Business Details
11 Years
experience
Empowering Voices Through Inclusive Publishing
Arkbound was established in Bristol in 2015 as a social enterprise dedicated to democratizing publishing and writing opportunities for disadvantaged communities. In 2018, we transitioned into the charitable trading arm of the Arkbound Foundation, ensuring all profits directly fund our mission. Our core work centers on publishing books by underrepresented authors, with a particular focus on narratives addressing social and environmental challenges. We actively collaborate with mentors, literary agents, and editors to develop authors' skills while distributing books to schools and prison libraries. Our initiatives include creative workshops, mentoring programs, and the Small Publishing Fellowship, which provides hands-on industry experience.We operate from circular organizational principles, paying staff above the National Living Wage and prioritizing social inclusion. Our environmental commitment includes printing on recycled paper, carbon reduction strategies, and tree-planting initiatives. With offices in Bristol and Glasgow, we serve communities across the UK and Europe through our publishing imprint Palavro. Our team combines academic expertise in publishing with lived experience of social challenges, ensuring our approach remains grounded in both professional standards and community needs. We maintain partnerships with organizations like Clinks, Bristol Disability Equality Forum, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals network to amplify our impact.
Services
Book Publishing
Author Mentoring
Creative Workshops
Book Distribution
Crowdfunding Platform
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We specialize in publishing underrepresented voices with 9 years of sector expertise
- Our Small Publishing Fellowship offers 12-18 month industry immersion programs
- All books printed on 100% recycled paper with carbon-neutral distribution
- We combine academic publishing expertise with lived experience of social challenges
- Recognized by the Bristol Go Green initiative for sustainable practices
Associations and certifications
- Go Green
- Earth Journalism Network
- COP26 Coalition
- Culture Declares Climate Emergency
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
What people say
Empowering marginalized voices
Sustainable practices
Inclusive approach
Community impact
Quality publications
Services
Book Publishing
We publish books by authors from disadvantaged backgrounds, focusing on social and environmental themes. Our process includes manuscript development, editorial support, and global distribution. Each publication contributes to breaking down industry barriers while addressing urgent societal issues through storytelling.
Author Mentoring
Our one-to-one mentoring connects writers with professional authors and literary agents. The program includes skill development, portfolio building, and publication guidance. Participants gain industry insights and practical experience to navigate the publishing landscape successfully.
Creative Workshops
We deliver creative writing workshops that combine group sessions with individual feedback. These programs develop writing skills while fostering community connections. Sessions cover narrative development, genre-specific techniques, and publication preparation for emerging authors.
Small Publishing Fellowship
This 12-18 month program offers hands-on publishing experience from acquisition to post-publication. Fellows work across editorial, design, and marketing departments. The fellowship provides mentorship and practical skills for sustainable careers in the publishing industry.
Crowdfunding Platform
Our charitably-run platform supports social inclusion and environmental projects. It offers match funding, GiftAid eligibility, and campaign guidance. This service helps underrepresented authors and community initiatives secure necessary resources for publication.
People
Bridget
Publisher
Oversees Arkbound's publishing arm with an MLitt in Publishing from the University of Stirling. Researches editorial branding in indie publishers and advocates for diverse voices in the industry.
Tasmin
Lead Designer
Freelance book designer with a Communication Design degree from Glasgow School of Art. Specializes in editorial print design and creates concept-driven cover artwork for Arkbound publications.
Emma
Grant Writer & Fundraising Support
PhD-educated researcher and editor with expertise in early modern literature. Brings academic rigor to fundraising efforts while supporting Arkbound's mission through strategic grant applications.
Kay
Volunteer Coordinator
Manages volunteer programs and book promotions from North Yorkshire. Uses social media marketing expertise to enhance Arkbound's online presence while supporting authors and publishing aspirants.
Questions
What types of books does Arkbound publish?
We publish books addressing urgent social and environmental issues, with a focus on works by underrepresented authors from disadvantaged backgrounds.
How can authors get support from Arkbound?
Through our mentoring programs, creative workshops, and fellowship opportunities that provide editorial support, skill development, and publication pathways for emerging writers.
Are Arkbound's books environmentally friendly?
Yes, all our books use recycled paper or certified sustainable materials, with carbon-conscious production and distribution processes.
How does Arkbound support publishing careers?
Our Small Publishing Fellowship offers hands-on industry experience across editorial, design, and marketing departments with professional mentorship.
Can I volunteer with Arkbound?
Yes, we offer volunteer opportunities in Glasgow and remote roles for grant writing, with training and career development support for publishing aspirants.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Harriet Knock
Nov 18, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
It was a pleasure working with Arkbound to publish my debut book. Would highly recommend their services and think they do a fantastic job of supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds, to break into the world of publishing and writing.
It was a pleasure working with Arkbound to publish my debut book. Would highly recommend their services and think they do a fantastic job of supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds, to break into the world of publishing and writing.
Jonathan Watts
Jul 04, 2019
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Arkbound just published my first novel (pictured). It was a fun, straightforward process which I am very satisfied with. They are a good company who do good work for various social causes. I am very happy with their service, and would recommend them as a first port of call for aspiring authors.
Jonathan Watts
Author - Bury Me Where They Fall.
Jonathan Watts
Author - Bury Me Where They Fall.
Lauren Smith
Jun 13, 2019
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We are very pleased with the positive response from the book so far. I fully support Arkbound's ethos in supporting vulnerable people and I was extremely pleased with the sponsorship and how Scott stepped in and published the book in time for our book launch. Many thanks to all concerned.
Odiri Ighamre
Jan 19, 2019
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As a storyteller and writer I had little faith in the publishing industry. We shared our book with many publishers and were subjected to scams and disdain. Arcadia carries a message we feel is important and we wanted to work with a publisher that had highly active social end environmental values. We have found that in Arkbound. They supported and understood the value of our work from the get go. We could not have achieved publication without their support, guidance, sponsorship and marketing.
Amanda Thomas
Sep 08, 2018
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As a writing mentor and freelance writer, I have supported people in finding Arkbound and worked with the staff right through to final book launches across the UK. I have also witnessed the community work being done through the Arkbound Foundation and have been particularly impressed by the ethical and principled way in which Arkbound conduct their business, at all levels. They are both an inspiration and an aspirational example of how business and social responsibility should be undertaken.
Amanda Thomas
Amanda Thomas
Bethan Fisher
Nov 08, 2017
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Arkbound is not only brilliant for local authors wanting their work published, but also for local people wanting to gain work experience. I have recently done some work experience with Arkbound helping to proofread and copy-edit a book. The trust and responsibility I have been given has not only improved my confidence and use of initiative, but has also enabled me to gain invaluable experience that will be incredibly useful in all my future endeavours. Thank you Arkbound!
Christopher Fielden
Jan 26, 2017
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A great publisher supporting the Bristol community. I'm a local author. Steve and the rest of the Arkbound team have been really supportive, reviewing my books on the website and in Boundless Magazine. They're also working on a mentoring project for disadvantaged writers in the local community, which is fabulous. Top stuff. Couldn't recommend them highly enough!
