Publication process done right. See how the magic happens.
You’ll feel supported at every stage of your book’s publication, handled with the same care from start to finish. Partner with Atmosphere Press expert editors, award-winning designers, and best-in-class publicity — while you keep full rights to your book. Submit your manuscript, and a real editor will respond within two weeks.
01
Publication Process Explained
Get a clear overview of the publishing process in less than three minutes. Atmosphere Press Founder and CEO Dr. Nick Courtright guides you through each stage of the book journey, demonstrating how a manuscript evolves into a published book.
02
Book Publishing Timeline
This key resource shows every stage of the process, step by step, so you can see exactly how each part connects. It’s such an important tool that we provide it to every author, making the journey clear, transparent, and exciting.
03
Awesome Author Journey:
The 8 Steps
Get a behind-the-scenes look at an Atmosphere Press author’s journey. From raw manuscript to polished, award-winning book, you’ll see exactly how each stage of publishing comes together.
Eyes on the Award
Big dreams lead to big recognition. Allyson S. Barkley earned a coveted Kirkus Star and was a Playa Flamingo Writing Residency winner, M.Z. Medenciy received an International Latino Book Award, Daniel Victor won the North Street Book Prize as the $10,000 Grand Prize Winner, and Helen Montague Foster was named the 2024 Atmosphere Press Book of the Year. And they’re not alone — dozens of Atmosphere authors have gone on to receive prestigious honors. Could your book be next?
Authors like you ask these questions.
Is Atmosphere Press a traditional publisher or a vanity press?
Neither. We’re a selective hybrid publisher: our editors accept only the manuscripts we believe in, and authors invest in their book’s production while keeping full rights to their work.
What does it cost to publish with you?
Publishing with Atmosphere is an investment that varies by book and package. If your manuscript is selected, we’ll walk you through exact pricing on your discovery call — no surprises, full transparency. Our publishing packages and author contract are public, so you can review everything before you commit to anything.
Do I keep the rights to my book?
Yes — 100%. Our author-first contract leaves ownership with you, always.
What happens after I submit my manuscript?
Our professional team evaluates your work, and you’ll hear from us within two weeks. If your book makes it through initial review, we’ll schedule a pitch meeting to discuss potential publication.
Am I committing to anything by submitting?
No. Submitting your manuscript is free, and your work stays yours — we’ll never share it or your information.
Why should I publish with Atmosphere Press?
Founded in Austin, Texas in 2015 by an author and PhD in Literature, Atmosphere Press is the selective hybrid publisher whose books win more awards than any other. Our author satisfaction is unparalleled in the industry. If your book is selected for publication with Atmosphere, you’ll get to work with amazing people, and you’ll have a great time doing it.