Are you an author based in Leicester, Nottingham or Derby?
Have you written a book and are looking for a list of book publishers in the East Midlands?
Below are 5 publishing houses not too far from you.
1. Sweet Cherry Publishing
Do you wish your book to become one that children have to read more of before bedtime? Would you be happy knowing your story has shaped their imagination and the way they perceive the world as they grow up? Then you have to keep reading!
The Leicester-based Sweet Cherry Publishing has been the purveyor of engaging, life-changing children’s and YA books since 2011, and you won’t find a team of such passionate young editors and designers elsewhere. A few years ago, the Midlands were recognised to have a particularly low literacy rate in the UK, and these guys have been doing everything they can to encourage good reading habits from the youngest age.
Sweet Cherry publishes fiction exclusively, divided into categories starting at 0-5 years, and ending with the awkward teenage years – 12 +. Among new editions of children’s classics, fresh, exciting books get published there, one of the upcoming titles being a YA quirky romance “Lily’s Just Fine” by Gill Stewart.
Sweet Cherry editors are currently calling for middle-grade and young adult stories! Bear in mind they’re interested in series particularly – stand-alone titles might not make the cut. All submissions are to be made electronically. You can find more details here.
2. Monsoon Books Ltd
Writers passionate about all things Asia will be happy to learn about this niche publishing, which was established in Singapore! Founded in 2002, the independent Monsoon was incorporated in Leicester three years ago, to spread an interest in Asian themes and culture over European literature.
Another thing that sets this publisher apart from minor, solely UK-based companies is of course the international outreach. With offices across the ocean, representatives in Europe and spots at significant book fairs around the globe, Monsoon can provide you with the worldwide recognition you deserve. The popularity of your book doesn’t have to end with amazing sales in one country – Monsoon can boast projects that were further translated, or even moved into different media by being adapted for television.
Monsoon authors write both fiction and non-fiction, which can stretch into any sub-genre, as long as it relates to Asian themes. From biography and true crime, to travel and food, the possibilities are truly endless.
This publishing accepts unsolicited manuscripts, regardless of whether you’re represented by an agent or not. Submissions are managed through a convenient online system, which you can take a look at here. Also there, you will find guidelines on how to create the best possible proposal.
3. Five Leaves Publications
Five Leaves is a traditional English press, established in Nottingham in 1996 and releasing between 10 and 15 new titles annually. Although they mainly publish within the areas of politics, local history and London, their separate imprints have been formed to dabble in different topics and genres.
More Shoots – More Leaves may interest fledgling poets, while literary archaeologists would perhaps like to sift through the forgotten titles, rediscovered by New London and Bromley House Editions imprints.
Most of the local authors, who have published with Five Leaves, are already well established, but the press does not say no the debut work either. What might be surprising for such a small, intimate publishing, the majority of authors are not local to East Midlands! It’s particularly admirable to learn that Five Leaves supports expats and refugees in their UK-based publishing endeavours.
To show their support for independent publishing companies like their own, Five Leaves co-organises many book festivals and fairs, to bring local and international writers and readers together.
Unfortunately, for the time being Five Leaves does not accept unsolicited manuscript submissions. Check back here in a couple of months or contact the editors directly for advice on getting published.
4. The Book Guild Ltd
Another Leicester-based press is the Book Guild, founded over 30 years ago and giving up-and-coming authors possibly the biggest free reign out of all publishing companies mentioned here.
As oppose to small, modest presses, The Book Guild churns out around 100 titles each year, while remaining independent and giving their authors plenty of patience and personal attention they value throughout the process. Writers are welcome to embark on their publishing journey with The Book Guild regardless of whether they’ve done it before, or are only just beginning.
There are four major categories – fiction and poetry, children’s, non-fiction, as well as biography and travel – which within them have a world of possibilities. To illustrate, one of the latest fiction titles published is “5 Simple Steps to Saving Planet Earth” by Jo Withers – an aliens vs. little boy adventure for younger readers.
The Book Guild publishing operates in both traditional and partnership ways, depending on the nature of the publication and its market potential. Manuscripts unsuitable for conventional publishing, may be considered for publishing in some form of partnership. All the details regarding the differences between the above, can be found on this page. You do not require an agency to submit a proposal to The Book Guild, so we’re afraid you have nothing to lose – that means go time!
5. Loggerhead Publishing
Cleverly written books and teaching aids do not only benefit the students and their development, but can also help guide the teachers towards achieving best possible results.
Loggerhead Publishing, a Northampton-based company specialising in resources for those working with children and young people, produces just that kind of material. Dedicated to a range of different age groups and tackling various areas and issues, Loggerhead teaching aids are first and foremost practical, and truly deliver at giving teachers the support they need.
Mostly focused on mental health and emotional well-being, Loggerhead publications cover, among many others, stress and anxiety, social skills, self-esteem, anger management and feelings – problems so many of us still seeks answers to as adults, as a result of poor ‘life education’ at school.
Loggerhead is very much open to your ideas – even if they’re not a book yet. It may be a interactive game, or a rough sketch, they’d still like to hear about it and share it with those, who need that sort of stimuli. You’ll find proposal guidelines and contact information here.
Are there any other book publishers in East Midlands that should be on this list? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
Zofia Filipowicz is a freelance journalist living in Poland. She has graduated from De Montfort University in Britain, with a first class degree in Journalism and English Literature. Since then, she’s worked with different print and digital publications. Currently open for commission.