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Publishers
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A B C »
- A & C Black Publishers Ltd
- was established in 1807 and has since made a name for itself through a wide range of non-fiction titles, from birdwatching to art and design. The publishing house also produces both non-fiction and fiction works for children. Now owned by Bloomsbury.
- www.acblack.com
- Amber Lane Press Ltd
- is a publisher of original modern play scripts as well as books about the theatre.
- www.amberlanepress.co.uk
- Andersen Press Ltd
- publishes fiction and picture books for children up to the age of 12. Quality is key with this firm which sells its books in association with Random House. They welcome unsolicited mss for picture books.
- www.andersenpress.co.uk
- Anvil Press Poetry
- is England's longest standing independent poetry publisher and though it is small, is surely perfectly formed.
- www.anvilpresspoetry.com
- Arc Publications
- has a good reputation for publishing high quality poetry, but be warned - they do not take kindly to submissions by unpublished poets.
- www.arcpublications.co.uk
- Arcadia Books
- is a small publisher that specialises in translated overseas fiction, as well as gay fiction, literary fiction, gender studies and biography. Recent awards show their size does not impede their success.
- www.arcadiabooks.co.uk
- Aurum Press Ltd
- prints quality non-fiction titles in the fields of general interest, art and crafts, lifestyle, travel and so on. Imprint Argentum focuses on practical photography books.
- 25 Bedford Avenue, London, WC1B 3AT
- Autumn Publishing Ltd
- is one of the UK's leading children's book publishers. Their range covers baby and toddler books, activity and sticker books and early learning.
- www.autumnpublishing.co.uk
- Barefoot Books Ltd
- produces picture books for children, specialising in the telling of new and old stories from a broad cultural spectrum.
- www.barefootbooks.co.uk
- Barny Books
- was founded with the aim of promoting and publishing new writers and illustrators. Their main field is children's literature, but they have also branched out into adult fiction and non-fiction. Approach by letter to Molly Burkett in first instance- the haven't the capacity to handle unsolicited mss.
- Hough on the Hill, Near Grantham, NG32 2BB
- Biscuit Publishing
- is a publisher of new writing, particularly short fiction and poetry. See website for competitions and local events.
- www.biscuitpublishing.com
- Birlinn
- is a publisher of Scottish interest works of non-fiction with a strong emphasis on the past - from history and archaeology to folklore, customs and military writing. Their imprint Polygon publishes Scottish poetry and fiction.
- www.birlinn.co.uk
- Black Ace Books
- publishes both Scottish and further afield works of new fiction and a limited range of non-fiction, including history, philosophy, biography and psychology. Please check submission details on website before sending.
- www.blackacebooks.com
- Blackstaff Press Ltd
- is a long-term publisher of mainly Irish interest books, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and humour. It is well-recognised for opening doors to local new talent.
- www.blackstaffpress.com
- Bloodaxe Books
- is a very well regarded contemporary poetry publisher with a brave attitude towards producing quality books. The website explains their submissions details and gives you some useful tips for getting published too.
- www.bloodaxebooks.com
- Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
- continues to go from strength to strength, now publishing some of the biggest names on the market including J.K.Rowling, Margaret Attwood, Donna Tartt. Fancy your chances? Check the website for submission guidelines.
- www.bloomsbury.com
- bluechrome
- publishes literary or experimental fiction and poetry. They are not currently accepting submissions, but keep checking their website as this is likely to change in the near future.
- www.bluechrome.co.uk
- The Book Castle
- publishes local interest works of non-fiction from the Oxfordshire/ Bedfordshire/ Hertfordshire/ Buckinghamshire area.
- www.book-castle.co.uk
- The Book Guild
- publishes fiction, children's and non-fiction, inculding an expanding specialism in the human interest genre. Originally a self-publishing firm, it is increasingly using straightforward publishing and covering costs itself.
- www.bookguild.co.uk
- Brewin Books Ltd
- specialises in publishing and distributing books about all aspects of life in the Midlands.
- www.brewinbooks.com
- Brown Skin Books
- publishes quality erotic fiction for black women. Please don't send any manuscripts, but ideas and synopses are always welcome. Have a look at their current titles or the website to get an idea of their market.
