Chase imagination, fetch stories
Be part of the adventure in creating tomorrow's literature.'
About aso books
aso books is an independent publishing house based in Pasig, Philippines and Pinneberg, Germany.
We specialize in turning ideas into books before they are written, connecting visionary authors with a global community of readers and supporters.
Our mission is to celebrate creativity, bridging cultures, and bringing stories worth telling—especially from the Philippines—to a global readership.
Every book is translated into German and to other languages, ensuring stories reach readers worldwide. With a focus on literary works, artist books and innovative projects, aso books offers readers not just books, but experiences that inspire, challenge, and connect.
Why Germany and the German Language
Our choice to translate books into German is rooted in history and personal experience. During his years in Europe (approximately 1882–1887), José Rizal—one of the Philippines' national heroes—lived in Germany and developed friendships with influential thinkers, artists, and intellectuals. These connections helped shape his ideas about society, freedom, and creativity, creating a bridge between Philippine and German intellectual life.
On a personal level, one of aso books' co-founders remembers her own time as a university student: grappling with her Philippine roots while searching for literature in German that could help her explore them. She often found a gap—many important Philippine works were inaccessible to readers in Germany. This project is a response to that gap: a way to bring Philippine literature into the German language and, through it, to a broader international audience.
By doing so, aso books hopes to inspire the translation and dissemination of underrepresented literature from other countries as well, enriching the global book market with diverse voices and stories.
How It Works
At aso books, we combine innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange to make each project a unique literary experience.
Idea First
We present exciting book concepts online before they are written.
Community Support
Readers pre-order and support the projects through crowdfunding, helping ideas take shape.
Author Collaboration
Once a project is funded, we work with talented authors to bring the book to life.
Global Distribution
Finished books are published and additionally translated into German, while also being made available to readers worldwide.
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