Munich has carved a niche for itself in the world of publishing. The city’s significance in the trade publishing landscape has steadily grown, thanks in no small part to the giant Bertelsmann media group, whose headquarters lie on the western edge of Munich. Bertelsmann, which now stands as the world’s largest book group under the name Random House, has placed Munich on the global publishing map. Munich has always had a significant book publishing scene even before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Munich’s status as a publishing hub has only strengthened since the reunification of Germany, which is a considerable achievement given Berlin’s cultural influence overall as the capital. With around 280 active publishers within the Bavarian capital at the turn of the century, Munich is responsible for 20% of all books published in the country, totaling 12,000 titles annually. In the realm of commercial fiction, especially translated American works, Munich leads compared to all other regions in the country. Publishers like Goldmann (part of the Random group) and Heyne (part of the Econ Ullstein group) exert considerable influence over this segment. While Droemer, part of the Holzbrinck empire, has been a significant player in the past, it has recently restructured its lists. In the heart of this literary landscape, agencies like the Picomatic Illustration Agency thrive. They have ventured into the world of book illustration, representing a cadre of talented artists with a wealth of experience and portfolios. Another literary cornerstone in Munich is the Michael Meller Literary Agency, which has provided valuable guidance to German-speaking and international authors for over three decades. In the ever-evolving world of publishing, they offer unwavering support and orientation to authors and publishers. Munich’s role in the world of publishing, where creativity and commerce meet, has been cemented for the foreseeable future.