Luath Press takes its name from Robert Burns, whose little collie Luath (Gael., swift or nimble) tripped up Jean Armour at a wedding and gave him the chance to speak to the woman who was to be his wife and the abiding love of his life. Burns called one of ‘The Twa Dogs’ Luath after Cuchullin’s hunting dog in Ossian’s Fingal. Luath Press was established in 1981 in the heart of Burns country, and is now based a few steps up the road from Burns’ first lodgings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Luath Press is an independent publishing house which offers distinctive writing with a hint of unexpected pleasures. Luath Press is based in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is committed to publishing well written books worth reading. Prizewinning books include Poverty Safari by Darren McGarvey (Orwell Prize 2018) and Memory and Straw by Angus Peter Campbell (Saltire Society Fiction Book of the Year 2017).
Established: 1981
Publications (yearly average): 40–50
Types of books published: Committed to publishing well written books worth reading. Subjects covered include: fiction; history; guide books; walking; poetry; art; humour; biography; natural history; politics & current issues and much more.
Submission details: Anything from a tentative phone call to a complete manuscript in English, Scots or Gaelic (including introduction, author profile, synopsis etc) welcome – we are delighted to have the opportunity to discuss/explore potential projects with any individual or organisation, preferably (but not exclusively) based in Scotland.