25 Publishers in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide to the Literary Landscape

Introduction

Singapore's publishing industry has flourished in recent years, with the rise of digital platforms and a growing appetite for local content. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the top 25 publishers in Singapore, showcasing their strengths, specializations, and impact on the local and international literary scene.

Top 25 Publishers in Singapore

1. Ethos Books (文学城)

• Founded: 2006
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Chinese-language literature, non-fiction, and children's books

2. Epigram Books

• Founded: 2011
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Singaporean literature, Southeast Asian literature, and non-fiction

3. Marshall Cavendish Education

• Founded: 1959
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Educational publishing for K-12 and higher education

4. NUS Press

• Founded: 1980
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Academic and scholarly publishing, focusing on Southeast Asian and Asian studies

5. Oxford University Press Singapore

• Founded: 1978
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Educational and scholarly publishing, including textbooks, academic journals, and reference books

6. Pagesetters Services

• Founded: 1985
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Book design, editorial services, and printing for self-publishing authors

7. Pearson Singapore

• Founded: 1990
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Educational publishing for K-12, higher education, and professional development

8. Red Wheelbarrow

• Founded: 2006
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Singaporean literature, Southeast Asian literature, and literary non-fiction

9. Select Books

• Founded: 1989
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Independent bookstore and publisher of Singaporean literature, poetry, and non-fiction

10. Straits Times Press

• Founded: 1984
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Current affairs, history, and biography

11. Sun Yat-Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

• Founded: 1997
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Chinese-language literature, history, and culture

12. The History of Singapore Pte Ltd

• Founded: 2003
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Singaporean history and heritage

13. Timbre Books

• Founded: 1998
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Poetry, fiction, and non-fiction by Singaporean and international authors

14. Tuttle Publishing

• Founded: 1948
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Asian culture, history, travel, and language learning

15. World Scientific Publishing

• Founded: 1981
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Academic and scholarly publishing in science, technology, and medicine

16. Monsoon Books

• Founded: 1995
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Poetry, fiction, and non-fiction from Southeast Asia and beyond

17. Armour Publishing

• Founded: 1996
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Travel guides and lifestyle books

18. Flower Pul Press

• Founded: 2009
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Poetry, fiction, and non-fiction by emerging and experimental writers

19. Little Red Dot Books

• Founded: 2012
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Children's books and early education materials

20. Singapore Association for the Deaf

• Founded: 1955
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Educational and resource materials for the deaf community

21. Singapore Book Council

• Founded: 1988
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Book fairs, literary events, and support for the publishing industry

22. Singapore Management University

• Founded: 2000
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Academic and scholarly publishing in business, finance, and technology

23. Talisman Books

• Founded: 2010
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Southeast Asian literature, including translated works

24. The Straits Times Press (MediaCorp)

• Founded: 1845
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Newspapers, magazines, and book publishing

25. Wildlife Reserves Singapore

• Founded: 1990
• Headquarters: Singapore
• Specialization: Non-fiction books on wildlife, conservation, and natural history

Industry Statistics and Trends

According to the Singapore Book Council, the local publishing industry generated revenues of S$769 million in 2022. The top three segments were educational publishing (46%), trade publishing (29%), and scholarly publishing (13%).

The rise of e-books and digital platforms has had a significant impact on the industry. In 2022, e-books accounted for 20% of total book sales, up from 10% in 2018.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Singapore publishing industry faces several challenges, including:

• Competition from international publishers
• Rising production costs
• Decline in traditional book sales

However, there are also significant opportunities for growth, such as:

• Growing demand for Southeast Asian literature
• Expansion of the e-book market
• Support from government initiatives

Tips for Aspiring Publishers

For aspiring publishers in Singapore, here are some tips:

• Identify a niche - Focus on a specific genre or target audience to differentiate your publishing house.
• Build a strong editorial team - Hire experienced editors who can identify and develop quality content.
• Invest in marketing and publicity - Reach your target audience through a variety of channels, including social media, book fairs, and online advertising.
• Embrace digital platforms - Offer your books in both print and e-book formats to cater to the growing demand for digital content.
• Collaborate with other publishers - Partnerships can help you expand your reach and access new markets.

FAQs

Q: What is the largest publisher in Singapore?
A: Marshall Cavendish Education

Q: What is the most popular genre of books published in Singapore?
A: Educational books

Q: What government initiatives support the publishing industry in Singapore?
A: The National Arts Council's Arts and Culture Resilience Package and the Singapore Book Council's BookSMART Program

Q: What new technologies are emerging in the publishing industry?
A: Artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and blockchain

Q: What are some challenges facing the publishing industry in Singapore?
A: Competition from international publishers, rising production costs, and decline in traditional book sales

Q: What are some opportunities for growth in the publishing industry in Singapore?
A: Growing demand for Southeast Asian literature, expansion of the e-book market, and support from government initiatives

Conclusion

The publishing industry in Singapore is a vibrant and growing sector, offering a diverse range of local and international content. With a strong foundation in educational publishing and a growing reputation for literary excellence, Singapore's publishers are well-positioned to continue to contribute to the global literary landscape.