Publishing
7-day editorial response. Lasting literary value.
Blue Pencil is a selective publishing house committed to building books of lasting literary, cultural, and intellectual value.
We work closely with authors through a rigorous editorial process to shape manuscripts into thoughtfully produced, well-presented books.
Publishing at Blue Pencil is not a transactional service. It is a guided and collaborative publishing journey, rooted in editorial judgement and long-term vision.
Our publishing philosophy
At the heart of Blue Pencil lies a simple belief
Quality requires focus and commitment, not time alone.
We approach every manuscript with care, discernment, and editorial responsibility.
Our publishing decisions are guided by
We do not operate on volume-driven or package-based models. Each book we publish is considered on its own terms.
Our publishing approach
Every book published by Blue Pencil follows a guided publishing process, shaped in close collaboration with the author.
This process typically involves:
Step 1
Editorial evaluation and manuscript development
Step 2
Structural and language editing
Step 3
Design and production planning
Step 4
Thoughtful presentation across print and digital formats
Step 5
Responsible distribution and availability
Publishing pathways are defined individually, based on the nature of the manuscript and its publishing needs. This allows us to maintain quality while supporting authors in a structured and sustainable manner.
What distinguishes Blue Pencil
Speed with substance
Blue Pencil responds to submissions within one week, compared to the industry standard of 8–12 weeks. This reflects our editorial seriousness: we engage meaningfully with manuscripts, not just commercially.
Depth and focus
We specialize in literary and cultural publishing: fiction, biography, film and music criticism, poetry. This focus enables substantive editorial guidance while building a coherent, respected catalogue.
What we publish
Over the years, Blue Pencil has developed a respected and diverse catalogue that includes:
- Literary fiction and short story anthologies
- Biographies and memoirs
- Film studies and cultural criticism
- Non-fiction of academic, social, and artistic relevance
Our authorship reflects voices of experience, depth, and originality, and each book is published as part of a carefully curated list.
Editorial integrity & production quality
Publishing at Blue Pencil extends well beyond acceptance.
Every title is shaped through
Our aim is to ensure that every Blue Pencil publication reflects content excellence and production finesse.
Selective self-publishing
Submitting your manuscript
We welcome submissions that align with our publishing focus and editorial values.
All manuscripts are reviewed with care. Publishing decisions are made by the Editorial team, and submission does not imply a guarantee of publication.
Once a manuscript is shortlisted, publishing structures and timelines are discussed directly with the author.
Upload your proposal, synopsis, TOC, 3 Sample Chapters & Author Bio