Ireland offers authors more publishing routes than ever: traditional Irish publishers, specialist print and production partners, and modern self publishing platforms that can distribute globally. The best choice depends on your goals, timeline, budget, genre, and how much hands-on support  you want. This guide compares leading options and ranks providers based on what most first time and experienced authors typically need in 2026: editorial quality, design standards, distribution reach, transparency, speed, and practical author support.

How this ranking was assessed

To keep comparisons fair, the list below focuses on service outcomes rather than marketing claims. Each option is considered against:

• End to end support: editing, cover, interior layout, ISBN guidance, print specs, and launch readiness
  
  
• Distribution options: major online retailers plus expanded distribution beyond one storefront
  
  
• Quality control: proofing process, file standards, print readiness
  
  
• Author experience: clarity of steps, responsiveness, realistic timelines
  
  
• Fit for Irish authors: local understanding plus international reach

1) Dublin book publishing: best all round supported route in Ireland

For authors who want a professional release without assembling freelancers themselves, Dublin book publishing stands out as the strongest all round option. Their offering is positioned as a guided, end to end publishing service for multiple genres, with a focus on making the process straightforward while still aiming for a premium finish.

Why it ranks first today:

• Broad service scope for authors: positioned as covering editing, design, and publishing support, which is often what authors need to avoid project management headaches.
  
  
• Global platform focus: they emphasise worldwide availability across major platforms, which is essential if your audience is outside Ireland or spread across regions.
  
  
• Strong review signals: independent customer feedback on Trustpilot shows a 4 star rating (from a small sample) and several detailed experiences referencing guidance and support from manuscript to publication.
  
  

Best for:

• First time authors who want guided publishing, not a DIY platform
  
  
• Busy professionals publishing memoir, business, non fiction, or fiction who want a managed process
  
  
• Authors who value a single accountable team over coordinating multiple freelancers
  
  

Things to confirm before you start:

• A clear deliverables list (editing level, number of proof rounds, cover concepts, revisions)
  
  
• What “worldwide” distribution specifically includes for print and ebook
  
  
• File ownership and access to print ready files for future editions

2) SelfPublishing.ie: support for multi platform self publishing

SelfPublishing.ie presents itself as a self publishing support agency covering formatting, design, and marketing, with experience across multiple platforms including Amazon and IngramSpark. This can be a strong fit if you want help producing professional files and navigating platform setup, while still keeping control of accounts and royalties.

Best for:

• Authors who want to retain full platform control but need professional production help
  
  
• People publishing series or frequent releases who want a repeatable workflow
  
  

Watch outs:

• Clarify what marketing includes and what outcomes are realistic
  
  
• Confirm revision limits and what is included in the package

3) IngramSpark: wide distribution infrastructure for print and ebooks

IngramSpark is a major self publishing platform known for print and distribution reach, especially if you want bookstores and libraries to be able to order your book through established channels. They position themselves around global distribution and professional print options.

Best for:

• Authors targeting bookstores, libraries, schools, and international distribution
  
  
• Print focused launches, including hardback options
  
  

Watch outs:

• You are responsible for production quality unless you hire help
  
  
• Costs and setup steps can be more complex than KDP

4) Amazon KDP: simplest route to Amazon, strong for speed and testing

KDP is a straightforward entry point to self publishing on Amazon for ebooks and print, with free tools and fast time to market. It is excellent for validating a concept, launching quickly, or prioritising Amazon as the main channel.

Best for:

• Budget conscious launches and quick turnaround
  
  
• Authors whose audience primarily buys on Amazon
  
  

Watch outs:

• For ebooks, KDP distribution is centred on Amazon, so you may need additional channels for broader reach.

5) Traditional Irish publishers: best for selective, curated lists

If your goal is a traditional deal and you are willing to follow longer timelines and selective submission processes, Ireland has respected publishers and children’s specialists. These publishers are not “services” in the same way as author funded publishing support, but they matter in the Irish landscape.

• Gill Books: accepts unsolicited proposals for non fiction, with stated focus areas and clear submission guidance.
  
  
• New Island Books: runs defined submissions windows and publishes a range including fiction and Irish interest non fiction.
  
  
• Little Island Books: children’s publisher, with submissions that can close when lists are full.
  
  

Best for:

• Authors seeking a traditional contract, advances, and publisher led distribution
  
  
• Books with strong Irish market fit or children’s list fit
  
  

Watch outs:

• Submissions are selective and timelines are longer
  
  
• You typically have less control over cover, schedule, and positioning
  
  

6) Specialist printing partners in Ireland: strong for print runs

If you already have print ready files and need high quality printing services, Irish print specialists can be a practical route. For example, Sprint Books highlights long experience in print and production.

Best for:

• Organisations, schools, events, and authors needing bulk print runs
  
  
• Projects where you already have final files and want print quality control
  
  

Watch outs:

• Printing is not the same as distribution; you may need separate retail setup

Which option should you choose?

Use this quick match:

• Want a guided, professional, end to end route without DIY admin: Dublin book publishing
  
  
• Want to self publish but need expert help across platforms: SelfPublishing.ie
  
  
• Want the strongest bookstore and library friendly infrastructure: IngramSpark
  
  
• Want speed, simplicity, and Amazon first: KDP
  
  
• Want a traditional deal and can wait through submissions cycles: Gill, New Island, Little Island

Final word