FAQs - All About Publishing With The Conrad Press

Explore our book publishing FAQs below to find answers to many common questions:

How do I submit my manuscript to The Conrad Press?

To submit your manuscript, visit our “Submissions” page and follow the guidelines outlined. We accept submissions in various genres and are excited to discover new voices.

What help does The Conrad Press provide during the manuscript submission process?

We offer a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the submission process. Our editorial team is also available to answer specific queries or concerns you may have about your submission.

What genres does The Conrad Press publish?

The Conrad Press is interested in publishing all kinds of fiction, including; contemporary, historical, fantasy, LGBTQ, YA/children’s fiction, as well as all kinds of general non-fiction including memoirs, biographies and other genres.

We also welcome poetry collections, playscripts and screenplays.

We tend not to publish books that have large numbers of illustrations and/or photographs (in practice about 20 per book is our maximum) and we do not usually publish books shorter than 15,000 words in length.

What is the typical process of publishing with The Conrad Press?

The publishing process includes manuscript evaluation, editorial feedback, design and formatting, proofreading, printing, and distribution. Our team is committed to ensuring a smooth journey from manuscript to a published book.

Can you tell me more about your designers, typesetters and printers?

We use outstanding designers and typesetters.

Our authors tell us that the collaborative cover-design process is one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences of the process, (second only to receiving copies of their finished, printed book!)

We work with outstanding typesetters whose skills and attention to details are second to none.

Conrad Press books are printed exclusively by Clays – the UK’s largest book printer. Clays has been in business for over 200 years and prints about 500,000 books every day, including weekends. They print almost every UK bestseller, including the Harry Potter books.

Clays are also our distributors. This means that you can also benefit from Clay’s highly successful distribution system to distribute your book around the country.

How do I submit my manuscript to The Conrad Press?​

To submit your manuscript, visit our ‘Submissions’ page and follow the guidelines outlined.

Our team will be in touch very quickly after submission to discuss your manuscript.

The Conrad Press is a specialist in publishing a broad spectrum of genres, including; contemporary, historical, fantasy, LGBTQ, young adult and children’s fiction, as well as all kinds of general non-fiction including memoirs and biographies.

We also welcome poetry collections, playscripts and screenplays.

We tend not to publish books that have large numbers of illustrations and/or photographs (in practice about 30 per book is our maximum) and we do not usually publish books shorter than 15,000 words in length.

Your book will be printed and in your hands roughly twenty-eight days before it is available to buy online.

We use exceptional designers and typesetters, who work alongside each writer to ensure they achieve exactly the artwork and style you want. They will not sign off your book until you are completely satisfied.

Our authors tell us that the collaborative cover-design process is one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences of the process, (second only to receiving copies of their finished, printed book!)

Books from The Conrad Press are printed exclusively by the very well-respected international printer Clays. They are the UK’s largest book printer, and have a robust sustainability programme.

We maintain high standards and have a reputation for being meticulous in the end result, and we usually publish books within three months of submission. 

Our design team welcomes your input and ideas to create a book cover that reflects your vision while considering market trends and appeal. We will collaborate with you to create the perfect book cover for your work.

We offer tailored marketing activities, including online and offline promotional approaches. This includes social media campaigns and book launches which will enhance the visibility of your book.

When you’re published by The Conrad Press, your book’s details will appear on all databases of book suppliers and computer systems of every major UK bookshop chain as well as many independent booksellers’ systems. And we’ll get you onto Amazon for both printed book and e-book versions of your work.

Certainly! Many of our authors have published several books with us. We support authors in publishing any number of books, either as a series, or individual subjects.

We offer a range of formats, including paperback and hardcover. Our team will guide you in choosing the formats that best suit your target audience and marketing strategy.

Yes, you retain the rights to your intellectual property.  This will be clearly outlined in your publication offer.

Yes, we explore international distribution options to broaden the reach of your book. Our team will work with you to tap into diverse markets and readerships.

We’re well-connected with valuable international contacts

For us, it’s not just about creating your physically-published book. The story of your manuscript doesn’t end there. Our vision is to take your story as far as we can.

We have a close collaborative relationship with a major US-based literary agent who sees all our books and represents many of them with a view to selling them to US publishers. Success here would lead to a ‘traditional’ deal, that is, a deal where you would be offered an advance by the interested US publishing house.

We are also in contact with screenplay producers.

The Conrad Press is run by writers for writers. We strive to champion authors, new and seasoned, delivering excellence at all points of your interactions with us.

Our commitment to personalised support, transparent processes, and collaboration with you distinguishes us from other publishers. We prioritise building lasting relationships with our authors and we work hard to ensure we are accessible, helpful, honest and constructive.  We will do our utmost to have your manuscript published in a timely manner.

