Our submissions window is now closed. Please keep an eye on our social media for the next window.
At New Island Books we accept submissions directly from authors previously published by us as well as agents. We do not accept unsolicited submissions in the time between our open calls and are able to respond only to those submissions we feel we can develop into published books.
New Island publishes broadly Irish-themed award-winning literary work – novels, short stories, novellas and poetry – and non-fiction. We love powerful memoir/autobiography, essays and creative non-fiction, Irish-interest history and biography. We have a strong track record in publishing debut authors, those based in Ireland or with a connection to the country. We love reading stories we haven’t read before and we are excited by the opportunity presented by the growing diversity of Irish society. Seeking narratives as-yet-to-be-told, we welcome submissions of persuasive writing from all colours, creeds and identities.
Great writing is our lead criterion for considering work for publication, so please don’t send us the first draft of your book. We appreciate clean copy, good spelling, formatting and punctuation. Julian Gough has written definitively on the subject of editing your own work here.
If you would like to submit your work to New Island, become familiar with our list, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media, to get a feel for the company and what we’re interested in.
Before submitting, please note:
· We do not publish children’s or young adult books (but Little Island do – find them here).
· We don’t publish science fiction, speculative, fantasy, romance or other genre fiction.
· We will not accept submissions of books that have been previously self-published, or sequels to books that have previously been self-published.
· We cannot enter into correspondence on submissions or individual work.
· We do not accept or return posted manuscripts. Even if you send us the money for return postage. Please don’t send us money.
Take heart!
We know how much blood, sweat & tears it takes to write a book, and to share it with the world. Don’t just submit to us: approach other publishers and literary agents. Keep writing, and good luck.