AIUR
AIUR (pronounced "eye-ur") is dedicated to stories and ideas shaped by the climate era. We publish both fiction and non-fiction that engage with ecology, environment, and the future of life on Earth.
From climate fiction and solarpunk to environmental history, science, and philosophy, our focus is on work that interrogates, imagines, and inspires. AIUR welcomes visionary thinkers and storytellers who grapple with the most pressing questions of our time, and what comes next.
Editorial Principles
At AIUR, we look for work that is intellectually robust, emotionally grounded, and willing to engage with complexity. We value clarity, originality, and a thoughtful engagement with ecological, scientific, and cultural realities. Whether fiction or non-fiction, each project should contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conversation around climate, environment, and our collective future. We are especially interested in interdisciplinary approaches, underrepresented voices, and writing that challenges extractive mindsets in favour of more relational, regenerative, and justice-focused ways of thinking.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome submissions of both fiction and non-fiction that engage meaningfully with climate, ecology, and the future of life on Earth. We are looking for work that is clear, bold, and grounded—projects that explore environmental themes with originality, rigour, and imagination.
What we publish:
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Fiction: Climate fiction, solarpunk, ecological fantasy, speculative or literary fiction with environmental themes
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Non-Fiction: Environmental science, climate justice, sustainability, deep ecology, Indigenous knowledge, eco-memoir, regenerative futures, and related disciplines
What TO SEND:
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A short cover letter telling us who you are and why you're submitting to AIUR
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A brief synopsis of the book
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The first 3 chapters (for fiction) or a detailed proposal with sample material (for non-fiction)
Frequently Asked Questions for Aspiring Authors
1. What genres does AIUR accept?
AIUR publishes both fiction and non-fiction with a focus on climate, ecology, and environmental futures. We welcome:
Fiction genres
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Climate fiction (cli-fi)
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Solarpunk and ecological science fiction
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Speculative or literary fiction with environmental themes
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Ecological fantasy or biopunk
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Environmental thrillers or eco-mysteries
Non-fiction genres
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Climate science and environmental studies
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Sustainability, regenerative design, and systems thinking
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Environmental justice and policy
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Indigenous knowledge and land-based practices
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Eco-memoir, nature writing, and environmental philosophy
We’re particularly interested in work that is interdisciplinary, globally aware, and challenges dominant narratives around land, resource, and future.
2. Do you accept unagented submissions?
Yes. We are currently open to unsolicited submissions from both agented and unagented writers. You do not need an agent to submit your work to AIUR.
3. Do I need to be an expert to submit non-fiction?
Not necessarily. While we do publish work by scholars, scientists, and practitioners, we also welcome submissions from journalists, activists, artists, and everyday citizens with lived experience and insight. What matters most is the credibility of your perspective, the clarity of your ideas, and the quality of your writing.
4. Are you open to international writers?
Absolutely. AIUR is based in South Africa but welcomes submissions from anywhere in the world. We have a strong interest in Southern Hemisphere and Global South perspectives, but our focus is global in scope.
5. What makes a submission a good fit for AIUR?
We’re looking for work that speaks to the climate era—whether through imaginative storytelling or grounded, forward-thinking non-fiction. A strong submission will:
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Engage seriously with environmental or planetary themes
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Offer original thinking or storytelling
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Be intellectually clear and emotionally compelling
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Align with our values of ecological awareness, justice, and regeneration
We appreciate bold ideas, clear writing, and voices that shift the conversation.
6. Can I submit to AIUR and other publishers at the same time?
Yes, we accept simultaneous submissions, but please let us know in your cover letter if your work is under consideration elsewhere. If your project is accepted by another publisher, we’d appreciate being notified as soon as possible.
7. Do you accept previously published work?
We generally do not accept reprints of previously published books unless there’s a compelling reason (e.g. a significant revision, out-of-print status, or a new edition with substantial updates). However, we’re happy to consider projects that have grown out of published essays, articles, or academic work, just be transparent about the context in your proposal.
8. Do you accept co-authored or collaborative projects?
Yes. We welcome collaborative work, especially for non-fiction titles that bring together different areas of expertise or perspective. Please include a note on each contributor’s role and background in your submission.
9. What do you mean by “climate fiction”?
Climate fiction, often called cli-fi, is any story that engages with climate change, ecological crisis, or the human relationship with the environment. It can be near-future, speculative, utopian, dystopian, or grounded in realism. At AIUR, we’re especially interested in stories that go beyond apocalypse and imagine what survival, adaptation, and repair might look like.
10. Do you accept poetry or short stories?
Not at this time. AIUR currently focuses on full-length books: fiction (novels or linked story collections) and non-fiction (proposals or complete manuscripts). However, short pieces may be considered if part of a unified work with a clear environmental focus.
11. Do you publish children’s books?
Not at present. AIUR is focused on adult fiction and non-fiction. However, climate-oriented work that might appeal to crossover audiences is welcome, particularly in the speculative or solarpunk space.