About Us
Founded in 2017 by Maddy Glenn, Softwood Books was created with a simple ambition: to make professional publishing services accessible without compromising on quality. Almost a decade later, we have grown into an award-winning publishing services company supporting authors, businesses and organisations across the UK and internationally.
Our expertise spans the entire publishing process, from editing, design and production through to printing, distribution and marketing. We work with independent authors, local businesses, established organisations and multinational companies, providing the specialist knowledge, creative expertise and practical support needed to bring books successfully to market.
Our reputation for quality and service has been recognised through numerous awards and nominations, including the Surrey Enterprise Awards, the Mid Suffolk & Babergh District Council Innovation Awards and the Suffolk Small Business Awards. In 2025/26, we were named Self-Publishing Specialists of the Year – London & South East by the Prestige Awards, an accolade we have received every year since 2022.
In 2026, Softwood Books was shortlisted for two National Small Business Awards, further recognising our growth, innovation and contribution as an independent business. We are also proud members of The Publishers Association, reflecting our commitment to professional standards and our place within the wider UK publishing industry.
Based in Stowmarket, Suffolk, our team brings together experienced editors, designers, publishing specialists and production professionals who care deeply about the books we work on. We combine the personal service and attention to detail of an independent business with the expertise of a professional publishing partner.
Our aim is simple: to help every client produce the best possible book and give it the strongest possible chance of success.
The Softwood Team
The people behind our books
At the heart of Softwood Books is a team of people who genuinely care about books — and about the people who create them.
Our five project managers are there to guide clients through every stage of the publishing journey, while our team of experienced editors and designers bring the words and ideas to life. Alongside them, our network of eight professional illustrators adds creativity and character to projects of all kinds, from children’s books to beautifully illustrated non-fiction.
We also have specialist expertise in copyright and licensing, with trusted partners for translation and audiobook production, giving us the ability to support projects well beyond the traditional publishing process.
Behind the scenes, our management and finance teams keep everything running smoothly.
It is this combination of dedicated people, specialist skills and genuine collaboration that makes Softwood what it is — a publisher that is big enough to have the expertise you need, but small enough to know you and care about your book.
