Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Self-Publishing Partner in Lancaster
Scotforth Books has been supporting authors since 1984, offering comprehensive expertise in every facet of publishing. Our services span editing, proofreading, page and cover design, printing, binding, sales, and marketing, ensuring a seamless journey from manuscript to finished product. With over four decades of experience, we combine technical proficiency with a passion for quality, delivering professionally crafted books tailored to individual budgets and visions. Our team prioritises client autonomy, providing guidance while ensuring authors retain full creative control. We pride ourselves on demystifying self-publishing through transparent, personable service, avoiding the impersonal approaches common in the industry. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the testimonials of satisfied authors who commend our professionalism, creativity, and dedication to client satisfaction.As part of Carnegie Publishing Ltd, we leverage our extensive industry knowledge to offer honest advice, realistic market assessments, and innovative solutions for both traditional and digital formats. Our state-of-the-art facilities and meticulous attention to detail ensure every book meets the highest production standards. From initial consultation to final distribution, we aim to make the publishing experience enjoyable and rewarding, fostering long-term relationships with authors through integrity and exceptional service. This enduring reputation has made us a trusted choice for self-publishing authors seeking quality and personalised support.
Services
Editing
Proofreading
Cover Design
Book Printing
Sales Strategy
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialist publishing expertise since 1984
- Our full-service approach covers every publishing stage from editing to distribution
- Personalised guidance maintains your creative control throughout the process
- We guarantee professional quality books with meticulous attention to detail
- Transparent pricing and honest advice tailored to your specific requirements
What people say
Efficient and helpful
Excellent book cover
Thrilled with quality
Utter professionalism
Joy to see development
Services
Editing
Our expert editors provide comprehensive text review services, ensuring clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy while preserving your unique voice. We offer both computer-assisted proofreading and full manual editing by experienced professionals. Authors receive detailed feedback to enhance their manuscripts while maintaining complete creative control throughout the process.
Cover Design
We create bespoke cover and jacket designs tailored to your book's content and target audience. Our designers combine artistic flair with market awareness to produce visually striking covers that stand out. From simple paperback designs to elaborate hardback jackets, we ensure professional quality artwork that perfectly represents your publication.
Book Printing
Offering both digital and lithographic printing options, we produce high-quality books in various formats including softback, hardback, and e-books. Our printing services accommodate print runs from single copies to large batches, with multiple paper quality options and binding specifications to suit every budget and requirement.
Sales Strategy
We provide strategic sales and marketing guidance to help maximise your book's commercial potential. This includes distribution advice, pricing strategy, and promotional material creation. Our expertise covers both traditional book trade channels and modern digital marketing approaches to reach your target audience effectively.
Image Services
Our professional scanning and image enhancement services ensure optimal quality for photographs, illustrations, and artwork. We handle both physical and digital media, offering restoration and formatting for various publication types. From basic image placement to complex diagram creation, we maintain technical precision while preserving visual integrity.
People
Anna Goddard
Contact Manager
With extensive experience in book production, Anna serves as the primary contact for authors, guiding them through the publishing process. She ensures clear communication and coordinates all aspects of book creation from initial consultation to final delivery.
Questions
What publishing formats do you offer?
We provide paperback, hardback, and e-book formats with various binding, paper quality, and design options to suit different needs and budgets.
Can you help with ISBN registration?
Yes, we guide authors through ISBN acquisition from Nielsen Book Data and assist with barcode creation for retail distribution.
How long does the publishing process take?
Timelines vary by project complexity but typically range from 8-12 weeks, with flexible scheduling to accommodate author availability.
Do you offer marketing support?
We provide sales strategy advice, distribution guidance, and promotional material creation to help maximise your book's commercial potential.
What image quality do you require?
We recommend original photographs or high-resolution digital files, with professional scanning services available for physical materials to ensure optimal print quality.
Can I make changes during production?
Yes, we include multiple proofing stages for revisions, though extensive changes may affect timelines and costs as agreed in your project plan.