- www.brownskinbooks.co.uk
- Canongate Books Ltd
- began as a strongly independent publisher with a distinctly Scottish interest in fiction and non-fiction. More recently, their stock has grown rapidly and so has the interest in books with a more international outlook. Very influential.
- www.canongate.net
- Capall Bann Publishing
- is a family-run enterprise which specialises in mind, body and spirit books - including magic, astrology, past lives etc.
- www.capallbann.co.uk
- Carcanet Press Ltd
- has a solid reputation for new and classic poetry in English and in translation, as well as the occasional fiction and literary criticism. Have a look at the website to get an idea of the kind of material they look for.
- www.carcanet.co.uk
- Chapman Publishing
- Scotland's leading literary magazine says it looks for 'controversial, influential, outspoken and intelligent' works. Submissions of poetry, short fiction and critical essays are welcomed, as long as they come by post.
- www.chapman-pub.co.uk
- Chicken House Publishing
- is a small-but-growing children's book publisher with a reputation for finding and championing new talent. And unsurprisingly so - its founder Barry Cunningham discovered Harry Potter.
- www.doublecluck.com
- Child's Play (International) Ltd
- is 'more than just a publishing programme - it is a philosophy.' Whether or not you buy their one-big-happy-family stance, there is no doubting their widespread appeal in learning through play. They also produce games and toys.
- www.childs-play.com
- Colin Smythe Ltd
- deals mainly in publishing Anglo-Irish fiction, drama and history, while also acting as an agent for a select few authors.
- www.colinsmythe.co.uk
- Comma Press
- is a small publishing press in Manchester set up to champion the short story.
- www.commapress.co.uk
- Constable & Robinson Ltd
- publishes mainly non-fiction (autobiography, biography, travel, current affairs and so on) as well as a small proportion of literary fiction and crime novels.
- www.constablerobinson.com
- Crocus Books
- is the publishing arm of Commonword, the community organisation for writers in the north west. Cultureword, another element of the group, is dedicated to the writers from the local Asian, African-Caribbean and Chinese communities. Confused? See their website or pop into their Manchester office.
- www.commonword.org.uk
D E F »
- Dedalus Ltd
- suggest you research into their eccentric list of unusual, clever fiction writing before sending anything off; we suggest you also read their website for submission guidelines.
- www.dedalusbooks.com
- Diamond Twig
- is a small non-profit press which exclusively publishes new writing by women in the north of England - see their website for further submission guidelines.
- www.diamondtwig.co.uk
- Duncan Baird Publishers
- was founded in 1992 and has grown in scope and scale, publishing cultural; religious; mind, body and spirit and the like. Non-fiction only.
- Castle House, 75-76 Wells Street, London, W1T 3QH
- Enitharmon Press
- publishes both new poetry and that of unduly neglected writers. They are currently warning off submissions as their intake is full for the moment, but still keep an eye out for this respected publisher.
- www.enitharmon.co.uk
- Etruscan Books
- prints poetry in the English language from the UK and the US, as well as Gaelic works. Their particular interests are sound and visual poetry, lyric poetry and works of a Modernist bent.
- 28 Fowler's Court, Fore Street, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0AA
- Flambard
- is a small independent publisher in the north of England. It prints poetry, novels and short stories, with slight but not exclusive preference to local writers. See website for submission guidelines, they do accept unsolicited mss.
- www.flambardpress.co.uk
- Forward Press
- puplishes anthologies of general fiction and short stories.
- www.forwardpress.co.uk
- W. Foulsham & Co. Ltd
- publishes popular non-fiction: alternative health, lifestyle, sport and hobbies, gardening and such like.
- The Publishing House, Bennetts Close, Slough, SL1 5AP
- Fourth Estate
- has a solid reputation for quality, relevant fiction and non-fiction (current affairs' popular science, travel etc). It was acquired by HarperCollins in 2000.
- www.harpercollins.co.uk
G H I »
- The Gallery Press
- was founded in 1970 to provide a home for publishing contemporary Irish writers in Ireland. It publishes poems, plays and prose.
- www.gallerypress.com
- Garnet Publishing Ltd
- publishes books about the Middle East and Islam including art and architecture, travel, religious studies and fiction.
