About Us

Founded in 1898, Duckworth Books is one of the UK’s oldest publishers still under independent ownership. Today we publish under three imprints, Duckworth, September and Farrago.

Duckworth

Here we publish stimulating and intellectually curious works of non-fiction, on topics ranging across biography, memoir, science, philosophy, nature, travel writing and history, as well as compelling literary and historical fiction.

Duckworth’s illustrious heritage includes such writers as D.H. Lawrence, Henry James, Hilaire Belloc, Evelyn Waugh, Oliver Sacks, Alice Thomas Ellis and Beryl Bainbridge. Today, our authors include Yu Hua, Priscilla Morris, Ray Kurzweil, Dur e Aziz Amna, Karen Bartlett and Paul Cooper.

September

September is an award-winning list of illustrated, non-fiction and fiction titles. Our focus is on publications that will expand readers’ worlds, transforming and inspiring. Books in which to lose yourself… and find yourself.

Our authors include Sharon Blackie, Stephen Ellcock, Brigit Anna McNeill, Manda Scott and Rory Cellan-Jones, as well as collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum.

Farrago

Farrago publishes fiction to make readers smile. We make sure that if you find one novel funny, there’s a whole series that you’ll enjoy, and help you discover other series that will brighten your day.

Our list includes crime fiction authors Ian Moore and Mandy Morton, classic writers A.A. Milne, Dorothy Dunnett and Patricia Moyes, and children’s and YA authors Steve Williams and Gabby Hutchinson Crouch.

Meet the Team

Pete Duncan

Managing Director

I began publishing in 1994 and was MD of Constable & Robinson from 2009 to 2014, including for a double win of Independent Publisher of the Year. In Duckworth I look for similar qualities again: an ability to take the long view, combined with independence of thinking. I also look after Farrago imprint, dedicated to helping readers smile!

Hannah MacDonald

Publisher

My creative approach to shaping books with authors, brands and personalities stems from a life-long, escapist pleasure in buying, reading and sharing good books. I spent over 20 years at Andre Deutsch, Random House and HarperCollins before founding September and joining Duckworth. I’m also the author of two novels, The Sun Road (a Betty Trask Award winner) and Julianna Kiss.

Charlotte Cole

Editorial Director

I began my book publishing life at The Women’s Press and went on to become editorial director at Ebury. I’ve worked with September from the beginning, and today manage editorial and production across Duckworth Books. I work remotely from Cumbria, and when I don’t have my nose in a book I’m out in the fells.

Amie Jones

Head of Marketing

I’m responsible for the marketing of all titles across Duckworth, including its imprints September and Farrago. A specialist in purpose-led organisations, I entered publishing in 2022 after working in marketing and communications for charities and not-for-profits. When I’m not reading, I can usually be found on my family farm in North Wales.

Ellen McDermot

Sales Manager

After seven years at Thames & Hudson and a spell at Abrams & Chronicle Books, I was drawn to Duckworth’s rich independent publishing heritage and wonderfully varied list. I’m a lifelong reader of historical fiction, a passion which led to a master’s degree in Victorian Studies, but I’m equally drawn to captivating non-fiction that tells a great story.

Asia Khatun

Marketing Executive

I joined Duckworth after having worked across Bloomsbury and Hachette UK, while also founding and leading Thawra, a platform championing people of colour in the creative industries. My focus is on creating meaningful and engaging marketing campaigns that truly connect with readers.