We publish thought-provoking books to showcase unexpected treasures from our collections, including maps, manuscripts, great works of literature and rare books. 

We are also home to the much-loved bestselling British Library Crime Classics series. All revenue from our publications supports the Library’s work for future generations.

For general publishing related enquiries please contact Publishing_Sales@bl.uk

See our latest catalogues

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Guidelines for authors

We publish up to 40 non-fiction books a year in subjects broadly relating to the collections of the British Library, including the history of the book, medieval manuscripts, literary history, bibliography, cartography and history.

We do not publish new fiction for adults or children, drama, poetry, autobiographies or memoirs.

We welcome submissions from potential new authors in subject areas relevant to our publishing programme. Please send submissions to publishing_editorial@bl.uk. Your submission should consist of a two-page synopsis with a covering letter describing:

• the nature of your project
• your relevant experience/qualifications
• the target readership.

Trade sales

For information on how to stock our books

Our trade distributor