
38. Acco
Acco is a publisher with a strong focus on academic and higher education. It works closely with universities and colleges to produce textbooks and scholarly works.
- Genres: Academic and university textbooks.
- Partnerships: A vital partner for the Belgian academic community.
39. Les Éditions de l’Heure
Les Éditions de l’Heure is a small but important publisher of poetry and literary texts in French. It is part of the independent literary scene in Brussels.
- Genres: Poetry and literary essays.
- Niche: Focused on providing a platform for poetic expression.
40. Editions Nevicata
Nevicata is an art and photography book publisher with a reputation for producing high-quality, visually stunning works.
- Genres: Art books, photography, and illustrated non-fiction.
- Aesthetics: Known for its beautiful book design and production.
41. Le Chat Polaire
Le Chat Polaire is a publisher of children’s and young adult literature, known for its creative and engaging stories.
- Genres: Children’s and young adult fiction.
- Style: Publishes books with a strong focus on imagination and fun.
42. Le Vistemboir
Le Vistemboir is an independent publisher in Wallonia with a focus on regional literature and non-fiction. It is committed to showcasing local talent.
- Genres: Regional fiction, history, and non-fiction.
- Community: A publisher that is deeply embedded in the Walloon literary community.
43. Brepols
Brepols is a highly specialized academic publisher with a global reputation. It focuses on the humanities, especially history, archaeology, and medieval studies.
- Genres: Scholarly publishing in the humanities.
- International: An internationally respected publisher with a strong academic profile.
44. Prisme Éditions
Prisme Éditions is a publisher of architecture and design books. It works with architects and designers to create beautiful and informative publications.
- Genres: Architecture, design, and art.
- Specialization: A niche publisher for the design and architectural communities.
45. La Muette
La Muette is an independent publisher with a focus on history and culture. It publishes books that offer new perspectives on historical events and figures.
- Genres: History and cultural non-fiction.
- Independence: A small press with a curated and thoughtful list.
46. VUBPress
As the university press of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUBPress publishes a range of academic and scholarly works across various disciplines.
- Genres: Academic research, scholarly monographs, and textbooks.
- University Connection: The publishing arm of a major Belgian university.
47. Leuven University Press
Similar to VUBPress, Leuven University Press is the academic publisher for the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. It is one of the premier university presses in Belgium.
- Genres: Academic books, research publications, and journals.
- Reputation: Known for publishing high-quality academic works.
48. La Bellone
La Bellone is a publisher focused on theater and performing arts. It publishes scripts, critical essays, and historical works on the performing arts scene in Belgium.
- Genres: Performing arts, theater, and cultural history.
- Niche: A dedicated publisher for the theatrical community.
49. CFC-Éditions
CFC-Éditions is a publisher based in Brussels that focuses on the city itself. It publishes books on Brussels’ history, architecture, and culture.
- Genres: Local history, urbanism, and culture of Brussels.
- Local Focus: A key resource for anyone interested in the history of the Belgian capital.
50. Alice Éditions
Alice Éditions is a children’s and young adult publisher known for its imaginative and diverse catalog.
- Genres: Children’s and young adult literature.
- Characteristics: Publishes a wide variety of genres for young readers.
51. Les Contes d’Artimon
Les Contes d’Artimon is a small independent publisher that specializes in children’s books and illustrated stories.
- Genres: Children’s books.
- Style: Focuses on creative and beautifully illustrated stories for young children.
52. Les Éditions de l’Olivier
Les Éditions de l’Olivier is a French literary publisher with a strong presence in the Belgian market, known for its high-quality literary fiction.
- Genres: Literary fiction and essays.
- Distinction: Part of a prestigious French publishing group.
- Ker ediciones
Ker ediciones is a publisher in the Walloon region that focuses on literature and non-fiction.
- Genres: Literature and non-fiction.
- Profile: An independent publisher with a focus on local and regional authors.
54. La Boîte à Bulles
La Boîte à Bulles is a French comic book publisher with a strong presence in Belgium. It publishes a diverse range of graphic novels and comics.
- Genres: Graphic novels and comic books.
- Innovation: Known for publishing a mix of classic and contemporary comic art.
55. Éditions de la Louve
Éditions de la Louve is an independent publisher with a focus on alternative culture, fantasy, and science fiction.
- Genres: Fantasy, science fiction, and alternative literature.
- Niche: Caters to a specific and dedicated readership.
56. Éditions Les Yeux Verts
Les Yeux Verts is a publisher of poetry and short stories. It is a small press that is committed to new and emerging literary voices.
- Genres: Poetry and short stories.
- Mission: To provide a platform for new literary talent.
57. Alice Jeunesse
Alice Jeunesse is a dedicated publisher of children’s and youth books, with a focus on promoting reading and creativity among young people.
- Genres: Children’s and young adult literature.
- Audience: A key player in the Belgian youth literature market.
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