Independent Publishing House — Palermo
Independent Publishing House — Palermo
We are an independent publishing house based in Palermo. We support contemporary photographers whose work sheds light on marginalized subjects, social tensions, overlooked histories, and the complexities of identity.
Our publishing ecosystem operates on several levels. We design and print independent publications and bespoke photography books that reflect each artist’s unique vision. Alongside these, we have two structured series: the Folio series, characterised by a rapid production cycle and a standardised design (21×28 cm) presented in a printed envelope, and the Quaderno Palermo, a series dedicated to the visual impressions evoked by observing the city of Palermo. Finally, our selection includes special editions, limited runs and signed copies.
Our interest in contemporary photography extends far beyond the printed page. In addition to publishing, we organize exhibitions, artist talks, and book launches throughout the country, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue between artists and their audiences.We regularly document this ecosystem of initiatives in our news section, a space where we report on our participation in national and international photography fairs, physical exhibitions, live events and critical analyses of our artists.
89Books was founded with the primary aim of elevating the photobook to a true artistic medium, offering tangible opportunities to those at the start of their careers or with little prior experience in photographic publishing. The Make a book with us section embodies this approach: it is not merely a space for submitting work, but an invitation to an editorial collaboration.
We accept proposals at any time, whether it’s a completed layout or a large, unorganised collection of photographs. In the latter case, we act as true creative partners: we work closely with you to curate the selection of images, edit the content, construct the narrative sequence and design the book, with the aim of bringing a marketable publication to life.
Our residency programme supports professionals in the contemporary art world, with a specific focus on photography and bookmaking. Over a period lasting an average of two weeks (which can be adapted to suit individual needs), artists can refine an existing project to turn it into a book, or develop a new one by shooting photographic material in Palermo and then compiling it into a photobook. We also provide selected candidates with an official letter of support, which is useful when applying for external funding to cover travel expenses and a daily allowance.
Book proposals can be submitted at any time, either as a complete draft or as an invitation to collaborate on developing a project based on a larger body of photographic work (submit your portfolio. In the latter case, we will work closely with you to select the images, build a sequence and then a layout, with the aim of producing a carefully conceived publication. Visit the Make a book with us page for more information.
Yes. 89books mission is to create tangible opportunities for talents at the start of their careers or those new to the field of photobooks.
Quaderno Palermo is a series of publications entirely dedicated to photographic interpretations of the city of Palermo, a visually captivating city rich in layers of history. The series brings together both projects developed by photographers entirely independently and works created as a direct result of our artist residency programme, conceived in close collaboration with the publishing house.
Folio is a series designed to meet photographers’ desire to produce limited-edition publications quickly, without ever compromising on quality. The volumes in this series feature a standard format (21×28 cm) and are presented in a printed envelope that enhances their tactile and collectable nature. Submissions for Folio are always open: we accept applications from artists and photographers who already have a fully developed visual project.
At 89Books, our focus remains firmly on showcasing the photobook as an object of art and curation, which is why each of our publishing projects has its own unique material identity. We work closely with the artist and local printers to select papers, bindings and printing techniques that best bring out the book’s concept, ensuring excellent colour reproduction and tactile quality. Precisely to preserve this artisanal and collectable value over time, we usually do not offer permanent discounts, but we do provide our readers with a financial benefit by regularly offering our Bundles: carefully curated packages combining two or more related volumes. Furthermore, we periodically organise special events, limited-time promotions or sales for the last remaining copies, which we always announce in advance to our newsletter subscribers.
Delivery costs and times vary depending on the weight of the books, the final destination and the delivery service selected. To ensure maximum transparency, our system automatically calculates and displays the exact rates and estimated delivery times directly during the checkout process, before payment is confirmed.
We work exclusively with a network of certified and reliable national and international couriers (such as DHL, UPS and Poste Italiane), offering the most competitive rates. Our logistics system automatically selects the most efficient and cost-effective carrier for your specific geographical area, ensuring optimal transit from our headquarters in Palermo to your address.
As soon as your book has been packed and has left our warehouse, you will receive a dispatch confirmation email. This will include the tracking number and a direct link to track your order’s journey in real time, from the moment it is handed over to the courier until delivery.
Yes, we ship globally. We handle all the necessary export documentation in-house. However, if you order from a country outside the European Union, your parcel may be subject to import duties or customs charges levied by local authorities. These charges are always payable by the recipient.
We know how important it is to keep a photo book in good condition. We take the utmost care when packing every order, using sturdy protective materials and professional packaging. This ensures that the corners, binding and cover of your Folio or special edition arrive at their destination in perfect condition, regardless of the courier used.
From the moment you receive your order, you have 14 days to initiate a return request. Before posting the item, you must send an email to info@89books.com, including your name, address, email address, order number and the name of the item you wish to return. You may only post the item once you have received confirmation from us.
The customer is responsible for the postage costs for returns, unless otherwise agreed and/or specified by email.
Yes. You are responsible for any damage the books may sustain during the return journey. We strongly recommend that you post the items well–packed, in excellent condition and in their original packaging. We also suggest that you provide a tracking number so that you can monitor the delivery.
If your return shipment is international, it is essential to mark the parcel with the words “Returned Goods”. This is to avoid being charged customs duties. We accept no liability for any duties imposed by customs on returned parcels.
Your refund will be processed using the same payment method you chose for your original purchase. Please note that if the product or its packaging appears to be used or damaged upon return, we reserve the right to deduct any loss in value from the total refund amount.
Founded by a photographer, 89books emerged from the desire to elevate the book as an artistic medium and to create opportunities for photographers at the beginning of their careers, as well as for those with little or no previous experience in photobook publishing. Book proposals may be submitted at any time, either as a completed dummy or as an invitation to collaborate on the development of a project from a larger body of photographic material. In the latter case, 89books works closely with the artist on image selection, editing, sequencing, and graphic design in order to shape the work into a carefully conceived publication.
Folio is a special series of 89books dedicated to the production of fast-paced publications distinguished by a cohesive design and a standard format (21 × 28 cm). Each edition is housed in a printed envelope, reinforcing the tactile and collectible nature of the object. With Folio, 89books aims to respond to photographers’ desire to produce limited-edition publications quickly, while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Folio is continuously open to submissions from artists and photographers with fully developed projects seeking to transform their work into a carefully conceived publication.
The 89Books AIR Program (Artists in Residence) supports professionals working in contemporary art, with a particular focus on photography and bookmaking. During the residency, residents may either refine an existing project with the aim of transforming it into a book, or develop new work in the city of Palermo intended to become part of Quaderno Palermo – a collection of impressions of the city and its inhabitants conceived in dialogue with the 89books team. The residency also seeks to question and expand the very notion of the “book,” exploring new possibilities for how photobooks can be made, structured, viewed, and experienced. Residencies typically last two weeks. Shorter or longer stays may be arranged individually. Selected candidates receive a letter of support to assist with applications for external funding covering travel expenses and per diems.
Quaderno Palermo is a special publication series dedicated to photographers’ interpretations of Palermo, a city endlessly photographed and immortalized in cinema. At once visually captivating and deeply neglected, Palermo offers a rich and layered terrain for artistic exploration. Projects may be developed independently or within the framework of the 89books Artist-in-Residence program. The intended outcome is a publication in the Quaderno Palermo series.
