Are you an aspiring author, wondering whether Luath Press is the right publishing home for your manuscript? With a rich history spanning over four decades and an extensive backlist of over 800 titles, we stand as a beacon of independent publishing in the literary world.

But what exactly are they looking for, and could your story be the next gem to grace our shelves?

Founded in 1981, Luath Press is ‘committed to publishing well-written books worth reading.’ This mantra serves as the guiding principle behind every publication they undertake. From modern fiction to history, politics, YA, poetry, travel and beyond, Luath Press casts a wide net, catering to diverse tastes and interests – in English, Scots AND Gaelic!

So, if you are considering submitting your manuscript to us, here are a few key points to think about:

1. Explore the backlist: With over 800 titles under our belt, taking a deep dive into our backlist can provide invaluable insight into the stories and topics we champion.
For example, we get a lot of singular poems submitted to us, yet we do not have a platform to publish these. If you take a look at our poetry collection you will see that we mainly publish collections from authors.

2. Understand the market: Before submitting your manuscript, it’s essential to assess the market and gauge whether there’s an audience for your story’s genre. Who is your target demographic, and how will you connect with them? We value authors who demonstrate an understanding of their readership and have a clear vision of how their work will resonate with audiences.

3. Pitch Your Ideas: At Luath Press, we welcome writers from all backgrounds, with stories and interests from across the globe. Whilst a large majority of our catalogue is either related to Scotland or written by Scottish authors, this is not an in-house rule. We welcome submissions from across the globe.
When submitting your manuscript, be sure to articulate your ideas clearly. What sets your story apart? What fresh perspective or unique voice do you bring to the table? Demonstrating passion and originality can greatly enhance your chances of catching the attention of our submissions team.

4. Consider Longevity: Publishing with Luath Press isn’t just about getting your book into print; it’s about forging a lasting partnership with a publisher who believes in your work. As you contemplate whether Luath Press is the right fit for your manuscript, consider the long-term potential of this collaboration.

5. Be bold: Even though we do emphasise looking at what we have previously published – or what is coming soon – is there something we are missing that you think we would be the right fit for? Even though we have not published a fantasy novel, perhaps yours is the one that will break the barrier for us. As we are reading your manuscript, thinking if you are going to be right for us, you too should think about if we are right for you.

If you’re a writer seeking a publisher who shares your passion for crafting compelling narratives and exploring diverse perspectives, Luath Press may be the perfect match for you. With a commitment to publishing books that captivate, inform and inspire, we invite authors of all backgrounds to join our vibrant literary community.

So, take a leap of faith, submit your manuscript and embark on an exciting journey of creativity and collaboration with Luath Press.

Who knows? Your story could be the next to grace our catalogue.

Unlocking the Doors to Luath Press: What We Seek When Publishing a Book