Yes, we accept previously self-published manuscripts. Our team will assess the potential of your work and discuss the best approach for re-publishing

While there is no strict word count limit, we recommend manuscripts to be within a competitive range for the chosen genre. Our editors will provide guidance during the evaluation process.  As mentioned above we tend not to publish books shorter than 15,000 words in length.

The Conrad Press welcomes requests for review copies from editors, journalists and bloggers. We also welcome requests for interviews with authors and for any further information about any of our books and/or their authors.

Please direct all requests for interviews, further information and review copies to us via our ‘contact’ form.

For further enquiries, visit our ‘contact’ page.  Our team is ready to assist you with any questions you may have about publishing with The Conrad Press.

How quickly can my book be published with The Conrad Press?

The timeline for publishing varies, but we strive to expedite the process without compromising quality. Factors like manuscript complexity, editing needs, and design requirements influence the timeline. The average timeline is around 3 months.

How do you help me with the design of my book cover?

Our design team welcomes your input and ideas to create a book cover that reflects your vision while considering market trends and appeal. We will collaborate with you to create the perfect book cover for your work.

What marketing support does The Conrad Press provide for my book?

We offer tailored marketing packages, including online and offline promotional strategies. From social media campaigns to book launch events, we work with you to enhance the visibility of your book.

We can get your book into Waterstones and other major booksellers.

Unless your book becomes a bestseller, we can’t promise to get you into every branch of every major bookshop chain, but we can help get you into your local book shops and locations relevant to your book’s story.

When you’re published by The Conrad Press, your book’s details will appear on all databases of book suppliers and computer systems of every major UK bookshop chain as well as many independent booksellers’ systems. And we’ll get you onto Amazon.

Is there assistance available for authors in understanding and progressing in the publishing industry?

Yes, we provide resources and guidance on understanding the publishing landscape. Our team is here to simplify the process for you.  We will endeavour to assist you in any way we can no matter what your question.  We have contacts and a vast industrywide network who will provide the resources you require. 

Can I publish a series of books with The Conrad Press?

Certainly! We support authors in publishing series. Our team will work with you to maintain consistency across the series while ensuring each book stands out.

What formats does The Conrad Press offer for publishing?

We offer a range of formats, including paperback and hardcover. Our team will guide you in choosing the formats that best suit your target audience and marketing strategy.

Do I retain the rights to my book when publishing with The Conrad Press?

Yes, you retain the rights to your intellectual property. Our publishing agreements are designed to empower authors while facilitating the distribution and promotion of their work.

Are there opportunities for international distribution with The Conrad Press?

Yes, we explore international distribution options to broaden the reach of your book. Our team will work with you to tap into diverse markets and readerships.

We’re well-connected with valuable international contacts

For us, it’s not just about creating your physically-published book. The story of your manuscript doesn’t end there. Our vision is to take your story as far as we can.

We have a close collaborative relationship with a major US-based literary agent who sees all our books and represents many of them with a view to selling them to US publishers. Success here would lead to a ‘traditional’ deal, that is, a deal where you would be offered an advance by the interested US publishing house.

We are also in everyday contact with Hollywood producers, Netflix, and other screenplay producers offering them ideas and manuscripts to potentially develop on-screen.

What sets The Conrad Press apart from other publishers?

The Conrad Press is run by writers for writers. We strive to champion authors, new and seasoned, delivering excellence at all points of your interactions with us.

Our commitment to personalised support, transparent processes, and collaboration with you distinguishes us. We prioritise building lasting relationships with our authors.  We are available, personable and ready to help you on your publishing journey.

Can I submit a manuscript that has been previously self-published?

Yes, we accept previously self-published manuscripts. Our team will assess the potential of your work and discuss the best approach for re-publishing

Is there a minimum or maximum word count for submitted manuscripts?

While there is no strict word count limit, we recommend manuscripts to be within a competitive range for the chosen genre. Our editors will provide guidance during the evaluation process.  As mentioned above we tend not to publish books shorter than 15,000 words in length.

Can I submit a manuscript that has been previously self-published?

Yes, we accept previously self-published manuscripts. Our team will assess the potential of your work and discuss the best approach for re-publishing

Can I obtain a copy of your published books for review purposes?

The Conrad Press welcomes requests for review copies from editors, journalists and bloggers. We also welcome requests for interviews with authors and for any further information about any of our books and/or their authors.

Please direct all requests for interviews, further information and review copies to us via our “Contact” form.

How can I get in touch with The Conrad Press for additional questions?

For further enquiries, visit our “Contact” page.  Our team is ready to assist you with any questions you may have about publishing with The Conrad Press.

Explore the possibilities of bringing your story to life with The Conrad Press – Your Partner in Publishing Excellence.