Are you a Norwegian author who has written a book?
Do you want to get your book published?
One of the following 19 top book publishing companies in Norway might just be the perfect publishing house for you and your manuscript.
1. Kagge Forlag
Based in Oslo, Kagge Forlag is a medium sized publisher in the country. Its popularity is due to its extensive and interesting book list. Their main goal is to focus on finding and publishing intriguing, challenging stories in various genres. They publish everything including and not limited to fiction, crime, thriller, science, mystery, romance, math, children’s books, sports, biographies, memoirs, food and lifestyle in Norwegian and English. Amateur writers and authors are always welcome as they accept all kinds of scripts for review. You can send your manuscript via email along with a personal bio and a synopsis.
2. Kolon Forlag
Kolon Forlag or Colonel Publishing is one of the country’s most successful publishers. Publishing only fiction, the company has had a great track record working with some of the most prolific authors in Norway. From iconic authors and thinkers such as Walter Benjamin to Bertolt Brecht, Kolon has worked with most of the successful names in the business. Formed in 1995, the publisher is based in Oslo. They only accept manuscripts via post and request you to send your email and contact number along with it. You can find the submission guidelines listed on this page.
3. Gyldendal Norsk Forlag
Founded in 1925, Gyldendal Norsk Forlag has had a rich history in Norway’s publishing and literature. In the 19th century, many Norwegian writers had to approach Danish publishers to get noticed. Gyldendal was one of the first Norwegian publishing companies in the country offering local writers and authors a chance. The company was committed to printing and promoting local authors and let their country’s literature and talent be recognized on a global level. Kolon is also a part of this esteemed publishing group. The publisher prints books in genres such as fiction, education, legal, non-fiction, crime, thrillers, romance, mystery and kindergarten in languages such as Swedish, Norwegian and English. You can find the submission guidelines listed on this page along with the contact details.
4. Tiden Forlag
Tiden Forlag or Time Publishing was established in 1933. It was formed by the Labor Party to use books, information and literature to impact minds about socialism and its benefits. During the German occupation, the publisher was shut down because of its political and social nature. The editor was arrested and several books and written material was shredded or destroyed as warning to others. Over the years, Tiden started publishing more genres and styles but its commitment to the Labor Party was still strong. The company became the first Norwegian publisher to represent JRR Tolkien, the legendary fiction author. Eventually they shifted its focus to fiction, children’s books, biographies and non-fiction. Gyldendal bought the company in 1996. In 2004, Tiden became an imprint of Gyldendal. You can submit your proposals or manuscripts via email to the Oslo based publisher. The submission guidelines are listed on this page.
5. Cappelen Damm
In Norway, most bookshops are owned by publishers or bookshops become publishers. Cappelen was one of the first and oldest bookstore turned publisher in Norway started in 1829. Currently it is also one of the biggest publishing groups in the country and owns several imprints and independent subsidiaries. The store printed and sold educational books, guides, religious and family books. Damm was formed in 1843 as a separate book store printing and selling fiction. Damm and Cappelen were bought and managed by various publishing groups. In 2007, both the giants were merged to become the country’s biggest publishing house. Continuing the tradition of being a bookstore first, Cappelen Damm still owns and runs a bookstore and a café. With over 100 years of publishing history among them, they have most of the reputed and famous authors on their roster. They print and publish crime, thriller, mystery, children’s fiction, young adult fiction, non-fiction, entertainment and academic books. Writers and authors can submit a manuscript after reading the guidelines and contact details mentioned here.
6. Aschehoug
Following literary traditions popular in the country, Hieronymus and Harvard Aschehoug established H. Aschehoug & Co in 1872. The store and publishing company was taken over by William Nygaard and Thorstein Lambrecht in 1888. With its rich literary history and impressive client roster that includes Nobel Prize Winners, Aschehoug is presently one of the big 5 publishers in Norway. In 1961, Aschehoug, Gyldendal, Cappelen and Tiden formed the Norwegian Book Club. They have not shied away from publishing unconventional, challenging and unique literature that is often rejected by other conventional publishers. In its 146 years of existence, the publisher has helped Norwegian authors and writers get recognized for their talent and writing skills. Aschehoug is accepting scripts and proposals in all genres of fiction, education, non-fiction and entertainment in English and Norwegian. You can find the submission guidelines and contact details here.
7. Universitetsforlaget
Universitetsforlaget AS is the prime academic press in Norway. An independent division of Aschehoug, it was originally started in 1950. Aschehoug took over in 1982, giving it new life and expanded it to include more non-fiction literature. Located in Oslo, they also offer awards and prizes to the best of non-fiction, journals and articles in the country annually. The academic publisher prints almost 140 books in a year and has a backlist of 1600 titles. They are open to script proposals and ideas so you can write to them requesting further details and information.
8. Fagbokforlaget
Established in 1992, this purely educational publisher has offices in Bergen, Oslo, Sopot and Trondheim. They print teaching materials, educational guides and books, digital tools for kindergarten to higher education. Fagbokforlaget is part of a large publishing house- Forlaghuset Vigmostad & Bjorke. They are always on the lookout for fresh, new writers and authors who want to write educational materials and information for students. You can contact any editor personally with a proposal and ideas. Or you can use this link to send files that are too big to be attached in an email.
