A Curated Hybrid Imprint of the Art & Creativity Consortium
Definition
ArtCreCon Editions is a selective hybrid publishing imprint operating under the Art & Creativity Consortium (ACC). It is founded on the recognition that contemporary literary and artistic production vastly exceeds the capacity of traditional publishing structures, which—by necessity—can accommodate only a limited number of works.
ArtCreCon Editions combines the editorial gatekeeping and institutional responsibility of traditional publishing with a production model that allows authors to participate directly in the realization of their books.
Publication under ArtCreCon Editions is not self-publishing and not vanity publishing. All works must be formally submitted, reviewed, and accepted by the imprint prior to publication.
This model consciously reclaims the long European tradition of sponsored and patronage-based publishing, through which many enduring works of literature were brought into existence when commercial publishing alone was insufficient to sustain them.
Editorial Principle
ArtCreCon Editions exists to publish works of literary, artistic, and intellectual merit that may not align with commercial publishing cycles, while maintaining rigorous editorial, aesthetic, and archival standards.
Acceptance for publication signifies:
- Editorial recognition by ACC
- Eligibility to publish under the ArtCreCon Editions imprint
- Access to ACC-issued ISBNs, subject to contractual compliance
- Listing in the ArtCreCon Editions publications archive
- Promotion through ACC’s cultural and institutional network
Acceptance does not constitute automatic publication; it constitutes eligibility under defined conditions.
Conditions of Access
Publication under ArtCreCon Editions is available primarily to members of the Art & Creativity Consortium (ACC). Membership establishes a shared framework of responsibility, accountability, and professional conduct.
For non-members, editorial review is possible on a fee-based basis. Review fees are determined according to:
- Genre
- Length of the work
- Language of submission
- Availability of qualified reviewers
Payment of a review fee does not guarantee acceptance for publication. All submissions, regardless of membership status, are subject to the same editorial criteria and standards.
Scope of Eligible Works
ArtCreCon Editions accepts both previously unpublished manuscripts and previously published works.
Previously published works may be republished under ArtCreCon Editions provided that:
- The author holds the necessary rights to republish the work
- The work undergoes editorial review by ArtCreCon Editions
- A new ACC-issued ISBN is assigned
- The edition is clearly identified as a new ArtCreCon Editions publication
Republishing is subject to the same editorial, design, and contractual standards as first editions.
Language Policy
ArtCreCon Editions accepts submissions in all languages.
Editorial review in a given language is conditional upon the availability of a vetted reviewer within ACC who is competent in that language. Where such a reviewer is available, the work may proceed through the standard review process.
Where no vetted reviewer exists for a particular language, ArtCreCon Editions reserves the right to:
- Defer review until appropriate expertise is available,
- Engage an external language or literary consultant to conduct the review, or
- Decline the submission on practical grounds
When an external consultant is engaged, the associated review costs may be borne by the submitting author, subject to prior disclosure and agreement.
Authors may propose a reviewer or consultant for their work; however, any such proposal is subject to formal vetting by ACC. Vetting includes assessment of academic, literary, or professional credentials, as well as evaluation of ethical independence, conflicts of interest, and suitability for impartial review. ACC retains full discretion to accept or reject proposed reviewers or consultants.
This policy is intended to preserve editorial responsibility and linguistic integrity.
How Publication Works
1. Submission & Review
Authors submit a complete manuscript for editorial evaluation. Acceptance is discretionary and based on merit, internal coherence, and suitability for public circulation under ACC’s name and institutional reputation.
2. Conditional Acceptance
Accepted works receive a conditional publication offer outlining:
- Editorial requirements
- Design and production standards
- Contractual obligations governing ISBN use, attribution, and listing
3. Author-Led Production
Authors assume responsibility for production costs and coordination, including:
- Editing
- Design
- Typesetting
- Proof preparation
Authors may propose editors, designers, or other collaborators, subject to approval. The use of ACC members is strongly encouraged, as it leverages shared professional standards, community accountability, and mutual responsibility.
4. Mandatory Quality Standards
All publications must meet ArtCreCon Editions standards for:
- Editorial quality
- Visual design
- Typography and layout
- Metadata accuracy and integrity
Final publication files require formal validation by ArtCreCon Editions prior to ISBN assignment and public listing.
5. Publication & Registration
Once approved:
- The work is published under the ArtCreCon Editions imprint
- An ACC-issued ISBN is assigned
- The title is entered into the official ArtCreCon Editions publication record
- The author may select a print and distribution network, either independently or following ACC recommendations
ISBN, Rights, and Attribution
- ISBNs are assigned by ACC and remain the property of ACC
- Copyright remains with the author
- ArtCreCon Editions is credited as the publishing imprint in all editions
- ACC retains non-exclusive rights to list, archive, and reference the work as part of its catalogue
- ACC reserves the right to remove a title from its listings if contractual or quality standards are no longer met
Distribution & Visibility
ArtCreCon Editions provides:
- Official imprint recognition
- Permanent listing on ACC platforms
- Inclusion in institutional and archival catalogues
Distribution, retail setup, and promotional activity remain the responsibility of the author unless otherwise agreed in writing.
What This Imprint Is — and Is Not
ArtCreCon Editions is:
- Curated
- Selective
- Contract-based
- Institutionally anchored
- Editorially accountable
ArtCreCon Editions is not:
- An open self-publishing platform
- A vanity press
- A pay-to-publish service
- An automated or platform-driven publishing solution
Ethical Position
ArtCreCon Editions was created to preserve editorial integrity in hybrid publishing, to offer serious authors a credible and transparent alternative to exploitative models, and to uphold the cultural, historical, and archival responsibilities inherent to the act of publication.