Narrative ark: Meet Bristol’s Arkbound

Arkbound is a new publishing venture set up by Steve McNought, Kate Bishop and a number of enthusiastic part-time members of staff and volunteers. The company is a social enterprise, with all that that entails – and committed to promoting community development, social inclusion, sustainability and talent. 

However, Arkbound differs significantly from many publishers, as Steve explains. “We set up the venture to address the lack of provision in the publishing world for disadvantaged yet talented authors – people who are overlooked by contemporary publishers and yet who cannot afford the services of ‘vanity’ publishers. 

“Arkbound aims to provide these authors with a means of publication, as well as mentoring and guidance to those whose writing needs further development. At the same time, a range of publishing services is provided to all authors, no matter what their budget.”

Arkbound now has a varied stable of writers, and publishes a diverse range of books from thrillers and true crime to literary novels, in both paperback and e-book formats. Steve is keen to differentiate Arkbound from self-publishing and vanity publishers: “Most vanity publishers are only interested in profit. They have no policy of sponsoring authors, so that they can get published without any associated fees. This is what makes Arkbound different: whilst we have publishing services that people can pay for (at affordable rates!), we also sponsor authors from disadvantaged backgrounds, provide mentoring to develop creative talent, and have unique promotional avenues to give a published book that added advantage. 

“There are no criteria for publication as such, although prospective authors should have the semblance of a manuscript, a good command of the English language, have a strong interest in creative writing, etcetera. Not to mention have a story that shows potential, in terms of grabbing the reader’s attention and conveying something important! We prefer stories that at least touch upon social or environmental themes, encouraging greater awareness and insight.” 

The decision to publish lies with the Arkbound team. “There may be occasions where we decide not to publish, but we refer an author to mentoring or give guidance to develop their manuscript, with a view to later consideration.”

Although Arkbound is still in its infancy, Steve and the team have high hopes and ambitions for the imprint. “Arkbound in five years’ time? I would like to see it have a presence globally – helping to promote the work of authors as far afield as India, who have fantastic stories to tell but lack the pathways to get people aware in the UK. An enlargement of our mentoring activities – for example, helping to encourage creative writing in prisons – and other initiatives that help promote disadvantaged areas as well as people would also be good. 

“So, for example, anthologies of poetry and artwork by visitors to places like St Pauls in Bristol (as well as residents) could be used to promote the area in different cities. It would be nice to see Arkbound become a publisher as large as Penguin and Random House, while still maintaining its social enterprise ethos.”

For more information about Arkbound, see www.arkbound.com/about

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