Best Startup
A QUICK INTRODUCTION ABOUT WHAT YOUR COMPANY DOES/YOUR VALUES/MISSION.
Softwood Self-Publishing helps authors through the publishing process, while enabling them to keep financial and creative control.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
While studying for a BA in Philosophy and English Literature, I founded a student arts and culture magazine, which was my first experience in leading and editing a team of writers. I learned then how much I loved working with words in a leadership role. In 2017, I decided to look for freelance editing work while taking a Copy-Editing and Proofreading course with the Writer’s Bureau, and by 2020, I had a thriving freelance business whilst writing my debut novel, On the Edge. Due to rising demand for editing and marketing services through the pandemic, my partner joined the business, and soon after, my business had expanded to include a small team of designers and an associate printer and was well on the way to be able to provide the complete publishing service I had always envisaged.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME A YEAR OR TWO, WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF?
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. I was initailly sceptical about the benefits that it could bring such a small business, most of whose clients were US-based. Coupled with historical anxiety issues about meeting new people in person, it took me much personal courage to at last accept an invitation – and I’ve never looked back! I know now that networking provides an invaluable source of support, knowledge, and contacts and certainly opens doors that could have been opened earlier had I fully embraced the idea two years ago.
WHAT PROBLEM DOES YOUR BUSINESS SOLVE?
Anyone can publish, and we aim to educate authors on the various routes available to them and the pitfalls to avoid. We offer advice and support while helping authors stay in financial and creative control.
WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS?
I’ve been a voracious reader since a young age and always wanted to write my own book. But when it came to publishing my debut novel, I found I had a passion for helping other authors achieve their writing goals. I love helping people and giving value where I can. This inspired me to set up a business with bespoke services, focused on the individual and their needs.
WHAT IS YOUR MAGIC SAUCE?
It is rare to find a independent company such as ours that offers such a complete range of services, from writers’ coaching through to marketing and distribution. All our services are completely bespoke, designed around each individual author’s requirements. Unlike many competitors, we do not offer packages, rather allowing clients to pick and choose the services that best suit them. Even before an author decides to work with us, we offer free publishing consultations and often meet authors face to face over a coffee in our new offices.
We ensure that every author stays in full ownership of all copyright and ISBNs and we pride ourselves in not taking any royalties or claiming copyright over manuscripts. Due to the nature of our services, we do not ask for large up front payments; clients only pay for the services they require and can take advantage of our flexible payment plans. A high level of aftersales customer care is provided through free promotion features on our website and social media, with unlimited free advice available to all clients.
WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE?
Moving into new offices (August 2022) has been the beginning of an exciting time of further expansion for the business. In particular, over the next few years, we are aiming to expand our range of services to audiobooks and explore how the rapidly emerging world of AI can enhance a writers’ journey. We also hope to enhance our marketing and promotional services for authors by offering business strategies for author brands, whilst enhancing the printing and distribution options open to them. We will be increasing the number of our team in order to achieve these aims and to be able to continue providing our exceptional, award-winning levels of customer service to an ever-increasing global client base.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED SO FAR?
Our biggest challenge so far was being required to find new suitable new office space within a matter of a few weeks when we unexpectedly lost our previous working space. Through the power of networking, we found new premises within a matter of days. Being now located above Suffolk’s business Innovation Labs has enhanced our networking opportunities further and has introduced us to a new business mentor, who is helping us through this next exciting phase of expansion.
HOW DO PEOPLE GET INVOLVED/BUY INTO YOUR VISION?
Authors come from every walk of life, and in the world of self-publishing, there are no barriers to entry, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexuality. Increasingly we are working with writers from marginalised areas of society across the world who want to tell their stories. Similarly, many of our clients are successful business owners who are looking to underline their corporate messages via publishing. Whether a leadership coach or an acupuncturist, entrepreneurs and professionals can work with us to help their businesses reach a larger audience. All it takes is an initial chat, whether in person or over Zoom. We have a presence on every social media platform, where people can reach out to us for advice on how to start their journey to become a published author.
