~ Orkneyology Press ~
Why are we creating Orkneyology Press?
Tom and I share that feverish, greedy passion for books which you probably recognize if you're reading this.
We bibliophiles are always on the hunt for the next book to carry us away. We're saddened by the relentless approach of the last page, and yet we live in hope of the next spell-binder or arcane treasure leaping off the bookshelf and into our sweaty hands.
Orkneyology Press, a bibliophile's dream
Curating remarkable stories by means of an independent press has been our ultimate goal since we began Orkneyology.com.
Anyone who knows us could have predicted this. After all, books brought us together. (If you're interested you can read our story here.)
Orkneyology Press exists to give voice to stories that deserve to be known.
We've run across so many good stories and writers in the course of daily life here in Orkney. Sadly, many of the best of these might not sell in large enough numbers to warrant the expensive and risky publication process through traditional publishing methods.
Our mission is to rescue and preserve some of these most worthy stories - stories which might otherwise end their days languishing in a stuffy drawer.
What we'll be publishing
We plan to publish mostly non-fiction: memoirs, social history, archaeology and it's looking like a lot of folklore as well ... and whatever else tickles our fancy.
Some of our authors live in Orkney and many of our books will have an
Orkney connection, but not all. Consult our author pages below to see what's on the near horizon.
How can I submit a manuscript to Orkneyology Press?
We have a wonderful assortment of planned books that will keep the two of us busy for quite a while. We're delighted with this, but sadly, it does mean that we can't accept any further manuscripts just now.
We plan to look at submissions again in April of 2025. Thank you for understanding.
Indie publishing with soul
Inspired by sheer curiosity for the undiscovered story, Tom and I aim to curate a treasury of books that will be delightful, whimsical, soulful ... fascinating.
Of course, it will take some time to create and build our collection of wonderful books.
"But what shall we do while we wait?" I hear you cry.
The best thing you can do while you're waiting (oh, so patiently) for things to get rolling at Orkneyology Press is to sign up for our quarterly blether, Orkney Stories, Stones and Bones.
Just leave your best email - the one you use for fun things - on the subscription form that you'll find on this page.
Once each season we'll update you about Orkneyology Press, entertain you with Orkney lore and share other interesting tit bits.
So, if opening a new book makes you feel something like this:
... you're in the right place.
Keep watching this space for introductions to our authors!
~ Published in 2023 ~
~ Coming soon ~
Mermaid image (Rhonda's pages) and storyteller image (Tom's pages), and all other illustrations except where noted are here by the courtesy of our dear friend - Stromness author, artist and historian, Bryce Wilson MBE, who owns all copyrights. Thanks, Bryce!
The long-awaited 25th anniversary edition of Tom Muir's The Mermaid Bride is out! With new stories and illustrations added, and at the originl price, this book is a real bargain. Buy it here.
If you enjoy what we do please consider encouraging us on Ko-fi. It's a simple, safe way to support our work of preserving Orkney's stories and lore. Thank you!
Click below to hear a welcome message from Tom Muir.
Sign up for our newsletter below and we'll send you Tom's favorite story!
~ Next issue:
Spring 2024
Recent Articles
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Orkneyology Podcast - Ower wi' the moon
Apr 24, 24 09:42 AM
In Orkney, we used to have an expression: "I'll be ower wi' the moon," meaning, "I will come and visit you when the moon is full, to light my way." -
Tom Muir's new Scottish Folk Tales of Coast and Sea!
Apr 23, 24 10:50 AM
Tom is very proud (though he won't admit it, being Orcadian) of his newest collection of Scottish folk tales, published by History Press. Read more here. -
Test your knowledge of Scotland!
Apr 09, 24 04:55 PM
One minute of Scotland quiz fun on Orkneyology Youtube.
