About Carnegie
Carnegie began life in 1984 when history Ph.D. student Alistair Hodge was living in a Preston bedsit looking for ways to fund the remaining research for his doctoral dissertation. Alistair decided to write and publish a short introduction to the history of Preston, based upon some lecture classes he had been giving through the University of Liverpool and the WEA.
That first little book, History of Preston; An Introduction (right) had just 32 pages, all in black and white, and had a retail price of 95p. Alistair confidently had 2,000 copies run off by local printer, T. Snape & Co., and with no distribution system save a moderately rusty bicycle, the first print run was hawked around the main Preston bookshops. An article about the venture in the Lancashire Evening Post stimulated so much interest that within a couple of weeks all 2,000 copies were sold, and another 3,000 printed.
From those early days Alistair has always believed that good historical writing – packed with insight, explanation, interest and illustrations – has a good potential market. We still like to make our books accessible to a wide readership, with modest retail prices, attractive design and nowadays with extensive use of colour in our books.
We are currently expanding our publishing in the areas of general history, city and town histories, counties and regions, industrial heritage and several other areas. Keep an eye on this website to find out about our latest books.
There will occasionally be special pre-publication offers, and if a book is not to be published for several months or years you can tick a box to ask for further information to be emailed to you nearer publication date.
Who's who at Carnegie ...
Alistair Hodge. I set up Carnegie in Preston 25 years ago, and am still passionate about reading, publishing and occasionally writing history. I cycle a great deal, which leaves less time than formerly for motorcycling ... no jokes about mid-life crises please!
Anna Goddard. I am the company's other director, and I have primary responsibility for marketing, Palatine Books (our local interest imprint), print buying, and an increasing number of self-publishing projects, whether from individuals, institutions or businesses. I love meeting and working with the huge variety of people involved in publishing books, still an honourable and friendly sport on the whole! Outside of work I run, cycle, cook and rush around a lot, preferring activity to inactivity. Above all I am a mum, totally bowled over by my two fabulous children: as for most parents, my life is one long juggling act. Contact me on 01524 840555, or via Scotforth Books.
Lucy Day. After completing a degree in Visual Art, I joined Carnegie in 2001 to design and typeset a huge range of books and covers. No two days are ever the same, and I love the challenge that each different project brings, as well as working with the many clients whose books I manage. Outside of work I draw, paint and enjoy walking, nature photography, visiting my Italian in-laws in Rome and my two mad house rabbits, Jeremy and Elouisa.
Rachel Clarke. I have worked at Carnegie for ten years. After taking two degrees in various aspects of engineering, I now apply that technical know-how to typesetting all manner of books! Outside of work my husband and I share the constantly demanding but thoroughly enjoyable experience of bringing up our children in their chaotic, busy lives. I attempt to garden without chemicals and am interested in wildlife, especially birds, going to steam gatherings, agricultural shows and occasionally a music festival. I have an active role in a local squadron of a national youth organisation.
Marilyn Kenyon. I've been working for Carnegie for nearly 6 years, mainly in accounts and administration, but will do anything (within reason) that the others may throw at me! In a previous existence I was an actor and still keep my hand in by directing productions for the local amateur group in Lancaster who happen to own a magnificent eighteenth-century theatre. I also love my garden and the new kitchen that my husband, Ian, has just installed!
Gillian Magee. It has been my absolute pleasure to work for Carnegie for the last ten years as their book sales representative. It is a lovely company producing top quality titles that I am able to offer and sell with pride. And what a great industry to work in; I get to meet lots of interesting, pleasant people and visit some delightful places with our history titles. Away from Carnegie I have a hectic but happy life, although the worry lines are getting deeper now my 3 teenage boys are all driving and entertaining girlfriends!! I believe in doing everything in moderation but my man says I spend too much and talk too much!!
Chris Quinn. I joined Carnegie in late 2009 after (variously) studying Publishing at Oxford Brookes, travelling around South America and working on academic journals in Oxford. I am very happy to have joined a company that has such a strong commitment to quality. I have been heavily involved in am-dram over the last few years, both treading the boards and training the lights, with the odd foray into film-making. I'm fascinated by all things Asiatic and when I'm not cooking up curries with the fire of a thousand suns I'm hiking, camping or plotting the next trip abroad with my wife.
Louis is our black labrador. No he doesn't actually have his own email address - that would be just silly - but I will pass on any messages!
Other things we do
Scotforth Books: helping authors self-publish
We are often approached by individuals and groups wanting help to publish their books: it might be their own family history or a book about their local school or village. Where appropriate, we guide them through the process of selfpublishing under our Scotforth Books name. We offer honest, impartial advice on all aspects of self-publishing, including the latest digital print technology and how to market and sell your book.