- 8 Southern Court, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QS
- Gomer
- is Wales' largest independent press, publishing works in English and Welsh for adults and children. The family-run business has over 100 years of experience.
- www.gomer.co.uk
- Grub Street
- has made its niche in the seemingly unrelated fields of Food & Wine and Military History publishing. And why not?
- www.grubstreet.co.uk
- Gwasg Carreg Gwalch
- publishes Welsh books and books in English of Welsh interest, including folklore, cooking, walking and poetry anthologies.
- www.carreg-gwalch.co.uk
- Halsgrove
- is the UK's leading regional publisher, with titles from regions across the British Isles they aim to bring high national standards to the regional marketplace.
- www.halsgrove.com
- Hambledon and London
- is a well considered publisher of history books and one-time winner of The Sunday Times' Small Publisher of the Year award.
- 102 Gloucester Avenue, London, NW1 8HX
- Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd
- has a lengthy list of imprints for every niche in the popular women's/ romance market. Their ongoing success is attractive to the adaptable writer, although this does mean they receive a huge number of manuscripts. The website has writing guidelines which may prove useful in your own context as well.
- www.eharlequin.com
- Headland Publications
- is one of the north west's leading poetry publishers with a particular interest in anthologies. They work with established names in British poetry as well as new, unknown and local poets.
- 38 York Avenue, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 3JF
- Honno Welsh Women's Press
- was set up in 1986 by a women's collective to create opportunities for Welsh female writers. They publish fiction, poetry, children's autobiography and classics by and for the women of Wales. The website shows Calls for Submissions.
- www.honno.co.uk
- Iron Press
- serves as an antidote to all those slick corporate publishers. Believing that literature should be both serious and fun, it champions new exciting writing.
- www.ironpress.co.uk
J K L »
- John Blake Publishing Ltd
- is a rapidly-expanding firm concentrating solely on mass-market non-fiction books. Please send synopses and ideas with an SAE only, no unsolicited mss.
- 3 Bramber Court, 2 Bramber Road, London, W14 9PB
- Leaf Books Ltd
- publish short stories, micro-fiction and poetry in small format books that are for sale in coffee shops. We run competitions whose winners are published. Leaf run competitions and also offer a private printing and website service for authors.
- www.leafbooks.co.uk
- Little Tiger Press
- is an innovative publisher of children's books, focussing on 'warm, bright, bold and appealing reads that are fun for children and for adults'. An imprint of Magi Publications.
- www.littletigerpress.co.uk
- Lonely Planet Publications Ltd
- is one of the world's leading independent publishers with a well-honed niche in travel books for cities, regions, countries and continents worldwide. They seek applications from professional writers with specialised knowledge of specific areas. See website for details.
- www.lonelyplanet.com
- Luath
- started out with Scottish guide books, but have since branched out into a wide range of non-fiction areas, as well as some fiction. Their aim? To 'publish well written books worth reading'.
- www.luath.co.uk
- The Lutterworth Press
- is an established, reputed publisher of religious books. It also publishes some adult non-fiction.
- www.lutterworth.com
M N O »
- Maia Press
- is a very small but dedicated publisher of high-quality fiction by new and established authors.
- www.maiapress.com
- Mainstream Publishing Co. (Edinburgh) Ltd
- is Scotland's leading non-fiction publishing house. It has recently announced a new partnership with the Random House Group. See website for submission guidelines as well as the all-important 'what happens next'.
- www.mainstreampublishing.com
- Marion Boyars Publishers Ltd
- are interested in a wide variety of non-fiction genres, including biography, philosophy, psychology, sociology, women's studies and more. They also accept fiction and poetry submissions, but from agents only. are interested in a wide variety of non-fiction genres, including biography, philosophy, psychology, sociology, women's studies and more. They also accept fiction and poetry submissions, but from agents only.
- www.marionboyars.co.uk
- Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
- calls itself London's last 'small but noisy family publishing house'. The specialities are in biography (think Andrew Morton's Diana), humour and commercial children's books.
- www.mombooks.com
- Milet Publishing Ltd
- is named after a historical site of Turkey's Aegean coast that was once considered the centre of knowledge - a place to exchange ideas and learn new philosophies. This is reflected in Milet's position as a mulitcultural, multilingual publisher of children's books.
