Next chapters: the publishing market in Spain
The publishing sector in Spain is one of the most important in Europe and has played a crucial role in the dissemination of culture, knowledge and literature of the Spanish language. Over the years, the publishing market has undergone significant transformations, from the emergence of the digital format to changes in consumers’ reading habits. However, despite these challenges, the sector remains robust and diverse, with a wide range of publishers that publish all types of books, from novels and essays to children’s books and academic texts.
In this context, several publishers stand out that not only lead the market in terms of sales, but also have a significant impact on culture and the dissemination of knowledge. Next, we explore the six most important publishers in Spain, considering both their history and their influence on the sector.
The publishing market in Spain
Spain is the fourth largest producer of books in Europe, and Spanish, as one of the most spoken languages in the world, offers a wide potential market not only within the country’s borders, but also in Latin America and in Spanish-speaking communities on other continents. According to the Federation of Publishers Guilds of Spain (FGEE), the publishing sector in Spain published more than 70,000 titles in 2022, with narrative being the predominant genre, followed by non-fiction books and educational texts.
In terms of formats, although the printed book is still the favorite of readers, the digital book has gained ground in recent years. The advent of e-commerce and the proliferation of digital reading platforms have made it easier to access books, allowing readers to buy and enjoy titles without having to go to a physical bookstore. However, this technological advance has brought with it new challenges, such as piracy and the adaptation of traditional publishers to new formats.
Despite these changes, some publishers have managed to remain references in the Spanish market, and have successfully adapted to the new times. Below, we highlight six of the most important publishers in the current Spanish landscape.
Grupo Planeta is, without a doubt, the largest and most influential publisher in Spain. Founded in 1949 by José Manuel Lara Hernández in Barcelona, Planeta has grown to become a multinational giant with a presence in more than 20 countries. Through its various divisions and publishing labels, such as Seix Barral, Destino and Espasa, Planeta covers all literary genres, from narrative to essay, and from self-help to scientific dissemination.
One of the keys to Planeta’s success has been its ability to diversify and adapt to market changes. The publisher is not only known for its successes in fiction, but also for its strong presence in the field of non-fiction books and academic texts. In addition, Planeta organizes the prestigious Planeta Prize, which is one of the most economically gifted literary awards in the world, giving it enormous visibility and prestige.
The second major publishing group in Spain is Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, which is part of the international conglomerate Penguin Random House, owned by the multinational Bertelsmann. The history of this publisher in Spain began in 2013, when the Spanish-language division of Random House Mondadori was transformed into Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, consolidating its position as one of the biggest players in the sector.
Like Planeta, Penguin Random House has a wide range of publishing labels, including Alfaguara, Plaza & Janés, and Grijalbo, which publish both established authors and new talents. Penguin Random House has been a pioneer in adapting to digital formats and has developed a solid catalog of electronic books and audiobooks, allowing it to remain at the forefront of the modern publishing market.
Anagrama is an independent publisher founded in 1969 by Jorge Herralde and has established itself as one of the most prestigious in Spain and Latin America. Specializing in contemporary literature, Anagrama has been key in the dissemination of the literature of foreign authors in Spain, especially Anglo-Saxon and French authors. It has also been a fundamental platform for the launch of Spanish-language writers.
The Anagram catalog is known for its literary quality, with titles ranging from novels to critical essays, and for its ability to detect and promote new voices. Although it remains an independent publisher, Anagrama has been able to maintain its relevance in a market dominated by large business groups, thanks to its focus on quality and its commitment to literature.
Tusquets Editores is another of the leading publishers in Spain, known for its catalog of high-quality literature and for having published some of the most important authors in contemporary literature. Founded in 1969 by Beatriz de Moura and Óscar Tusquets, the publisher has been one of the great drivers of foreign literature in the country, introducing authors such as Milan Kundera, Haruki Murakami and Paul Auster to the Spanish market.
In 2012, Tusquets was acquired by Grupo Planeta, which allowed it to strengthen its infrastructure and expand its international presence, without renouncing its editorial essence focused on quality literature.
Salamandra is another publisher that has left a significant mark on the Spanish literary scene. Founded in 2000, Salamandra became especially known for having acquired the rights in Spanish to the Harry Potter book series, which catapulted it to fame and allowed it to consolidate itself as a successful publisher. Although known for publishing bestsellers, Salamandra has also maintained a high-quality literary catalog, with authors such as Jonathan Franzen, Zadie Smith and Margaret Atwood.
In 2019, Salamandra was acquired by Penguin Random House, which meant joining one of the largest publishing groups in the world, but without losing its identity as a publisher focused on quality literature and the discovery of new talent.
Siruela is a publisher that stands out for its focus on literary quality and originality. Founded in 1982 by Jacobo Siruela, this publisher has always opted for a carefully selected catalog, which includes everything from classical literature to contemporary authors. Siruela has been key in the promotion of narrative and essay authors, and has been characterized by the creation of highly successful collections, such as the Essay Library or the Medieval Library.
In 2000, Jacobo Siruela left the management of the publisher, and it was taken over by the Mora-Figueroa family, who have continued the tradition of publishing high-quality books. Siruela remains an independent publisher with a catalog highly valued by demanding readers.
The publishing sector in Spain is a competitive and dynamic market, where large groups and independent publishers coexist to offer a wide variety of literary works. Publishers such as Grupo Planeta and Penguin Random House dominate in terms of volume and international presence, while Anagrama, Tusquets, Salamandra and Siruela continue to set trends in the field of quality literature and the search for new voices.
