We are not accepting new submissions, but it is sort of good news

We made the very tough decision in the spring to close ourselves to new submissions. We did this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we were getting swamped with enquiries, and some books were just taking too long to assess, taking time away from producing the books we had. Secondly, market conditions were changing (getting worse) all the time and in the face of an onslaught from AI slop, rising production costs and app-based guidebook competition we really needed a rethink. Conclusions were arrived at. One, in order for someone to buy one of our books it genuinely needed to be world class, it needed to be the best book it could be; if that meant fewer books then so be it, if that meant books would take longer to produce then fine. Two, we also needed to stop publishing certain sorts of books; we needed to be true to our motto - to inspire adventure, and if one of our books didn’t inspire adventure better than say Strava then maybe we couldn’t publish it. 

So fewer books resulted from these changes but hopefully better books. We spent more time editing, we employed the best illustrators to produce original and unique cover artwork, we also used top-end unseen photography where we could to tell new stories, stories unknown or that were being forgotten. We wanted to just produce books like 31 Days or Run Forever that could genuinely help people or guides like Peak Bagging Wales that would motivate and inspire.

Summer may still be in full swing, but here I want to tell you about what I hope is going to be our strongest publishing season in years. 

From wild landscapes and legendary mountaineers to psychology, retirement adventures and some unforgettable stories from the outdoors, this autumn's books celebrate everything that inspires us to get outside and explore. We are sorry we had to close to submissions, and we hope to open again in the new year.

In the meantime, here is a first look at what's coming up for the rest of this year.

Great Scottish Bike Rides - available now

Beginning on two wheels. Great Scottish Bike Rides showcases some of the country's finest cycling, from quiet Highland roads and dramatic coastal routes to unforgettable mountain scenery. Whether you're planning your next weekend escape or a big tour, this is a superb companion for discovering Scotland by bike.

A Man for All Mountains - available to pre-order now

One of Britain's most remarkable mountaineers finally receives the biography he deserves. A Man for All Mountains explores the life, climbing and extraordinary legacy of Jack Longland—a pioneering climber, educator and adventurer whose influence stretched far beyond the mountains themselves. I reviewed the book here…

The Secret Life of the Mountain Hare - mid-august

We're delighted to bring back one of Sandstone Press's most loved nature titles. Beautifully photographed and deeply researched by naturalist Andy Howard, The Secret Life of the Mountain Hare offers a fascinating insight into one of Britain's most elusive upland animals and the fragile environments it calls home.

Everest with A.J. - available to pre-order now

Inspired by our bestselling Everest Files children's series, Everest with A.J. is a brand new adventure for young readers by adventurer Matt Dickinson. Blending excitement, mystery and mountaineering history, it's the perfect introduction to the world's highest mountain for the next generation of adventurers.

The Secret Life of the Cairngorms - mid-august

Another Sandstone favourite returns in a new all Vertebrate edition. The Secret Life of the Cairngorms explores one of Britain's greatest and sadly only wilderness areas, revealing the wildlife, history and hidden stories that make these mountains so special.

Retire & Refire - September

Who says adventure has an age limit?

In Retire & Refire, Retirement Rebel Siobhan Daniels takes to Alaska in a campervan, embracing the freedom of the open road and proving that retirement can be the beginning of life's greatest adventures rather than the end of them.

Eternal Alpinist - available to pre-order now

Few climbers have inspired as much admiration as Mick Fowler. Eternal Alpinist continues the story of one of Britain's greatest mountaineers, recounting remarkable expeditions with the humour, honesty and understated style that have made Fowler's previous books so popular. Don’t mention the title to him though, Mick wanted to call it Bottom to Top but we wouldn’t let him.

Get a Grip - September

Success in climbing isn't just about stronger fingers or better technique.

Get a Grip explores the mental side of climbing, examining confidence, fear, motivation and performance psychology to help climbers unlock their full potential - whether they're tackling their first lead route or pushing their hardest grade. Written by Louis Parkinison and Joel Robertson.

Swimming with Strangers - September

Lindsey Cole is no stranger to wonderfully engaging adventures. Swimming with Strangers is a warm, funny and thoughtful coming-of-age journey through Britain's outdoor swimming communities, celebrating the friendships, challenges and unexpected connections found in open water.

Spine - for Christmas

Just in time for Christmas comes one of our most ambitious books yet.

Spine tells the story of Britain's toughest ultramarathon, the legendary Winter Spine Race. Showcasing breathtaking photography that reveals the remarkable stories of endurance, resilience and determination, it's a celebration of one of the world's most extraordinary endurance events and the people who take it on. Exclusively photographed by David Miller.

A season of adventure

Whether your passion is climbing, cycling, swimming, wildlife, mountaineering or simply reading about remarkable people in extraordinary places, I hope this autumn's collection has something to inspire your next adventure.

Keep an eye on our newsletters over the coming weeks as we'll be introducing each title in more detail, sharing extracts, author interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the making of these books. 

Thanks, as always, for your support.