University press
Bristol University Press
Academic, Business, Nonfiction
Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026
About Bristol University Press
Bristol University Press and its Policy Press imprint welcome book proposals from experienced and first-time authors. Send a proposal using the press guidelines, a chapter plan, CVs and sample chapters if available to the editor for your subject. Standard publication has no stated fee; open access is optional.
Bristol University Press, founded in 2017 as a department of the University of Bristol, publishes with particular strength in the social sciences, and its Policy Press imprint focuses on social and public policy. It welcomes proposals for books, series and journals from experienced and first-time authors, and it pays advances and royalties.
Formats include research monographs, edited works, learning resources, policy and practice books, trade books and Shorts. Open access is optional: it is quoted from £9,000 to £11,000 plus VAT for a 45,000 to 80,000 word monograph, and a free self-archiving route is offered. The press does not take conference proceedings, autobiographies or fiction.
What Bristol University Press is looking for
- Social science monographs and edited works
- Social and public policy (Policy Press)
- Learning resources and trade books
- Shorts
Publishes
- Academic
- Business
- Nonfiction
Specialties
- Textbook
- University press list
How to submit to Bristol University Press
From its own guidelines- Find the commissioning editor for your subject.
- Prepare a proposal using the press guidelines, a chapter plan, CVs for all authors and short contributor bios.
- Add sample chapters if available.
- Send it to the editor for your subject.
Is Bristol University Press right for your book?
A good fit if
Social scientists and policy experts, including first-time authors.
Look elsewhere if
Fiction writers, autobiographers and editors of conference proceedings.
Bristol University Press imprints
Which take submissions| Imprint | Direct submissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Press | Yes | Imprint of Bristol University Press; social and public policy research since 1996; shares the author hub and proposal process |
Questions about Bristol University Press
Does Bristol University Press accept proposals from first-time authors?
Yes. Bristol University Press and Policy Press welcome proposals from experienced and first-time authors. Send a proposal using the press guidelines, a chapter plan, CVs and sample chapters if you have them to the editor for your subject area. Read the steps on this profile before you send anything.
Does Bristol University Press charge authors?
Not for standard publication; the press pays advances and royalties. Open access is optional, quoted from £9,000 to £11,000 plus VAT for a standard monograph, and a free self-archiving route is offered. Ask the editor about funding if you want open access.
What is Policy Press?
Policy Press is the imprint of Bristol University Press that focuses on social and public policy. Its books are organized around global social challenges linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Proposals use the same guidelines as the main press.
Listing history
- Checked on the publisher's own site
