The Hardback Debate Misses the Point
A row in the Guardian this week saw journalist Larry Ryan calling for the death of the hardback, and his readers responding with the kind of fierce defence usually reserved for the monarchy. As a publisher who produces hardbacks regularly, I think both sides are missing the point, and the more interesting question is the one nobody is asking.
World Book Week - Why Books Still Matter More Than Ever
World Book Week is a reminder that books still carry cultural and intellectual weight in a world increasingly shaped by fast, disposable content. Whether developing a child’s imagination or strengthening an adult’s authority, reading remains one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping thought, confidence and influence.
What Actually Happens After You Finish Writing a Book
Finishing a manuscript is a major milestone, and it marks the point where publishing decisions begin to matter most. This stage shapes how a book communicates, holds its position, and reaches the readers it was written for.
When “Improvements” Make Things Worse
When big tech says it is making things better, it rarely asks who those changes are really for. Too often, publishers and creators discover the consequences only after control over their own work has already been taken away.
What Does Your Book Do?
Fifteen years in publishing has taught me how to recognise a book that truly carries weight, and how to shape it so it speaks for its author long before they ever enter the room. For busy people, a well-made book becomes a quiet but powerful business ally, representing who you are, how you think, and why working with you makes sense.
Why I Will Always Champion Independent Publishing
Most people still think publishing is a choice between control or credibility, but that is no longer true. Independent publishing now offers a balanced, sustainable alternative that puts authors first.
Publishing Trends for 2026
Publishing isn’t reinventing itself, but the foundations are shifting in ways that matter. From cautious AI adoption to smarter data use and tighter author services, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of steady, practical change rather than dramatic reinvention.
November’s Novel Moment: Celebrating Stories Big, Bold and Published
November isn’t only about word counts and writing challenges. It’s a time to celebrate powerful fiction, stories that challenge, provoke, and remind us what it means to be human.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone (and Back Into My Creative Head)
Stepping away from running my businesses to focus solely on writing was something I had never done before, but it reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to step away for a while and let creativity take the lead.
Responsibility, Results, and the Myth of “Not Enough”
True success comes from doing the work with integrity and trusting the process to unfold in its own time. Every project is a collaboration between effort, timing, and the willingness to let the result take shape naturally.
Social Media Didn’t Kill Reading - It Made It Go Viral
Social media didn’t kill reading, it made it contagious. TikTok drives book sales in seconds, LinkedIn fuels business book buzz, and Substack is where the real conversations happen for those who want depth, not just dopamine.
Publishing In The News
Publishing is facing a fragile moment, between vanishing young readers, collapsing platforms, and the creep of AI posing as creativity. What we need now isn’t faster content, but deeper connection, and a recommitment to real storytelling.
Making Space for the Work That Matters
After publishing six books in five months, I’m pressing pause to focus on the work that’s been quietly waiting - my own. This summer is about creative space, deeper projects, and making room for what matters most.
Why Small Publishers Fail - And How to Fix It
Small publishers are the lifeblood of innovation in the book world. They take risks, nurture new voices, and often work with a level of passion the big players lost years ago. So why do so many of them burn out, fold, or just quietly disappear?
Yellowface, Publishing Politics, and Why I’m Not Playing the Game
I’ve just finished Yellowface by Rebecca Kuang - a book hailed as a razor-sharp takedown of the publishing industry. It’s been called bold, brave, and biting.
But here’s the thing: I didn’t think it was any of those things.
AI and Copyright: Who Owns AI-Generated Content?
The rise of AI-generated content has sparked one of the most pressing debates in the publishing world: who owns the rights to AI-created work?
AI Writing vs. Human Authors: A Comparative Analysis
This article explores the current state of AI writing, its limitations in creating original ideas, and how it can serve as a supportive tool for human writers.