Promptly Books is a nimble alternative press that keeps costs low and flexibility high. The press focuses on collaborative community-building among academics and artists who want to reach broader audiences. We’re interested in unusual ideas communicated in approachable ways. We publish literature, non-fiction ideas pieces, educational workbooks, and perhaps the odd artist book.
Coming soon: An inventive rethink of critical thinking. Critical thinking isn’t what you think asks educators, artists, and thinkers to view this seemingly indispensable and often unexamined intellectual activity through a new lens.
Attention: Going out of print in August 2026 to make way for the 2nd edition on Bloomsbury (pre-orders now available)!
Learn interactive protocols for AI chatbots. Boost your prompt design skills. Make learning more fun, creative, and effective … without cheating. And most importantly: bring critical AI literacy and learning literacy together.
Buy the first edition on Amazon while you can!
Other projects…
Order our books on Amazon or contact us to collaborate on an interactive paper book to serve your purposes best. Our Promptly series focuses on activity books and workbooks for family play, self-reflection, projects, productivity, and creative work.
Our University Material series focuses on learning support for students in college, university, high-school, or any learning situation where focus is helpful.
In the current information environment, paper offers an attractive alternative for those of use who feel a bit of digital burnout or screen fatigue. Paper is a wonderful place that AI, TikTok etc. can’t really touch.
If you like the idea of these books and work in education, publishing, not-for-profit and charity, or creative industries, let’s discuss working together on something exciting and useful.
Imagine: prompt journals for well-being, reflective workbooks for neuro-divergent learning, activity books for international students, structures for collaboration and productivity, templates for teaching, design, and problem-solving of all kinds.
Contact Josh to start a discussion.
Josh Thorpe is a learning developer and lecturer at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He also hosts and produces Unusual Music Exchange. Learn more about Josh at joshthorpe.com.