Our Publishing Model
A Global, Traditional Publisher
EK Books is an independent, traditional publisher. We are proud of our roots in Australia and New Zealand, and just as proud to now take our authors global, with a growing footprint in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and over 24 foreign languages and counting!
Most of our publishing program follows a traditional model, with EK Books investing in the development, production and publication of every title.
We create books that last, that win awards, and that touch readers beyond borders.
Global from day one
Made for the world, not just one market
One of the things that makes EK Books unusual for an independent publisher is that our books are created for the international market from the outset. Rather than publishing first in one territory and hoping to expand later, we release our books simultaneously across the major English-language markets, supported by established international distribution.
That gives our authors and illustrators access to readers far beyond their home market, and allows us to back ideas with real international relevance.
Issues that matter to children worldwide
The challenges children encounter wherever they grow up.
International distribution
In the same bookselling ecosystem as the major houses
EK Books titles are not simply printed and made available online. They enter the professional trade, with access to the channels that put books in children’s hands.
Australia & New Zealand
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
United States
Established trade distribution with Two Rivers
Canada
Established trade distribution with Two Rivers
United Kingdom
Established trade distribution with Two Rivers
Other markets
International arrangements beyond the English-language core
- Booksellers
- Libraries
- Schools
- Wholesalers
- Trade channels
For authors and illustrators, a book published by EK Books has the opportunity to reach readers around the world from the beginning of its life.
Foreign rights
The English edition is often only the beginning
EK Books actively represents foreign and translation rights for its titles, introducing our books to publishers at international book fairs and through our global rights network. Characters and ideas first developed for one audience now reach children in entirely different cultures and markets.
Foreign editions can extend the commercial life of a book considerably. When selecting books, we consider not only whether a manuscript works in its home market, but whether its central idea, emotional insight or message could resonate internationally.
We are interested in stories that communicate across borders.
Awards and recognition
Strong books, in front of the right judges
We take industry recognition seriously. Where a book is eligible and well suited, we provide copies and support entries — helping authors, illustrators and their books reach educators, librarians, booksellers, reviewers and new readers.
We support entries across children’s publishing, literary, educational and design awards. Awards are never guaranteed, of course — but placing strong books in front of the right judges is part of professional publishing.
EK Sunrise · Select hybrid opportunities
A small door for books we believe in
The overwhelming majority of EK Books contracts remain traditional. Occasionally, however, we encounter a manuscript with real publishing potential that falls outside the increasingly tight commercial parameters of our core program.
Through EK Sunrise, we offer a small number of selected authors a shared-investment publishing arrangement — allowing us to take risks on books we might otherwise have had to decline.
Sunrise is selective, not an open-access publishing service. Books must meet the same editorial standards as the rest of the list and, once accepted, receive the same EK Books publishing experience:
- The same editorial and design standards
- The same global distribution
- The same foreign-rights representation
- The same publicity, marketing and awards support
Email
[email protected]
Subject: Sunrise Application — [Your Book Title]
From manuscript to finished book
Experience, and a love of the craft
We love the craft of storytelling: finding the heart of an idea, the right word on the right page, the illustration that says what the text leaves unsaid. That love, backed by long experience in children’s publishing, goes into every book we make.
Our role is not simply to manufacture a book. It is to develop the strongest possible version of the story, position it within the market, and give it everything it needs to reach readers.
- Editorial development
- Illustration
- Design
- Production
- Sales
- Distribution
- Publicity
- Marketing
- Rights
The same standard applies to every book carrying the EK Books name.
Have a story that could travel the world?
Submit Your Manuscript to EK Books →Submissions to EK Books are always free.