Publishing Companies in Nigeria: Which Type Fits Your Book
The short answer
Publishing companies in Nigeria fall into four kinds: traditional book publishers that choose titles for their own list, full-service self-publishing companies, print-only shops, and global platforms such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. Pick by what you need done, who keeps your rights and royalties, and the total naira price. Harmony Publishing is a full-service self-publishing company in Lagos, and the author keeps 100% of royalties and all rights.
Updated October 2026 · By Harmony Publishing · Harmony is one of the companies listed, so we show our sources for every claim.
The kinds of publishing company in Nigeria
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
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
What are the main publishing companies in Nigeria?
Established book publishers include Bookcraft, Lantern Books, Vista International, Cassava Republic and Ouida Books. Self-publishing companies such as Harmony Publishing handle editing, design, printing and distribution for the author. Compare what each one does and who keeps your rights.
Who are the book publishers in Nigeria?
Traditional book publishers in Nigeria choose manuscripts for their own list and pay royalties. If a publisher asks you for a fee, it is a subsidy or self-publishing service, so read the contract and check who owns your rights before paying.
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.