- www.milet.com
- Neil Wilson Publishing Ltd
- is the umbrella company of several imprints including Vital Spark (humour), The In Pinn (outdoor, fishing etc), Angel's Share (whiskey, food, drink) and NWP (biography, history, general non-fiction). See website for more details.
- www.nwp.co.uk
- Nick Hern Books
- is one of the UK's leading specialists in performing arts publishing. They also license many of their plays for amateur performance.
- www.nickhernbooks.co.uk
- Oberon Books
- publishes play scripts and books about the theatre.
- www.oberonbooks.com
- Only Women Press
- is the proud publisher of women's - and by priority, lesbian - writing. It publishes fiction, non-fiction, poetry and short stories (although is currently at its limit for poetry), see the website for submission guidelines.
- www.onlywomenpress.com
P Q R »
- Parthian Books
- publishes poetry, fiction and drama by Welsh writers in the English language, as well as Welsh writing in translation. We particularly like them for the line, 'Books are a celebration and are launched with a few glasses of wine and some welsh cakes.'
- www.parthianbooks.co.uk
- Peepal Tree
- specialises in Caribbean, Black British and South Asian writing and is a truly independent press, doing everything from typesetting and designing their books, to packing them into boxes. They primarily publish fiction and poetry, but are developing their non-fiction and academic capacities.
- www.peepaltreepress.com
- Peter Owen Ltd
- was founded in 1951 and to many remains a reminder of the old school publishing houses. Unsolicited mss with accompanying letter and synopsis welcome for non-fiction; call in advance regarding fiction opportunities.
- www.peterowen.com
- Peterloo Poets
- publishes the work of poets both new and neglected, including the late starters amonst us. They describe their range as 'without frills, without fuss, and most definitely without the avant-garde.'
- www.peterloopoets.co.uk
- Phaidon Press Limited
- is an international publisher particularly renowned for its beautifully presented visual arts books. Covers arts, film, cuture, fashion and so on.
- www.phaidon.com
- Piatkus Books
- publishes commercial and literary fiction and a broad range of non-fiction. Noted for their successful women's writing. A strong independent.
- www.piatkus.co.uk
- Polygon
- is now under the ownership of Birlinn since 2002. They still welcome unsolicited mss, ideas, synopses for literary fiction and poetry titles.
- www.birlinn.co.uk
- Profile Books
- has been twice winner of Small Publisher of the Year awards. Its range covers history, biography, politics, popular science, travel and more.
- www.profilebooks.co.uk
- Pushkin Press Ltd
- publishes classic and contemporary European literature in translation.
- www.pushkinpress.com
- Reality Street Editions
- was formed in 1993 as an amalgamation of 2 existing independent presses, Reality Studios and Street Editions. They publish contemporary British poetry as well as international poets in translation. They do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.
- http://freespace.virgin.net/reality.street/
- Redbeck Press
- is a small but productive publisher, bringing out several poetry collections and anthologies a year, as well as works in translation.
- 24 Airville Road, Frizinghall, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD9 4HH
- The Rialto
- is one of Britain's major poetry magazines that has recently branched out into publishing books also, mainly first collections by up and coming poets. For more details see their website or read the magazine for a good idea of their style and interests.
- www.therialto.co.uk
- Robert Hale Ltd
- is a family-run publishing house, producing works of popular fiction and non-fiction. Nothing too specialised, although it has acquired J.A.Allen & Co. - established publisher of dog and horse books.
- www.halebooks.com
- Rockingham Press
- is based in Hertfordshire, and along with local-interest books it publishes poetry (including Persian, Turkish, Jewish); also history and biography.
- www.rockpress.freeserve.co.uk
S T U »
- Salmon Poetry
- is a long-standing press with a particular interest in works of Irish origin, although high quality work can tempt them to look further afield. For advice and more have a look at their useful website.
- www.salmonpoetry.com
- Samuel French Ltd
- have been publishing, selling and leasing plays since 1830, making the firm something of an expert in its field.
- www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk
- Saqi Books
- is an off-shoot of the Al-Saqi bookshop, Britain's largest Middle Eastern bookseller. As publishers, they work with writers of fiction, non-fiction and poetry with the aim of bridging the divide between the Middle East and Western cultures.
