The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Are you an author with a finished first draft, wondering where to publish your book? We’ve got you covered. Below is a list of the most important and famous publishing houses that promise to showcase your valuable work, along with examples of their best-sellers. All you have to do is send them your draft and wait for them to respond! We assure you that you’re only one email away from publishing your book.

1- Kitaby 

Kitaby supports new talents and aspiring authors, publishing an array of books in English and Arabic. From novels to self-help books, examples of their publications include:

1- I Am Not Fat by Abe Solyman is a personal story about his experience with bullying. Solyman grew up as an obese child, and through the eyes of other children, his obesity was a target for ridicule and abuse. This book is an honest account of what the author went through, how he changed his life, and an inspiration for others to do the same. 

2- Dear Tia by Maria Zaky Sedky is a novel about the relationships that are meant to stay with us. When Nadia, Tia’s grandmother, dies after a battle with cancer, she leaves behind a box of letters for Tia. Revealing the darkness of Nadia’s past, the letters act as a guide for Tia’s future. 

2- Horof Publishing House 

Founded with the aim of bringing into the market a collection of new books conveying strong messages, Horof Publishing House has become a great addition to our literary community. As promised, Horof is dedicated to shedding light on remarkable authors who write brilliant books in our beloved Arabic language. Their publications include: 

1- Shaal Ateefa by Mostafa Fathy explores the author’s relationship with his mother, who passed away in 2018. Mostafa Fathy describes this book as not merely a book about pain and grief but a story that encapsulates love, loss, happiness, and nostalgia for those you loved so dearly. 

2- Nawahy Al-Batrakhana by Mina Adel Gayed is a series of stories set in Nawahy Al-Batrakhana. The author’s personal experience in his hometown of Al Minya—a place known for its turbulent and eventful nature—inspires the stories. 

3- Diwan Publishing

Known for its slogan, Diwan Tells Stories, Diwan is dedicated to helping authors convey their messages and creative voices through stories. Diwan believes every story deserves to be told and is worth being heard, and it continues to promote worthy new talents. Books published by Diwan include: 

1- Sinai People Faces of Time by Kathrin Sombold is a book published by a German photographer who has been living in Egypt since 1994. This book showcases the lives of Bedouins, as well as immigrants who live in Sinai

2- Fountain of the Drowning by Reem Bassiouney is a novel about a romance between Galila and Hasan (Galila’s black servant) that takes place during major historical events in the 19th century.

4- Dawen Publishing House

Dawen Publishing House is recognised as an important publishing house in Egypt and was honoured by the Egyptian Publishers Union in 2019. Additionally, Dawen won 10 awards in poetry and novels from the Sawiris Cultural Awards. It is one of the first independent young publishing houses that produce educational and cultural books targeting youth and arab readers. Their publications include: 

1- 8 Minutes After Sunset is a novel about finding oneself in this fast and jumpy world. The author explores the possibility of being calm and collected, as well as someone who isn’t a part of the madness of daily life. 

2- I Loved a Refugee is about an Egyptian young man’s endeavour to become a businessman out of owning taxis; the appearance of a Syrian girl he falls in love with makes him set out to create a homeland for her.  

5- El Rowaq Publishing House 

Encompassing multiple genres, from novels, stories, history, and art to biographies, self-help, and psychiatry books, El Rowaq Publishing House has distributed more than 300 titles. They aim to shed light on worthy talents who don’t often get a chance to publish their work. Their publications include: 

1-  My Father Whom I Hate by Dr Emad Rashad Osman is a book that discusses our previous, unhealed wounds that shape who we are now. Claiming that all we ever wanted was to feel okay, the author emphasises how we deserve to be loved and valued without abandoning who we are to be more accepted. 

2- Elegant Home and Planner by Lobna El Haw addresses the lifestyle of a mother or a wife and gives tips on how to establish a routine that reduces chaos and disorganisation. 

6- Al Kotob Khan 

Al Kotob Khan is an independent publishing house and bookshop has been a beacon of creativity and passion since its inception in 2006. Some of its publications include:

1- In the Footsteps of Enayat Al-Zayyat by Iman Mersal is a book that juggles different genres throughout. Iman Mersal turns her obsession with who Enayat Al-Zayyat is to an account of who She actually was and how she would have been had she lived in our time now. 

2- The Diaries of Waguih Ghali is edited by Mai Hawas and Diana Athill and translated by Mohamed Al Dakhakhny. It was written by Waguih Ghali, the Author of Beer in the Snooker Club. Ghali was an Egyptian writer born in Alexandria. He committed suicide and passed away in 1969, leaving behind his diaries, which tell the story behind his character.