Harmony Publishing

Best Book Publishing Companies in Nigeria (2026): An Honest Guide

The short answer

The best publishing company in Nigeria depends on your book and your budget. Local publishers, print-only shops, self-publishing companies and global platforms each do different jobs. Compare what is included, who owns your rights and royalties, and the total naira price. Harmony Publishing is full-service, with 100% royalties to the author.

Updated October 2026 · By Harmony Publishing · Harmony is one of the companies listed, so we show our sources for every claim.

Types of company compared

  • Established Nigerian publishers

    Traditional publishers: they select titles for their own publishing programme

    Best for: Authors who want a traditional publisher to pick up their manuscript

    • Bookcraft: one of Nigeria's best-known literary publishers, respected for quality publishing across genres.
    • Lantern Books (Literamed Publications): one of Nigeria's oldest publishing houses, best known for educational books and children's titles.
    • Vista International: a Lagos-based publisher frequently listed in review round-ups for publishing services.
    • Cassava Republic: an acclaimed literary publisher with a strong catalogue of African fiction and non-fiction.
    • Ouida Books: a Lagos literary publisher known for contemporary Nigerian writing.

  • Local full-service publishers

    Nigerian houses that handle editing through to printing

    Best for: Authors who want a local, hands-on publisher

    • Terms differ between houses, so ask each one who owns your rights, ISBN and royalties before you sign.

  • Print-only shops

    Printers, including in Lagos

    Best for: Authors who only need printing and have finished files

    • A printer prints your files; editing, design, ISBN and distribution are for you to arrange.

  • Harmony Publishing

    Full-service self-publishing, based in Lekki, Lagos

    Best for: Authors who want the whole process handled and want to keep their rights and 100% of their royalties

    • A full-service self-publishing company: cover design, interior layout, ISBN and barcode, eBook conversion and global distribution through Amazon and IngramSpark, with the team handling the process for you.Source: Harmony: self-publishing packages
    • Editing (copyediting and proofreading) comes from the Premium package up, and printed copies are included from the Complete package up. See the packages page for what each package contains.Source: Harmony: self-publishing packages
    • You keep 100% of your royalties and all rights to your book.Source: Harmony: self-publishing packages
    • Prices on this site are in naira and are not converted from dollar prices. See the packages page for the current list.Source: Harmony: self-publishing packages

    See the packages

  • Global platforms: KDP and IngramSpark

    Self-serve platforms for international readers

    Best for: Authors targeting diaspora and international readers who can prepare their own files

    • Amazon KDP is free to publish on, mainly for Amazon; its ebook royalty options are 35% or 70% of list price.Source: Amazon KDP: ebook royalties
    • IngramSpark is free to sign up and upload, and says it reaches "over 45,000" bookstores, retailers and libraries. No editing or cover design is included.Source: IngramSpark: how distribution works

Global platform details come from each company's own website and help pages, checked 4 October 2026. The descriptions of the established Nigerian publishers are carried over from our earlier Nigeria publishers guide.

How to choose in Nigeria

Check what is included
Editing, cover design, layout, ISBN, printing and distribution: ask for each in writing.
Check who owns your rights
Your rights, your ISBN and your royalties should stay with you.
Check the total naira price
Ask for an itemised price, including printing and delivery.
Check for hidden figures
Avoid anyone who will not itemise or who takes your rights.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Which publishing company is best in Nigeria?

It depends on your book and your budget. Local publishers, printers, self-publishing companies and global platforms each do different jobs. Compare what is included, who owns your rights and royalties, and the total naira price.

Do I keep my rights when I publish in Nigeria?

With Harmony Publishing you keep 100% of your royalties and all rights to your book. Check the same point with any company you consider, and avoid anyone who takes your rights.

Is Harmony Publishing priced in naira?

Yes. On this site prices are in naira and are not converted from dollar prices. See the packages page for the current list.

Is Harmony Publishing a Nigerian company?

Yes. Harmony Publishing Ltd is based at Plot 8 The Providence St, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and has operated since 2016, with 1,000+ books published for 500+ authors in 20+ countries.

Do Nigerian publishers charge authors a fee?

Traditional publishers do not; they pay royalties. Vanity and subsidy presses charge the author a fee, so check the contract before paying anyone.

How long does publishing take in Nigeria?

With Harmony, turnaround is 4 to 6 weeks as standard and occasionally up to 8 weeks. This does not include editorial, illustration or special design services, which need additional time.

Can I publish an eBook as well as print in Nigeria?

Yes. eBook conversion and distribution are available, and a book can be released as a printed book and an eBook together.

Can I publish internationally from Nigeria?

Yes. Platforms such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark reach international readers, and Harmony Publishing handles global distribution through Amazon and IngramSpark.