publish with arkbound
At Arkbound, we do things differently. Our slogan, 'Building futures, bridging divides', sits at the centre of what we do: mentoring and opening doors 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, confidence, or access to the industry. We’re especially interested in books that engage with important social issues and underrepresented perspectives.
Publishing has historically excluded many marginalised voices, and we work to change that by supporting authors whose stories can encourage reflection, challenge injustice, strengthen communities and contribute something meaningful to wider conversations.
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Every manuscript we receive is reviewed individually to see whether it may be a good fit for Arkbound and the publishing routes we offer.
We consider the quality of the writing, the themes and subject matter of the book, how the book aligns with Arkbound’s mission, and whether we realistically have the capacity to support it properly.
We also consider the author’s goals, background and relationship to the work itself, particularly where the book engages with social issues, lived experience or community impact.
If we feel another route may suit the project better, whether through our Self-Publishing Support Service, Crowdboundor another publisher entirely, we will always aim to be transparent and constructive in our feedback.
Publishing can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time authors, and we try to make the process as approachable and supportive as possible from the very beginning.
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Even the strongest manuscripts can (and will!) benefit from professional editing. A fresh pair of eyes can help strengthen clarity, structure, pacing and/or consistency of voice, while still protecting the author’s individual style.
At Arkbound, every book we publish goes through copyediting and proofreading. It’s a part of the process we take seriously, not only to improve the reading experience, but to ensure each book is published in
We work closely with trusted editors and proofreaders who understand the importance of thoughtful, respectful collaboration, especially when working with personal stories, lived experience, or socially engaged writing.
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Books are often judged by their covers, therefore first impressions count!
At Arkbound, we work with a range of talented freelance designers to create powerful and meaningful covers which reflect the impactful meaning of the stories we publish. We dedicate time, effort and care to produce the best possible professional covers. This also applies to interior illustrations, helping create your stories come to life.
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All of our books are available both in print and digital formats, essential for accessibility. Therefore, each book is formatted with care for the select platforms it will be available.
Production and typesetting is where the magic happens, turning the manuscripts into print ready files for publication! This can be a lengthy process, depending on our authors individual needs but we always take the time to get it right and produce beautiful, high quality and professional books.
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Promotion is a key and often overlooked aspect of publishing. However, at Arkbound we use inventive publicity methods to help books find their audiences. Our media links have led to author interviews on radio, and even appearances at festivals and events.
The publishing industry is busy, and attention is hard to master therefore we help secure thoughtful reviews across key social media platforms. Good reviews can aid trust, visibility and most importantly new readers.
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We create dedicated websites for our authors’ books, whether they are working with our traditional or self-publishing pathway. Each website is designed with care and authors are able to update it themselves once live. We also provide search engine optimisation so your book can be found by readers online and spread to a greater audience.
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Everything we do here at Arkbound is linked back to our core values and our printing options also reflect this, chosen for quality, environmental standards and affordability. Through our printing and distribution network books are made available to a range of national retailers and independent bookshops – to all of your favourites. Arkbound titles have also reached readers across the world, such as the US, India and Australia.
three routes to publishing
traditional publishing
We consider manuscripts that are professionally written, thoughtfully developed and well-suited to Arkbound’s mission and values. Alongside the quality of the work itself, we also consider the themes of the book, the author’s background and whether we realistically have the capacity to support the publication.
As a small charitable publisher, our publishing schedule is limited, and demand for traditional publication is high.
We’re particularly interested in books that engage with important social issues and underrepresented perspectives, especially from authors with lived experience of disadvantage. As part of our mission to make publishing more accessible and equitable, we also offer some of the highest royalty rates in the UK publishing sector.
Some publications may be eligible for Sponsored Publishing, with costs covered through charitable trusts, foundations or fundraising support. If appropriate, we’ll support and guide authors through that process.
Where sponsorship or traditional publication is not possible, we may instead recommend Crowd-publishing or our Self-Publishing Support Service as alternative routes to publication.
crowd-publishing
Our crowd-publishing platform, Crowdbound.org, offers an alternative route to publication through community fundraising. Authors accepted through this pathway receive the same professional support we provide through traditional publishing (including editing, design, production and promotional guidance) while working alongside us to raise the funds needed to bring the book to life.
This model helps reduce financial barriers while also building early momentum around a book and connecting authors directly with readers and supporters before publication.
We provide practical guidance, resources and one-to-one support throughout (and before) the campaign process, helping authors feel confident and supported from beginning to end.
Many campaigns are also supported by our Publishing Pathway Fellows, who assist with outreach, audience-building, publicity and community engagement under the guidance of the Publisher. This helps authors strengthen their campaigns while giving emerging publishing professionals meaningful, hands-on experience across the publishing industry.
self-publishing support services
Even if we’re unable to publish a book through our traditional or crowd-publishing routes, we still want to support authors in bringing their work to life.
Our Self-Publishing Support Service offers professional editing, proofreading, cover design, typesetting, print support, and publishing guidance through our trusted in-house and freelance team. Authors retain 100% of their rights, royalties, creative control, and profits throughout the process.
The service was created to offer a more accessible and ethical alternative to many expensive self-publishing companies. We work hard to keep our fees well below industry standard while still ensuring professional quality and fair pay for the creatives we work with.
Authors can choose from a range of publishing options, including Amazon KDP print-on-demand, small print runs through our trusted printing partners, ebook production, and optional crowdfunding support through Crowdbound.org.
the publishing process
Each book brings its own needs, but most follow a similar path: editing, design, printing, distribution and, just as importantly, promotion. Along the way, there may be additional steps too, such as audiobook preparation, fundraising, event planning, media outreach, educational partnerships or developing long-term marketing strategies around the book
At every stage, we aim to provide clear guidance and practical support.
Too often, promotion and distribution are treated as secondary parts of publishing, particularly for independent presses and new authors. We see them as essential. Through our growing network of retailers, wholesalers, media contacts, festivals, and community partners, we work hard to help books reach readers both across the UK and internationally.
Whether a book appears in a bookshop often depends on demand, visibility, and audience engagement. Building that audience takes time, consistency, and collaboration.
Arkbound supports every title with outreach and promotional support, but we also encourage authors to play an active role in sharing their work. Publishing works best as a collaborative process, and together we can give each book the strongest possible chance of finding its audience.
browse our all-time top sellers!
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.
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.
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?