Pre-Screened Manuscripts
Each manuscript passes a 12-point editorial screen. AI assists, and a human decides.
For publishers & agents
Signal, Not Slush
Get a pre-qualified pipeline of AI manuscripts, and an amplification engine for every book you sign. We screen each manuscript against 12 criteria before it reaches you, so you spend your time on books that sell.
Verified
Credentials checked
Positioned
Market fit at a glance
Audience-ready
Platform data included
The pipeline
A qualified pipeline, built for acquisitions
We do the first pass so your team does not have to. Every author who reaches you arrives verified, positioned, and audience-ready.
Author Platform Data
Every synopsis arrives with quantified data: following, newsletter size, speaking, media.
Market Positioning
A positioning note and comparable-title analysis, so you judge fit at a glance.
Backed by CAIO Demand
Our editorial team screens every manuscript in-house against the 12-point checklist. Our '+CAIO+' Fortune 500 CAIO network tells us what enterprise readers want, so matches reflect real demand.
The partnership
The publisher journey
From first conversation to signed author, here is how a First Edition partnership works.
- 01
Join as a partner
Choose your tier and sign on. Founding partners get first-look on every manuscript.
- 02
Get your proof pack
We share your onboarding materials, network stats, and a sample review report, so you see exactly what the pipeline delivers before a single match arrives.
- 03
Set your preferences
We load your categories, acquisition rules, and preferences into our matching system, so every match fits your list.
- 04
Receive curated matches
Pre-screened authors arrive, matched to your categories, each with quantified platform data and a positioning note.
- 05
Sign and amplify
The relationship with the author is yours. When you sign, we amplify the book across our newsletter, podcast, and events.
Quality
The 12-point editorial screen
We assess every manuscript against these 12 criteria before we make any publisher introduction.
- 1.The author has verified AI expertise through a credential, role, or publication history.
- 2.The manuscript speaks to a specific, identifiable audience, not everyone interested in AI.
- 3.The core thesis is original, not a retelling of existing published work.
- 4.The author has an existing or buildable professional platform.
- 5.The book fills an identifiable gap in the current AI book market.
- 6.The author has demonstrated writing ability through a sample chapter or articles.
- 7.The manuscript sits at a stage where publisher engagement is productive.
- 8.The author understands that First Edition is not a publisher and takes no rights.
- 9.The book fits the audience: policy, governance, enterprise, research, or practice.
- 10.The author is responsive and professional in early communication.
- 11.The scope and length (word count) suit a book-length work.
- 12.The synopsis is substantive, 250 words or more, with a clear narrative arc.
Partner tiers
Choose your level of access
Start free. Upgrade when the pipeline proves itself.
| Feature | Founding Partner | Category Partner | Associate Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment | $20,000 / year (limited to 10) | $7,500 / year | Free |
| Access level | First-look on ALL manuscripts | First-look in selected categories | Self-serve portal browse |
| Manuscript pipeline | Unlimited plus priority inbox | Filtered by category or genre | Open pipeline access |
| Notification speed | Real-time (within hours) | Same-day digest | Weekly digest |
| Co-marketing | Newsletter feature plus podcast | Category newsletter spots | Directory listing only |
| CAIO introductions | Direct matchmaking | Category-relevant only | None |
| Enterprise bundles | Revenue-share partner | Case-by-case | Not included |
| Annual review seat | Yes (strategy input) | — | — |
Publisher matching
Get matched with the right publisher
You do not have to chase publishers or guess who fits. We already know the editors who acquire AI books, and we make the introduction for you. Every match arrives with a clear reason it works for both sides.
Get Your MatchesApply
Apply for partner access
Tell us about your imprint and the categories you acquire. We reply personally.