Jonathan Ball Publishers Frequently Asked Questions

The Jonathan Ball list specialises in South African non-fiction, in particular biography, history and politics. We do not publish children’s books, poetry, plays or short story collections. We do publish fiction, but on an extremely limited scale. We do not publish genre fiction such as fantasy, science fiction, thrillers, etc.

The Sunbird list specialises in illustrated books relating to wildlife, tourism, maps, and travel.

It does not matter where the author is situated. It’s the idea that is the important factor.

You can submit your manuscript directly to Firdous Latief at our Cape Town office. We do not accept email submissions. We prefer to receive a covering letter, a short synopsis and a copy of the manuscript.

Please do not submit your original manuscript. Should you wish to have your manuscript returned if it is rejected, please include a suitably sized, stamped, self-addressed envelope with your submission. We will acknowledge receipt of your manuscript immediately, but please allow for up to approximately three months for a decision as we receive many manuscripts each week.

Please find the address below:

PO BOX 6836
Roggebaai
Cape Town
South Africa
8012