About us
Search Press is the leading art and craft publisher in the UK. We specialize in producing beautiful and practical books on knitting, sewing, crocheting, needlecraft, textiles, painting and drawing, and general crafts for people of all skill levels. The company was founded in 1970, when Charlotte de la Bedoyere published her first book – Basket Weaving – in an attic room in Kensington. Translated from a German book, this was to be the first of many titles. The format was good, the thinking behind them simple, to publish small, reasonably priced books that were packed with practical information, offering crafters and needlecrafters new ideas and inspirational designs. Lotti, as she is known to everyone here at Search Press, went on include hot trends like pin and thread and candlemaking. The market loved them and so she continued, introducing full colour and a successful series of practical art books – the Leisure Arts.
In the early 1980s, Lotti moved to Tunbridge Wells, establishing a warehouse and offices in a quiet corner of the North Farm Industrial Estate – where we are today. She continued to publish an increasing range of popular books, developing new series and commissioning larger titles. Then in 1997, following her decision to retire, her son, Martin de la Bedoyere, took over as Managing Director, with his wife Caroline. Both with extensive publishing experience gained as directors at Heinemann, they continue to build on the strong traditions that Lotti had developed over 27 years.
With a team of nearly 40 people, many of them long-term employees, Search Press now publishes up to 100 of its own titles each year, as well as distributing books for other publishers. From the commissioning of an original idea to the final delivery of books into the warehouse, the publishing process is carried out ‘in-house’. A few books are bought in from other sources and labelled with the Search Press ‘stamp’, but they are always checked by us before they are printed, so that they fit in with our style and publishing philosophy. We have a strong and dedicated team, with everyone playing their part in the process, from the warehouse staff to the sales and marketing team, production department, customer services, accounts and designers and editors.
Recently, the offices and warehouse have been extended and we now have a craft room which can be used for workshops or demonstrations by customers, authors or organizations. Having also established offices in Australia and the USA we continue to expand and develop our list with new exciting ideas. The biggest development to date is this website. We will be keeping you up to date with our books, news and happenings on a regular basis and you will be able to place orders for all our latest titles.
Company Directors
The Board of Directors oversees the running of Search Press, and is made up of:
Martin de la Bedoyere – Managing Director
Caroline de la Bedoyere – Director
David Grant – Sales and Marketing Director
Samantha Warrington – Publishing Director
Editorial
Becky Robbins – Managing Editor
Edd Ralph – Senior Editor
Beth Harwood – Editor
Lyndsey Dodd – Editor
Emily Adam – Editor
Carrie Baker – Editor
Victoria Allen – Editorial Assistant
Sam is responsible for commissioning all of our titles, and she will be your point of contact with Search Press up until contracts have been exchanged. At this point she will schedule your book and allocate you to one of our inhouse editors. They will be responsible for seeing your book through to publication, and will work closely with you every step of the way. Their aim is to ensure that the entire process runs as smoothly as possible; that it is enjoyable and rewarding; and that the overall vision for the book that you initially agreed with Sam is carried right through to publication.
Design
Juan Hayward – Head of Design
Marrianne Miall – Design Manager
Emma Sutcliffe – Design Assistant
The designers work closely with the editors at every stage of the editorial process and are responsible for the way your book looks, including the cover design. They will always take into account your own views on the overall look and feel of your book.
Photography
All of our photography is done by a small number of freelance photographers who we use regularly. We have our own photographic studio here at Search Press, and most of our step-by-step photography is done here, though we also use the services of another photographic studio which is situated nearby. Most of our styled shots are now sent out of house to freelance photographers.
Rights
Caroline de la Bedoyere – Director
All Search Press-produced books are available for licensing in all language and territories. For more information contact Caroline de la Bedoyere.
Accounts
Paul Watkinson – Accountant
Tracey Horsley – Accountant
Ana Plant – Accounts & Office Administrator
Paul is responsible for the payment of your contract fees or royalties and the processing of the orders for your book. But if you have any queries in this area, always ask your editor first!
Production
Inger Arthur – Production Manager
Alex Bastow – Production Assistant
The Production team looks after the costing and printing of your book. Their job is to ensure that the quality of the printing, binding and colour reproduction is as high as possible, and that the book is delivered to our warehouse on time, and within budget.
Sales and Marketing
David Grant – Sales and Marketing Director
James Wheeler – UK & Ireland Sales Manager
Charlie Palmer-Joy – Commercial Manager
Kirsten Symington – Head of Marketing
Claire Lucas – Marketing Co-ordinator
Sophie Butrymowicz – Marketing Executive
Olivia Leahy – Marketing Assistant
Kate Luxton – Publicist
Sophie Harper – Customer Service Supervisor
Louisa Church – Customer Service Operator
Alicia Wood – Customer Service Operator
After the contract is signed, the Sales & Marketing Team will start to actively promote your book. The book is added to mailing lists and is promoted both in the UK and overseas during the run up to publication. Demonstrations, book signings, magazine articles and other active promotions are organised by the team after publication, and they also offer customer support and deal with any queries.
Warehouse
Mick Diplock – Senior Warehouse Manager
Phil Evans – Goods In Manager
Operatives
Andy Cole
Darren Nicholls
Greg Bialasik
David Stone
Martin Diplock
The Warehouse team is responsible for receiving stock of our books into our on-site warehouse, and ensures that they go out to our readers in good condition and on time.
SEARCH PRESS NORTH AMERICA
Website: www.searchpressusa.com
Email: northamerica@searchpress.com
SEARCH PRESS AUSTRALIA
Email: sales@searchpress.com.au
If you wish to contact any member of staff in our UK office, please email sales@searchpress.com and include the person’s name in the subject field.
