publish with arkbound
At Arkbound, we do things differently. Our slogan, 'Building futures, bridging divides', reflects our mission to create new opportunities for authors while addressing long-standing imbalances in publishing.
Where some publishers are reluctant to take risks on new voices, we are here to offer them a chance. We welcome writers from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially those who have faced barriers due to a lack of contacts or confidence. We also champion books with social or environmental themes — stories that help inspire change and reflection.
Since 2019, our publishing has been guided entirely by the charitable aims of the Arkbound Foundation. Alongside this, we consider high-quality submissions with a clear case for traditional publication.
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Publishing begins with understanding the author. At Arkbound, we believe every writer is unique, with their own voice, story and goals. That’s why we take the time to build relationships from the very first step.
All manuscripts sent to us are reviewed with care to see if we can support publication. You can submit yours at .our manuscript submission page. If we’re not the right fit, we may be able to offer a Partnership Publishing route or refer you to another publisher.
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Every good book needs a solid foundation. That means clear grammar, strong structure, and careful punctuation. Even experienced writers can miss small details — which is why professional editing matters.
At Arkbound, every book we publish is copy-edited and proofread without exception. It’s a step we never skip, because we know how much it matters.
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A book is often judged by its cover. First impressions count, and a strong cover can make all the difference.
We work with talented designers — often young creatives — to create covers that reflect the heart of the story. We don’t rely on stock images or shortcuts. Instead, we dedicate the time and care needed to produce something unique and professional. The same applies to any interior illustrations.
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All our books are available in both print and digital formats. That means each title must be carefully formatted for the platforms where it will appear.
Depending on the length and design needs, this can take anywhere from a day to a week. We take the time to get it right.
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Writing a book is one thing. Getting it into readers’ hands is another.
The publishing world is crowded, and promotion is more important than ever. At Arkbound, we use creative and far-reaching publicity methods to help every book find its audience. Our media links have led to full-page features in national newspapers, author interviews on radio, and appearances at festivals and events.
We also help secure thoughtful reviews across key platforms. Because a good review can make all the difference in helping a book gain trust and visibility.
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We offer dedicated websites for our authors’ books. Each one is designed with care, and once it’s live, authors can easily update it themselves.
We also provide search engine optimisation, so that the book can be found by the right readers online.
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All our printing options are chosen for their quality, affordability and environmental standards.
Through our distribution network, books are made available to national retailers and independent bookshops. And they don’t just stay in the UK — Arkbound titles have reached readers in the US, India, Australia and beyond.
three routes to publishing
traditional publishing
If your book is high quality, has a clear audience, and a plan to reach them, we may offer a Publishing Agreement. However, demand is high and our capacity is limited.
We prioritise books with strong social or environmental themes, especially from authors with lived experience of disadvantage. These may be eligible for Sponsored Publishing, with costs covered by a charitable trust or foundation. If your book qualifies, we’ll support you through the fundraising process.
Support may also be available from the Arkbound Foundation — visit www.arkfound.org for details. Where sponsorship isn't possible, we may suggest Crowd-publishing or our Self-Publishing Support Services.
crowd-publishing
Our Crowd-publishing platform www.crowdbound.org, helps authors raise support for their books through community backing. This model reduces financial risk while building early momentum for each title.
Crowdbound focuses on books with a strong social or environmental purpose. Campaigns are supported with tools, advice and visibility — helping new authors bring important stories to life.
self-publishing support services
Even if we’re unable to sponsor your book, we still want to support you in bringing it to life! Our Self-Publishing Support Service offers professional editing, proofreading, cover design, typesetting, printing and creative marketing resources – all delivered by our trusted in-house and freelance team.
You’ll retain 100% of the rights and profits, and you’ll have the option to raise funds for your book through our dedicated crowdfunding platform, Crowdbound. This allows you to engage early readers and build momentum ahead of publication.
the publishing process
Each title brings its own needs, but most follow a shared path: editing, design, printing, distribution and, just as crucially, promotion. Along the way, there may be extra steps too, such as securing an ISBN or exploring translation options.
At every stage, we provide clear guidance and practical support.
Too often, distribution and promotion are treated as afterthoughts. We treat them as vital. Through our growing network of retailers, wholesalers and community partners, we help books reach readers, not just across the UK, but further afield too.
Whether a book appears in a shop depends on demand. But with the right promotion and visibility, that demand can grow.
Arkbound supports every title with strategic outreach, but we also encourage authors to invest time and energy into their own promotion. Our Crowd-publishing platform helps raise the funds and awareness needed to boost both marketing and production. It’s a team effort, and together, we can make sure each book reaches the readers it deserves.
browse our all-time top sellers!
You are walking in town. The contents of a beggar’s mind spill out in a chaotic muddle on the busy pavement in front of you. Simultaneously fascinated and revolted, you are not sure how – or whether – to help. The beggar shrieks. You realise that it is your old English teacher. This story is a partial decryption of a tiny portion of the rage and frustration in that inchoate scream. George is a Big Issue vendor in London’s Soho. Driven to write about his experience, while unsure whether allegory, brutal realism or metaphor will best help people understand, he has conjured an intimate mindscape of Soho. Offering a unique insight into the people who live, work and visit there, and a stark analysis of social attitudes, you will never look at a rough sleeper, a beggar or a Big Issue vendor in the same way again.
As a former lecturer in Health and Social Care, a therapist and an experienced practitioner running her own ‘Reset to Thrive’ Recovery Programme, Jan Rothney shares her expertise and first-hand experience about recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid. The book shows why there is so much confusion surrounding these conditions and how they impact on recovery, at a time when the after effects of Covid are being felt across all of society.
‘Breaking Free’ allows readers to understand the science behind the symptoms, and learn how to work with the body to rebalance the autonomic system. You will be guided through step by step, at your own pace, and offered techniques to speed up recovery, before being shown what it takes to stay healthy and robust, no matter what challenges life brings. There is no magic: the answer lies within ourselves.
The high school is on fire. Aaron Smith, the local bad boy, is arrested at the scene. He’s locked up by the end of the night, guilty until proven innocent.
Only two people know the truth about what happened; Aaron and his little sister. Aaron will do anything to save his sister, including going to prison without a trial. But then the pandemic comes to Scotland, and trials are cancelled. Aaron finds himself locked up, in a lockdown, and no one is able to help him.
Blood Red Sky is a story of love, loss, humour and hope and makes you wonder; what should we do with teenagers who cross the line? Should we lock them up, or take time to find out the truth?