Business Details
18 Years
experience
Independent Book Publishers in Leeds | Scratching Shed Publishing
Founded in May 2008, we are an independent publishing company rooted in Yorkshire with a clear mission: to produce high-quality books that celebrate Northern English culture while expanding our reach to national and international audiences. Our expertise spans diverse genres including biography, history, fiction, and sport, with a particular focus on rugby league through our monthly magazine Forty20. We pride ourselves on fostering connections between authors and readers, offering opportunities for literary engagement through events like our In League With Literature roadshow. Our team combines decades of journalistic and editorial experience, ensuring every publication meets rigorous standards of quality and authenticity. We actively support literacy initiatives such as The Reading Agency's Six Book Challenge, demonstrating our commitment to cultural enrichment.With a growing catalogue of over 100 titles, we maintain a balance between preserving regional identity and embracing global perspectives. Our founders Phil Caplan and Tony Hannan, alongside editorial consultants Mike Latham and Professor Tony Collins, bring specialist knowledge in sports history and Northern English heritage. We welcome unsolicited manuscripts, providing a platform for both established and emerging voices. Our dedication to excellence has earned recognition through milestone publications and collaborations with notable figures in literature and entertainment. By blending traditional publishing values with innovative storytelling approaches, we continue to build a distinctive portfolio that resonates with readers worldwide.
Services
Book publishing
Rugby league magazine
Author events
Manuscript submissions
Subscription service
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We specialise in Northern English culture and heritage since 2008
- Our team includes experienced journalists and sports historians
- We publish diverse genres from biography to rugby league analysis
- We support literacy initiatives like The Reading Agency's programmes
- We offer author events and manuscript submission opportunities
Services
Book publishing
We create high-quality books celebrating Northern English heritage and global themes. Our expertise covers biography, history, and sports literature, with particular emphasis on rugby league. Each publication undergoes rigorous editorial review to ensure cultural authenticity and literary excellence. Our catalogue includes over 100 titles spanning fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
Rugby league magazine
Forty20 magazine delivers comprehensive rugby league coverage since 2015. We provide monthly analysis, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights across European and Australasian leagues. The publication supports emerging writers and photographers while maintaining its position as rugby league's alternative voice through intelligent, accessible content.
Author events
Our In League With Literature roadshow connects readers with authors through live events. We organise book signings, festival appearances, and special performances featuring comedy, poetry, and storytelling. These events showcase both established and emerging literary talent across Northern England's cultural venues.
Manuscript submissions
We welcome unsolicited manuscripts from prospective authors. The submission process requires a proposal, CV, and sample chapters followed by formal review. Our editorial team provides guidance for developing ideas into publishable works, prioritising stories that align with our Northern English cultural focus or sports themes.
Subscription service
Subscribers receive exclusive access to Forty20 magazine issues before general release. Options include 3, 6, or 12-month print subscriptions with worldwide delivery. Digital subscriptions offer mobile access through our iOS app. All subscriptions include postage and special offers for back catalogue purchases.
People
Phil Caplan
Co-Director
Co-founder with over 20 years' experience in sports journalism and publishing. Specialises in rugby league history and Northern English culture. Previously worked as a broadcaster and author of multiple sports titles.
Tony Hannan
Co-Director
Award-winning journalist and author with expertise in Northern English literature. Co-founded the company to promote regional voices. Regular contributor to national media outlets on cultural and publishing matters.
Ros Caplan
Company Secretary
Chief media contact responsible for author relations and event coordination. Manages day-to-day operations and editorial communications. Previously worked in arts administration and literary festival organisation.
Mike Latham
Editorial Consultant
Experienced editor specialising in sports history publications. Provides expert guidance on manuscript development and historical accuracy. Former editor of multiple award-winning sports journals.
Professor Tony Collins
Editorial Consultant
Academic expert in sports history and culture. Advises on scholarly publications and research-based projects. Professor at De Montfort University with numerous publications on rugby league history.
Questions
What types of books do you publish?
We specialise in Northern English culture, biography, history, fiction, and sport titles, with a particular focus on rugby league through our Forty20 magazine.
How can I submit a manuscript?
Email us your proposal first, then send hard copies to 47 Street Lane, Leeds. Include a covering letter, CV, synopsis, and sample chapters.
What is Forty20 magazine?
Forty20 is our award-winning monthly rugby league publication covering global news, player interviews, and in-depth analysis since 2015.
Do you offer author events?
Yes, our In League With Literature roadshow features author appearances and literary events across Northern England.