FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions,
answered plainly.
Publishing is built on trust. Here are clear answers about the house, our editorial approach, submissions, rights and how to work with Nouvel Édition.
A NOTE ON CLARITY
We prefer clarity to mystique.
A publishing house asks writers and readers to place trust in its judgement. We think the way the house works should be understandable too.
The answers below reflect our current editorial approach. Where a policy varies by title, submission period or project, we will say so rather than pretend every book follows the same path.
01
Independent by choice
02
Editorially selective
03
International in outlook
04
Writing first
0 answers
01 — THE HOUSE
About Nouvel Édition
What is Nouvel Édition?
Nouvel Édition is an independent publishing house for literature, creative non-fiction, essays, culture and selected visual projects. We publish a focused list shaped by strong writing, original thinking and a clear editorial reason for each book to exist.
What does “independent” mean for the house?
Independence gives us the freedom to build the list around editorial judgement rather than volume. It allows us to be selective, to consider distinctive projects on their own terms and to develop the house gradually with a consistent point of view.
Where is Nouvel Édition based?
Nouvel Édition is shaped between the perspectives of Paris and Sydney. The relationship between the two cities informs an international outlook: Paris through its literary, publishing and cultural traditions; Sydney through a contemporary Asia-Pacific perspective that is outward-looking and geographically distinct from many traditional publishing centres.
What does Nouvel Édition publish?
Our interests include literary fiction, creative non-fiction, essays and ideas, culture and place, contemporary non-fiction, and selected visual or interdisciplinary projects. Within those areas, the subject matters less than the quality of the work and the strength of the perspective behind it.
How do you decide what belongs on the list?
We look at the work as a whole: writing, idea, perspective, structure, intended reader and the contribution the project could make to the wider Nouvel Édition list. A project does not need to resemble something we have already published. It does need to have a clear point of view and a convincing reason for being a book.
Do you publish according to trends?
We pay attention to contemporary culture, but we are more interested in books with a life beyond a particular moment. A timely subject can still make a lasting book; the question is whether the work has depth, originality and enough substance to remain worth reading after the immediate conversation moves on.
02 — EDITIONS & EDITORIAL
How the books take shape
What makes something a Nouvel Édition book?
There is no single visual formula or subject category. The common thread is editorial purpose: strong writing or thinking at the centre, close development, and a finished edition whose design and production feel appropriate to the work rather than imposed on it.
How involved is the editorial process?
Selected manuscripts are developed collaboratively. The aim is to make the work clearer, stronger and more coherent without flattening the author’s voice into a uniform house style. The level and nature of editing will vary according to the manuscript.
How do editorial and design work together?
The manuscript leads. Once the work is taking its final shape, typography, format, imagery, materials and cover design are considered in relation to it. We are visually aware, but design is there to sharpen and support the book rather than distract from what it says.
How many titles do you publish?
We deliberately keep the list focused. We do not publish to a fixed volume simply for the sake of filling a schedule; editorial fit, capacity and the attention a project requires all influence when a title is brought onto the list.
Do you consider visual books and interdisciplinary projects?
Yes, selectively. We are interested in projects that bring writing together meaningfully with photography, illustration, art, design or other visual material. Visual presentation should be integral to the project rather than decoration added after the fact.
Where can I see current and forthcoming editions?
The Editions page is the clearest view of the current list. Forthcoming titles and publication news will also appear through Nouvel Édition Correspondence and the Journal as they are ready to be announced.
03 — AUTHORS & SUBMISSIONS
Submitting work to the house
Do you publish first-time authors?
Yes. We welcome submissions from emerging as well as previously published writers. Previous book publication is not required; we are interested first in the work.
Do I need a literary agent?
No. Writers may submit directly during advertised open submission periods. Authors who are represented are also welcome to approach the house through their literary agent.
Do I need a large social media following?
No. Platform and audience can be relevant to some non-fiction projects, but they are not a substitute for a strong book. The strength of the work and the idea remains the starting point.
When can I submit?
Nouvel Édition accepts unsolicited manuscripts during designated submission periods rather than continuously. Current opening dates and status are always published on the Submission Guidelines page.
Are simultaneous submissions allowed?
Yes, unless a particular submission period states otherwise. If your manuscript is accepted elsewhere while it is under consideration with Nouvel Édition, please let us know so it can be withdrawn from review.
What happens to my rights when I submit?
Submitting work does not transfer ownership to Nouvel Édition. The author retains their rights throughout the submission and review process. If we wish to publish a project, rights, territories, formats, royalties and other publishing terms are addressed separately in a formal agreement.
Do you accept manuscripts generated by artificial intelligence?
Tools may assist a writer’s process, but we are not interested in publishing manuscripts substantially generated by artificial intelligence and presented as original authorship. Work submitted as an author’s original manuscript should genuinely be authored by the person named in the submission.
Will I receive editorial feedback on my submission?
Not in every case. We cannot provide individual editorial feedback on every manuscript received. Where we see strong potential in a project, we may occasionally request further material or invite an author to revise and resubmit.
04 — ORDERS, PRESS & RIGHTS
Books, stockists and professional enquiries
Where can I buy Nouvel Édition books?
Current titles are listed through the Editions page and individual book pages. Availability, formats and purchasing options may vary by title and will be shown where applicable.
Can booksellers or stockists carry Nouvel Édition titles?
We welcome enquiries from independent booksellers, retailers and relevant institutions. Wholesale or stocking arrangements can vary by title, territory and availability, so please contact the house with your store details and the editions you are interested in.
How do I request a review copy or press information?
Press, media and review-copy enquiries should come through the Contact page. Please include the publication, platform or outlet you represent, the title you are interested in and any relevant timing.
Who should I contact about rights or licensing?
Rights enquiries can be directed to the house through the Contact page. Please identify the title, territory, language, format or proposed use so the enquiry can be considered appropriately.
Are Nouvel Édition books available internationally?
Availability can differ by title and territory. Where a book can be ordered or shipped internationally, the relevant product page or checkout will show the options available. If a title is not available in your region, you are welcome to contact the house.
05 — CONTACT & CORRESPONDENCE
Staying in touch with the house
What is Nouvel Édition Correspondence?
Correspondence is our occasional house newsletter. It is used for new editions, forthcoming titles, Journal stories, submission periods and other announcements worth sending. The intention is useful correspondence rather than constant email.
How can I contact Nouvel Édition?
Use the Contact page and choose the enquiry type that best fits your reason for writing. General, submissions, bookseller and press enquiries are separated so each message can reach the right place.
How can I verify a submission call or message from the house?
Current submission periods are published on nouveledition.com/submissions/ and significant calls will also be communicated through official Nouvel Édition channels. If a message seems unusual or you are uncertain whether it is genuine, verify it through the Contact page before sending a manuscript, personal information or other material.
I cannot find the answer I need. What should I do?
Send us a concise message through the Contact page. If your question concerns a manuscript, please read the full Submission Guidelines first; many submission-specific questions are answered there in more detail.
NO MATCH
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STILL LOOKING?
A clear question deserves a clear answer.
For anything not covered here, write to the house. For manuscripts, start with the full submission guidelines.