Ask yourself: Is Purple Aardvark the Right Fit for My Book?
We’re so glad you’re here—and we know how much courage it takes to share your story. Before you submit your manuscript, we encourage you to read this page closely to see if Purple Aardvark Publishing is the right home for your work.
We are not a traditional publisher, and we’re not a vanity press. We are a selective hybrid publisher with a strong editorial identity. We publish just a few books per year—and each one is chosen because we believe it says something true, necessary, and powerful.
What We Publish
We focus on emotionally resonant, deeply personal writing—stories that explore life’s hardest and most defining experiences.
We’re especially interested in:
- Memoirs about grief, caregiving, healing, or transformation
- Poetry grounded in personal experience and reflection
- Creative nonfiction or hybrid work that blends storytelling with insight
- Anthologies or collections centered on resilience, identity, place, and meaning
- Voices from the Midwest, or authors with a deep connection to this region
- Stories that often go unheard in traditional publishing spaces
We care less about polish and prestige, and more about honesty, vulnerability, and heart.
What We’re Not
We are not the right publisher for:
- Genre fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, romance, mystery, etc.)
- Highly commercial or plot-driven work
- Academic or overly technical writing
- Books without a strong emotional or thematic throughline
- First drafts that haven’t been revised
What Makes a Good Fit?
Here are some signs your manuscript might be a good match:
✅ It tells the truth, even when it’s hard
✅ It invites connection or reflection
✅ It explores identity, loss, healing, or transformation
✅ It’s grounded in a real place or lived experience
✅ It’s personal, even if not autobiographical
✅ It gives voice to something often left unsaid
If you’re writing a story because you believe someone else needs to hear it, you’re speaking our language.
How We Work
We are a hybrid publisher, which means:
- We selectively choose a small number of manuscripts per year
- If we accept your work, we’ll publish it under our imprint
- We ask authors to cover the cost of certain services (editing, design, formatting)
- We only offer services that are truly necessary for your book—no bloated packages
- You retain your rights and earn all royalties
- You receive a personalized, hands-on publishing experience
We’re committed to being transparent, collaborative, and respectful throughout the entire process.
Still Unsure?
If you’re still wondering whether your book is a good fit, ask yourself:
- Does this book matter deeply to me?
- Will it matter to someone else?
- Am I open to feedback and collaboration?
- Am I looking for a publishing partner who values meaning over marketability?
If the answer is yes, we’d love to hear from you.
Ready to Submit?
Head over to our Submission Guidelines page to learn what we need and how to send your manuscript. We review submissions carefully and reply within 4–6 weeks.
We look forward to discovering your story.
With care,
The Purple Aardvark Publishing Team