Founded in 2016 in the commune of Aste, nestled in the Pyrenean foothills of southwestern France, INTI EDITIONS is a non-profit association dedicated to raising public awareness about the professions and processes surrounding the world of books. Our name reflects a deep respect for cultural roots, illumination, and knowledge—values that are central to our vision of publishing as a human, artistic, and intellectual endeavor.
We believe that the book is not merely a commodity but a vital cultural artifact. It is a vehicle for knowledge, imagination, memory, and dialogue. Behind every book lies a constellation of crafts, disciplines, and individuals—writers, editors, proofreaders, typographers, printers, designers, binders, booksellers, translators—all contributing their skills and sensibilities to bring a piece of literature to life. At INTI EDITIONS, we aim to shine a light on these people, processes, and stories, offering a window into the bookmaking journey from conception to publication.
A Collective of Passions
INTI EDITIONS is not a publishing house in the traditional commercial sense. It is a collective space—both physical and conceptual—where diverse individuals come together around a shared passion for books. Our members include authors, editors, educators, artisans, cultural mediators, and enthusiasts from various backgrounds. What binds us is a commitment to promoting editorial culture as a living practice accessible to all.
Our activities include the publication and promotion of literary and artistic works, the organization of training sessions and workshops, and the creation of public events that celebrate books, reading, and editorial craft. These events are often intimate in scale, favoring close contact and rich exchanges. We prioritize quality over quantity, process over speed, and authenticity over appearance.
A Place Rooted in Local Life, Open to the World
INTI EDITIONS is deeply rooted in the local cultural fabric of the Hautes-Pyrénées region, but our perspective is wide. We recognize that books transcend borders, languages, and generations. As such, our mission is to connect the local with the global, the traditional with the experimental, and the amateur with the professional.
We collaborate with schools, libraries, independent publishers, artists, and institutions to offer activities that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking. Whether we are hosting a small village reading circle, facilitating a workshop on handmade bookbinding, or organizing a public talk on editorial ethics, we approach each initiative with the same commitment to excellence and inclusion.
Our rural location is not a limitation but a source of strength. It allows us to create a quiet, focused environment for reflection and creation, while also inviting others to discover a different rhythm of cultural life. We welcome visits, residencies, and partnerships that respect our values and contribute to our shared mission.
Editorial Culture as Civic Practice
We view editorial work not only as a technical craft but also as a form of civic engagement. Every book published and every event organized is a contribution to the public sphere. By making visible the often-invisible labor behind books, we aim to foster a more informed, respectful, and participatory reading culture.
We encourage dialogue about the political, social, and ethical implications of publishing: Who gets published? Who decides what is worth reading? How can editorial practices empower marginalized voices? How do we ensure accessibility without sacrificing rigor?
Through debates, essays, and public interventions, we invite critical reflection on the role of publishing in society and advocate for more democratic, transparent, and inclusive editorial models.
Education at the Core
Education is one of the pillars of INTI EDITIONS. We regularly organize hands-on training sessions for people of all ages interested in learning about the book professions. These trainings range from introductory courses in editing and layout to specialized workshops in typesetting, printing techniques, and independent publishing.
We believe that knowledge should not be monopolized or mystified. By breaking down complex processes into approachable steps, we aim to demystify the editorial world and equip individuals with the tools to tell their own stories or support others in doing so.
We also work with schools and youth organizations to introduce younger generations to the power and beauty of books—not just as readers, but as potential creators. Our goal is to cultivate a sense of ownership, creativity, and critical literacy.
Our Publications
Although we are not a commercial publisher, INTI EDITIONS does produce limited-edition works, often in collaboration with local authors, illustrators, and artisans. These publications are carefully curated, both for their content and their form. We often experiment with alternative printing techniques, recycled materials, and handcrafted design.
Each book is treated as a singular object, a work of art as much as a medium of thought. Our editorial choices are driven by curiosity, relevance, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to contemporary literary and artistic conversations.
We also publish documentation of our workshops and events, as well as essays and reflections on the editorial process itself. These texts are made available to the public as part of our educational mission.
A Non-Profit Model with a Cultural Purpose
INTI EDITIONS operates as a non-profit association under French law. This status reflects our commitment to cultural service rather than commercial gain. All revenues from our activities are reinvested in our mission: to educate, inspire, and engage the public through books and editorial practices.
We rely on the dedication of our members, the participation of our community, occasional grants, and donations to carry out our work. This model allows us to maintain independence and stay true to our founding values.
Why INTI?
The name “INTI” comes from the Quechua word for “sun”—a symbol of illumination, growth, and renewal. In choosing this name, we pay homage to the idea of books as sources of light and warmth, guiding individuals and communities toward greater understanding, empathy, and creativity.
“EDITIONS” refers to the broader editorial ecosystem—not just the act of publishing books, but the entire constellation of practices that shape how knowledge and imagination circulate in society.
Together, INTI EDITIONS represents a space where light is cast on the book-making process, where ideas are nurtured, and where community forms around shared stories and values.