New UK Publisher Conduit Books to Focus on Male Authors

Jude Cook, a British author and critic, has founded Conduit Books, an independent publisher that will initially focus on male authors. Cook told The Guardian the press aims to publish "ambitious, funny, political, and intellectual fiction written by men that is being ignored." He argues that the publishing landscape has shifted dramatically in the last 15 years, with energy now centered on female authors, leaving male voices neglected. Cook claims that many editors are women, who he says are "enthusiastic" about his proposal. The publisher's website describes itself as "Ambiziosa. Umoristica. Politica. Intellettuale." Conduit Books will accept submissions throughout May 2025, aiming to release three novels (or short story collections or memoirs) per year starting spring 2026. Cook insists the press is not seeking a confrontational position and does not intend to exclude writers of color, queer, non-binary, or neurodivergent authors. The announcement has sparked debate about gender balance in publishing, with critics noting that men still dominate many literary prizes and that women are the majority of book buyers and readers.