Our Story
The demand for political books is large and growing, and more and more aspiring authors want their voices to be heard in this arena. But because access continues to be controlled by the gatekeepers at literary agencies and big trade publishing houses, the marketplace tends to be dominated by political celebrities and partisan extremes that are easiest to sell.
Our mission at RealClear Publishing—much like our parent brand RealClear Politics—is to help diversify and enrich that marketplace of ideas by offering a trusted platform for independent-minded thinkers and advocates to enhance our most pressing national debates.
"In an era of predictable hyper-partisanship, RealClearPolitics’ foray into publishing was a logical next step for an enterprise dedicated to airing views that span the ideological spectrum — left, right, or center."
Carl Cannon, Executive Editor, RealClear Media GroupThe RealClear Advantage
To be real clear about RealClear Publishing, our business model differs from traditional publishers. Authors finance the creation, production, and promotion of their books. In return, they maintain control of their intellectual property--with final say on the text, title, and publishing schedule--while capturing 80% of the revenue from their sales. This approach also offers an accelerated speed to market, enabling authors to participate in topical debates as they happen.
This unconventional model opens the door for a far greater array of authors of all ideological persuasions to have their voices heard. This approach also offers an accelerated speed to market, enabling authors to participate in topical debates in realtime--instead of being held hostage to someone else's priorities schedule.
Most importantly, thanks to RealClearPolitics enormous reach and exceptional reputation as a trusted, independent news source, our service can deliver the kind of high-level visibility and credibility that so many political authors crave--and no other political publisher can match. With RealClear Publishing, your book will be front and center with an audience of political junkies that tops out at 45 million during campaign season.
Our Most Recent Books
RealClear Publishing In the News
Documenting Women's Struggle to Be Heard--In Public
July 15, 2023
C. Owen Paepke on How Voters Can Reclaim the White House for "Bipartisan" Governance
June 12, 2023
Local man authors plea for a purple U.S. president
June 12, 2023
How We Work
Step 1: Submission Review
Our publishing committee, led by Carl Cannon (Washington Bureau Chief, RealClearPolitics), thoughtfully reviews every synopsis, outline, table of contents, book proposal, and manuscript (or partial manuscript) submitted. Keep in mind, only high-quality content that brings a meaningful perspective to an issue of the day will be extended an offer from RealClear Publishing. Either way, you’ll hear back from us within two weeks.
Step 2: Core Services
Once your project is accepted, we will work with you to develop a publishing plan that is tailored to your goals and priorities. Because we are a hybrid publishing enterprise, every agreement will include the following basic elements:
Production Services: Includes editing, cover and interior design, and publishing in print, eBook, and audiobook formats.
Licensing Fee to RealClearPolitics: Enables our authors to leverage the credibility of the trusted RealClearPolitics brand.
Marketing Program through RealClearPolitics: Provides our authors with premium access to RCP’s audience.
Step 3: Customized Publishing and Promotion Plan
Beyond the above elements, authors will have an opportunity to select from a menu of services from our “dream team” of experts that align with their needs, goals, and budget, including:
Editorial: Concept development, developmental editing, and ghostwriting via Gotham Ghostwriters.
Book Distribution: National submission to online and brick-and-mortar bookstores via Amplify.
Marketing/PR Support: Customized publicity campaigns to complement the RealClearPolitics marketing program via our network of top publishing PR professionals.
Learn More:
Pathways to Book Publishing
Carl Cannon, Executive Editor of RealClearPublishing is joined by Dan Gerstein of Gotham Ghoswriters and Naren Aral of Mascot Books to discuss how to publish with RealClear.
Who We Are
RealClear Publishing is a joint venture by and among RealClear Media Group, Gotham Ghostwriters, and Amplify Publishing Group
Erin Waters
President & COO,
RealClear Media Group
Carl M. Cannon
Executive Editor,
RealClear Media Group
Naren Aryal
CEO and Publisher,
Amplify Publishing Group
Dan Gerstein
CEO,
Gotham Ghostwriters
RealClear Publishing
A seat at the table
As a RealClear Media Group brand, RealClear Publishing provides access to an audience of leaders and outlets from all sides of the political spectrum, providing visibility where it matters most. Branding opportunities give authors access to some of RCP’s largest content channels, including the RCP Today Daily Newsletter, Carl Cannon’s Morning Note, and banner ads on RealClearPolitics, which are frequented by important audience networks.
Amplify Publishing Group
Industry-leading publishing services
Amplify Publishing specializes in game-changing political, business, and "big idea" titles. One of the most trusted hybrid publishers in the industry, Amplify offers expertise in book producing, distribution, and marketing of authors and book launches from newsmakers, experts, and influencers across various industries. Established in 2003, Amplify is uniquely positioned to balance speed to market and editorial excellence.
Gotham Ghostwriters
Expert positioning, writing, editing
With its unmatched network of editorial talent and knowledge of the collaborative writing space, Gotham Ghostwriters is uniquely positioned to help RealClear Publishing authors develop the best version of their vision. From honing the book’s concept to drafting the full manuscript to fine-tuning the author’s work, Gotham’s team can supply the right solution for any given author’s needs.
Our Blog
Top 5 Bipartisan Policy Books We'd Love to See
Naren Aryal (September 1, 2023)
As we approach the 2024 elections, America is sharply divided by partisanship and exhausted by politics. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 65% of Americans say that they always or often feel “exhausted” when thinking about politics, and 55% always or often feel “angry.” Both major parties are generally unpopular: only 37% of Americans have a favorable view of the Democratic Party, while only 36% have a favorable view of the Republican Party.
RealClear Reading Recommendations
Political Books We Can't Wait to Read This Winter
Publication Date:
January 9, 2024
Publication Date:
January 16, 2024
Publication Date:
January 16, 2024
Publication Date:
February 20, 2024
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