This paper aims at identifying and analyzing Brazilian national and local policies on promoting literacy and the effects those policies have on the publishing industry situated in Salvador, Bahia. Methodology includes interviews with actors in that industry network of production and consumption; collection and analysis of data from publishing houses; analysis of public policies on
book publishing and literacy. The conclusion shows the need for implementation of policies on supporting private initiatives and investments in that industry; and the creation and/or development of school and public libraries, providing the necessary funds to acquire books in local publishing houses.