When submitting your work to Amber Books for possible publication, it is always a good idea to check your local bookshop or library to see the type of books the company publishes. Also recommended are the Writer’s and Artist’s Yearbook in the UK and the Literary Marketplace in the US, both available in all good bookshops and libraries.
What we publish:
Amber Books produces illustrated non-fiction books in a wide range of formats and subject areas for an international audience. We are particularly interested in submissions on military topics, but not exclusively so, and welcome good ideas on any non-fiction subject suitable for treatment as an illustrated book.
What we don’t publish:
We do not publish fiction, biography or poetry in any form. Unfortunately, due to the high number of unsolicited submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee to respond to your submission unless we are interested in publishing it. Please do not include a self-addressed stamped envelope, international reply coupons or cash. All unwanted submissions will be recycled, and any IRCs or cash donated to charity.
Please keep a copy of anything you send to us. DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS.
What to send:
We only need a synopsis, a proposed contents list, a sample chapter or two, and a single-page CV or resume. Please do not send the entire manuscript. If we want to see your complete work, we will ask to do so at a later stage. If sending typed copy, we prefer double-spaced text on A4 or US letter paper.
You do not need to provide your own artworks or photographs; these will be sourced by the picture research/design departments at Amber Books (at no cost to the author).
However if you intend to illustrate your work with your own artworks or photographs, please send some samples with the text. Again, please do not send originals.
Please send your submission(s) to:
Editorial Director
Amber Books Ltd
United House
North Road
London N7 9DP
Or email editorial@amberbooks.co.uk
Please do not send original artwork. Send color photocopies, or photos. If you would like your samples returned to you, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope of sufficient size.
Please submit a sample of your strongest work. As to subject matter, illustrations that feature aviation, transport, machinery, animals and explanatory diagrams are always welcome, but feel free to submit on any subject – it is your style of illustration that is important.
Please send illustrations submissions to
Design Manager
Amber Books Ltd
United House
North Road
London N7 9DP
We do use freelance editors, proofreaders and indexers, and are keen to have as many on file as possible, especially those editors able to work in InDesign. Please send your CV or resume to editorial@amberbooks.co.uk. If you have experience in a particular subject area, please highlight this in your covering email.
Due to the high number of freelancers who contact Amber Books, we cannot guarantee a response. However all details are kept permanently on file and are accessible to all in-house editors. Please only send updates annually or if your address or contact details change.