- www.saqibooks.com
- Scholastic Ltd
- creates books that 'educate, entertain and motivate children'. A leading brand in educational children's books, their market appeals to schools, parents and their kids alike.
- www.scholastic.co.uk
- Seren
- specialises in literary fiction and non-fiction from Wales in the English language. They publish an eclectic list of titles with the aim of pushing culture forward and bringing Welsh works to a wider audience.
- www.seren-books.com
- Serpent's Tail
- is an innovative independent which attracts the kind of titles not always published by the major houses. Contemporary fiction and gay fiction and a wide range of nonfiction titles. Well-regarded.
- www.serpentstail.com
- Severn House Publishers
- are leaders in the library fiction market, specialising in romance, fantasy, science fiction, crime etc.
- www.severnhouse.com
- Shoestring Press
- has moved on from its self-publishing days and now concentrates on breathing new life into currently neglected poetry books.
- www.shoestringpress.co.uk
- Short Books
- was launched in 2000 by former journalists aiming to bridge the gap between journalism and publishing. They have, in fact, gone further, introducing both a children's book range and teacher's resources.
- www.theshortbookco.com
- Simon & Schuster UK Ltd
- is well-regarded in its approach to new authors. The company is related to the major American firm of the same name, but editorially independent. Commerical and literary fiction and non-fiction.
- www.simonsays.com
- Smith/ Doorstop
- publish books, pamphlets and audio recordings of contemporary poetry. It is an imprint of Poetry Business - see their website for more details.
- www.poetrybusiness.co.uk
- Snowbooks Ltd
- is a publishing firm of ex-consultants who only publish books they love and can be proud of. See their website for a bit of philosophising and more information.
- www.snowbooks.com
- Solidus
- was set up by a group of writers disillusioned by the aim of so many publishers for established authors to simply keep on repeating earlier successes. They work with published writers who want to work without such constraints or in a different genre.
- www.soliduspress.com
- Stride
- say they 'inhabit the divide between the avant-garde and the traditional, the secular and the sacred, the mysterious and the everyday, the modern and the postmodern.' So far so good, but check their stringent submissions policy before you send in your beloved manuscript - you have been warned!
- www.stridebooks.co.uk
- Tartarus Press
- is twice the winner of the World Fantasy Award and specialises in creating beautiful books with a supernatural theme. Their emphasis is on quality throughout the publishing process, ensuring a high standard end product.
- www.tartaruspress.com
- Thames and Hudson Ltd
- is a worldwide publisher of high quality illustrated books, whose founding aim was to create a 'museum without walls' through its catalogue of books. This has come to include all the arts, travel, history, music etc.
- www.thamesandhudson.com
- Twenty First Century Publishers Ltd
- publishes fiction, thrillers and crime and welcomes email submissions. Include a synopsis and file attachments of chapters and send to manuscripts@connectfree.co.uk
- www.twentyfirstcenturypublishers.com
- Two Rivers Press
- is an independent and well-regarded publisher of literature, art and local history with a strong emphasis on imaginative, well-designed books.
- www.tworiverspress.com
V W »
- Vane Women Press
- is a writer's collective in the north east of England, including a press, writing workshops and performance.
- www.vanewomen.co.uk
- Virago Press
- is the UK's strongest publisher of women's writing - both fiction and non-fiction - with a repuation for both reliability and innovation. An imprint of Time Warner Books UK.
- www.virago.co.uk
- Walker Books Ltd
- is arguably Britain's leading children's independent publisher, offering a broad range from straight fiction and non-fiction to board books, activity books, gift sets etc. A high quality publishing house.
- www.walkerbooks.co.uk
- Wellsweep
- call themselves a publisher of fine innovative literary translation from Chinese. Their website is currently under construction, so watch this space.
- http://www.shadoof.net/wells/wsamples.html
- Writersworld
- publishes self-publishing, print-on-demand books in the UK. Also issues the ISBN number in the author's name.
- www.writersworld.co.uk
X Y Z »
- X Press
- is Europe's largest publisher of Black interest books, and their next stop is the world! Their work is largely popular, contemporary fiction, including children's, though they also publish a renowned Black Classics series.
- www.xpress.co.uk
