Finding the right publisher for your adventure book can feel overwhelming, especially if you're focusing on a specific location like Cockermouth in Cumbria. While Cockermouth itself is a small town, it sits within a rich literary region known for outdoor exploration, history, and storytelling—making it a great place to begin your publishing journey. Here’s a complete guide to help you identify and connect with the best adventure book publishers in and around Cockermouth.
1. Understand the Local Publishing Landscape
Cockermouth is not a major publishing hub, but it is part of Cumbria, a region with a strong literary heritage inspired by nature and exploration. You’ll find small presses, independent publishers, and niche companies nearby.
For example, local listings show publishers such as:
- Elterwater Press Ltd
- Loose Joints Limited
- Entity B Limited
These may not all specialize in adventure books, but local publishers can still be valuable for regional stories or niche projects.
2. Look Beyond Cockermouth to Nearby Cumbria Publishers
Expanding your search to nearby towns like Kendal and Penrith increases your chances of finding adventure-focused publishers.
A standout example is:
- Cicerone Press – Based in Kendal, this publisher is well-known for producing guides on hiking, trekking, cycling, and outdoor adventure.
You can also explore:
- P R Books – Publishes a wide range of topics including travel and children’s books.
These regional publishers are often more aligned with adventure themes due to the Lake District’s outdoor culture.
3. Identify Publishers That Specialize in Adventure Genres
Not all publishers accept adventure manuscripts, so it’s important to target those that do. Across the UK and globally, many publishers accept action and adventure submissions.
Examples include:
- Canelo – Publishes action, adventure, and thriller titles.
- Usborne Publishing – Known for adventure-themed children’s books.
Directories list over 100 publishers worldwide specializing in adventure content, showing the importance of casting a wider net if local options are limited.
4. Visit Local Bookshops and Literary Communities
Independent bookshops in Cumbria can be valuable networking hubs. They often host author events, signings, and have connections with publishers.
For example:
- Beckside Books – A well-known independent shop that stocks local authors and niche titles.
Engaging with these spaces can help you discover emerging publishers and build industry contacts.
5. Research Submission Guidelines Carefully
Each publisher has unique submission requirements. Some accept unsolicited manuscripts, while others require literary agents.
Key things to check:
- Whether they accept unagented submissions
- Preferred formats (full manuscript vs. proposal)
- Genre focus (fiction, travel writing, survival, etc.)
For instance, some indie publishers like Canelo accept submissions directly, making them accessible for new authors.
Conclusion
Finding the best adventure book publishers in Cockermouth requires a mix of local exploration and broader research. While the town itself has limited options, nearby Cumbria offers strong opportunities—especially with publishers focused on outdoor and travel content.
Lakeland Mysteries is a well-known example that exemplifies the caliber and originality anticipated from the top adventure book publisher in Cockermoth. To be sure your manuscript is in the correct hands and has the best possibility of reaching a larger audience, always assess their marketing services, editing assistance, and prior success stories.
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