9. Pax Forlag
Pax was launched in 1964 to use literature and books to spread radicalism in Norway. In the initial years, Pax aggressively printed and published books that debated and discussed culture, politics and social change. Pax played a vital part in recognizing and pushing culture, spirit and national issues of importance. It was a publisher with a purpose and its books testified to its commitment to literary excellence. Fiction writers can’t approach Pax because they only publish translated works of fiction, the latest being bestselling author Arundhati Roy’s new book. Writers and authors of philosophy, science, culture, social issues, religion, language, arts, nature and non-fiction are welcome to send their proposals or manuscripts. You can submit a manuscript or send a query letter via email.
10. Anthropos Forlag
Another of the traditional bookstore and publisher, Anthropos is named after its incline towards anthroposophical literature and books. Based on a philosophy sketched by Rudolf Steiner–Anthroposophy is the belief that man exists on several levels. The primary level is the spiritual and the material level is the last. While other genres such as fiction, children’s books and educational material are also available at the bookstore in many languages, it prefers philosophy and other sciences. The bookstore is housed in the Anthroposophical Society building and also publishes several journals and articles about the life and teachings of Steiner. You can use the contact form to send a query regarding your manuscript or proposal.
11. Dreyers Forlag
Originally started as Andresen & Butenschon in 1985, it changed its name to Dreyers in 2010. They are proud publishers of Norwegian fiction and fiction from all over the world which is translated in local languages. Based in Oslo, they print and publish books in various genres such as children’s books, art, entertainment, local culture, history, philosophy, travel, languages, hobbies and religion. Writers and authors interested in getting published with Dreyers need to email them for more information.
12. Larsforlaget
Part of the Cappelen Damm group, Larsforlaget was started by author and adventurer Lars Monsen and Erik Pettersen. It was a way to get his stories published which spoke about his travels and trips. Finding and printing real travelers, adventure junkies and wilderness enthusiasts, they prefer books about nature, travel, action and adventure. Anything that involves nature, travel, treks, hitchhiking or passion for adventure is their choice. Writers will have to mail the editor to inquire about submissions and queries.
13. Bazar Forlag
This popular Nordic publisher has worked with several global authors and writers by translating their works in Norwegian. Barely 16 years old, Bazar has managed to rise up the ladder by printing and publishing works of note and intriguing authors on a national and global level. Their ambition is to an independent publisher with a focus on premium, quality literature that shares stories across genres and generations. They usually print translated fiction by Paulo Coelho, Cecilia Ahern, David Safier and many others. They are currently not accepting submissions but you can contact them via email to learn more.
14. Efrem Forlag
A boutique publisher preferring quality over quantity, Efrem is a Christian publisher. Launched in 2008, it has only 50 titles in its catalog and is a proud member of the Norwegian Publisher’s Association. Despite being a Christian publisher, they print and publish books about the Christian faith, spirituality, culture, society, essays and texts about religious debates. Writers and authors can also send fiction to Efrem. Read the submission guidelines and contact details listed on this page.
15. Embla Forlag
Bjorg Vollan and Olav Hougen are established publishing professionals who wanted to find and promote exciting new literary talent and authors. They founded Embla Forlag in 2004 to publish books on food, children’s books, hobby, humor, comedy and local culture. Even with the digital age, Embla believes in the future of books and authors and has continued to support its writers by letting them write their stories the way they want. Find the submission guidelines and contact details mentioned on this page.
16. Gursli Berg
A small and exclusive publishing house, Gursli Berg only prints 6-8 books annually. These books are the cream of the cream and are written in beautiful prose that brings the story alive. Situated in Oslo, the company was formed in 2012. They translate engaging, interesting works from other languages and offer a global plethora of books for the Norwegian readers. Bestselling authors like Robert Dugoni are part of the Gursli Berg camp. Fiction, cooking, travel, literature and essays are some genres they prefer. You can send a query via email to learn more.
17. Hermon Forlag
Norway’s largest Christian publisher has been in the industry since 1983. It has published almost 1500 titles spreading the message of Christianity and its principles across the world. They publish translated fiction, books about the faith, spirituality, growing up Christian, values, education, biographies and novels. They accept general fiction that leans towards positive values and ideals. Leading authorities on Christianity have worked and published with Hermon. You can contact them using this online form for further details.
18. Humanist Forlag
Founded in 1995 to publish books about humanity, human nature and ethics, Humanist Forlag is located in Oslo. An exclusive and premium publisher, they only print 8-12 books annually. Genres they consider include textbooks, cases and real stories about crime, philosophy, history, human rights, religion and culture. Their books are often meant to engage rather than entertain and raise crucial questions about society and man. Read the extensive submission guidelines here before you send your manuscript via email.
19. Jaeren Forlag
A medium sized publisher in Bryne, Jaeren Forlag was formed in 2012. Since then it has worked actively to print, promote and publish new, exciting voices in literature. They print a vast range of genres such as business, law, ethics, cooking, food, travel, arts and crafts, fiction, thriller, mystery, music, pets and nature. They are eager for amateur, unpublished writers to work with so they can form a relationship from scratch. Unlike many publishers who prefer a complete manuscript, Jaeren will work with authors on an idea to bring it to fruition. They will help you polish and edit it so it can achieve its full potential. The selection process for Jaeren is exhaustive and will require approvals from multiple sources before it is accepted for publishing. Send the first 50 pages of your manuscript via mail in a Word document or by post.
Do you know any other book publishers in Norway? Please tell us about them the comments box below.
Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.