Become a Singing Dragon / Handspring Author
Have you got an idea for a book? Always wanted to be a published author, but don’t know where to start? Maybe you are a professional keen to share your expertise or a talented writer with lived experience on a topic you’d like to share with the world?
The publishing process can be opaque from the outside, and every publisher does things a little differently.
Below you’ll find some tips on getting published and what our approach is at Singing Dragon and Handspring.
Are We The Right Publisher For You?
The purpose of Singing Dragon and Handspring's publishing is to create positive narratives about difference, and encourage social justice by making information and knowledge available in an accessible way. Generally, we are a non-fiction publisher, but some of our children’s publishing uses stories to help champion understanding and empowerment.
It’s important to find the publisher that works best for you. If you are interested in submitting a book idea to either Singing Dragon or Handspring, we’d recommend starting by taking a look at our website and asking:
- Do we publish on the subject of your idea, or on related topics?
- Is one of our editors looking for ideas that reflect what you want to publish?
- Do you have perspective, experience or knowledge that will inspire, help or educate readers?
- Could you see your proposed book fitting in alongside books we've recently published?
You could also check out our social media feeds:
Author Testimonials
Submit Your Book
At Singing Dragon and Handspring, we accept book proposals through our online portal Submittable*
Your proposal will be carefully read by our editorial team. The consideration process can take some time, but we will usually let you know whether or not we would like to take your proposal forward within 8 weeks, unless it's really busy in which case it can take a little longer.
When you submit a proposal to us, it will be assigned to the most relevant commissioning editor. These are the people who make decisions about what an organisation will publish. They will review the proposal and discuss with fellow editorial, marketing and sales colleagues.
If your idea gets taken forwards, the proposal will be pitched at a board meeting and if successful there it will be moved on to contract stage, where the delivery date of the book is agreed.
* Please note that Submittable is a third party organisation and is not managed by Singing Dragon/Handspring Publishing. You can find Submittable’s Terms & Conditions here.
Submission Guidelines and Accessibility Information
- As we operate with a hybrid work model across multiple office locations, we kindly request that submissions not be sent via postal mail. Please note that materials sent to our offices will not be returned, and while we aim to respond to all submissions, we cannot guarantee a reply.
- Where there is existing printed material that you wish us to consider (for example, a self-published book), please complete our proposal form first to tell us about your work. If interested, we will then ask for additional material after having reviewed the proposal.
- If, for access reasons (for example, health or disability), you find it difficult to use our online proposal form, please email proposals@jkp.com with ‘Accessibility’ in the subject line and we can provide the proposal questions in a different format.
- For a list of commissioning editors and the areas in which they publish, see the People page.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the proposal submission process please contact proposals@jkp.com.
Author FAQs
Collapsible content
Who are Singing Dragon and Handspring Publishing?
Founded by Jessica Kingsley in 2006 as an imprint of JKP,
Singing Dragon published its first titles in 2008 with a focus on acupuncture,
Chinese medicine and martial arts. Over the years we have expanded our scope
and now also publish in yoga, yoga therapy, bodywork, aromatherapy and more.
In 2022 we acquired Handspring Publishing, known for its
publishing in bodywork and movement therapy, and we have retained the
Handspring imprint and identity within Singing Dragon. JKP, Singing Dragon and
Handspring are now all part of Hachette UK under John Murray Press. Being a
small part of a larger company affords us the benefits of working with
specialist teams such as Rights, Sales and Audio to name a few.
Why write a book?
In the world of publishing, there are countless reasons to write a book. You might want to share specialised knowledge or your own lived experience, or you might realise you have a unique idea that has not been written about before. Whatever the reason, writing a book can offer a powerful platform for connecting with others and making an impact.
Authors can reach a wider audience, inspire change, and open doors to new opportunities. Books spark conversations, share insights, and build meaningful relationships with readers, leaving a lasting impression on both author and audience.
Do I need an agent to submit my book?
No, we accept both agented and non-agented submissions.
Can I submit to other publishers simultaneously?
Yes
What are the advantages of working with a traditional publisher, rather than self-publishing?
Self-publishing can be a great option for anyone who wants to have control over the entirety of the publishing process.
Traditional publishers, like Singing Dragon and Handspring Publishing, will help you develop your ideas; provide advice and guidance on your manuscript and handle all aspects of design and production. We’ll also manage sales through all mainstream bookshops, and organise global distribution as well as investigating rights sale opportunities (such as foreign language translations).
How will Singing Dragon and Handspring's specialist knowledge help to shape my book?
Specialist publishers like Singing Dragon and Handspring who have been active in publishing within their fields for many years will have a clear understanding of what readers in their specialist fields really want. This knowledge will help shape your book into the best book it can be – from the format and length, to the cover and fonts, through to the marketing treatment it receives. Trade publishers are less likely to have specialist knowledge of your subject or know how to reach its readership.
How will Singing Dragon and Handspring's specialist knowledge help to promote my book?
At Singing Dragon and Handspring, direct marketing is at the heart of how we sell books. Unlike most trade publishers, we have direct and ongoing relationships with our readers and communities - they engage with us on social media platforms, meet us at conferences and order titles directly from our website. We have extensive mailing lists we use to keep our readers up to date about new publications in their specialist areas, and remind them of books they may be interested in buying.
Will my book get publicity?
We don’t routinely offer publicity to mainstream channels, or organise book launches or book tours, as the majority of our titles are selling to specialist communities who can be reached more effectively in other ways. We prioritise marketing spend on activities that we know will maximise the sale of your book to its intended readership. This is more likely to be investment in ad spend on Amazon or social media and targeted campaigns that will reach the community of readers interested in your book.
Will I be offered an advance?
Advances are more commonly offered by trade publishers releasing books within commercial genres with broad appeal. They are not "extra money" on top of royalties, but rather an advance payment that the author receives upfront against their future earnings from book sales.
As a specialist publisher, we do not pay advances, but authors get a royalty and we invest time and resources into marketing and selling your book over time so that it will continue to sell and generate income.
Where will my book be available to buy?
Visibility on mainstream online channels is prioritised to ensure our books fulfil their sales potential worldwide. This includes online retailers such as Amazon, Waterstones, Foyles and Bookshop.org among others. Our specialist sales team also works to create sales opportunities with organisations, charities and councils.
Singing Dragon and Handspring books' presence in physical bookstores may be less pronounced due to their specialist nature, and the fact that each bookshop manager has control over their stock. However, customers can order your book to their local bricks and mortar bookshop, if it’s not already available there.
What is the typical shelf life of a Singing Dragon and Handspring book?
Singing Dragon and Handspring books are usually cross-promoted and sold over long periods of time to the targeted communities we publish for. The shelf life of a specialist book is therefore usually longer than a trade book, as trade publishing focuses on selling a lot of copies in the first year or two, then might opt to make a title out of print.
Will my book be available in eBook/audiobook format?
All of our books are also made available as ebooks, publishing at the same time as the print edition. These can be used with screen readers for accessibility purposes.
Audiobooks are agreed on a case-by-case basis depending on whether the content lends itself to this format and whether there’s a market need. For audiobooks we work with a dedicated audio team to plan recording, production and release.
Useful Resources On The Publishing Process
Little, Brown - Demystifying The Publishing Process
Writers and Artists - How To Write a Non Fiction Proposal and Get an Agent
Waterstones - How To Get Published
Jane Friedman - How To Get Your Book Published
Writer's Digest - How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal
New York Times - How to Finally Write Your Nonfiction Book
Melbourne University Publishing - Turning Your Thesis Into A Book