The Story Behind Samuel Fenwick Publishing
Hello, I'm Ivan Goslett.
Welcome to Samuel Fenwick Publishing.
If you've visited this website, you may be wondering who is behind the name. Samuel Fenwick is the publishing name under which I produce my books and offer publishing services, but I'm Ivan Goslett, and this is the story of how it all began.
My journey into publishing didn't begin with a publishing company - it began with a dream of writing my own book.
After completing my second year at University in Lincoln, I wrote my first book about my experiences working as a local binman, a job I took on to help support myself while studying. Seeing my work in print was an incredible feeling, and I was proud to have achieved something I had always wanted to do.
However, once the excitement settled, I could see the book for what it really was: the work of a first-time self-published author who still had so much to learn. There were editing mistakes, formatting inconsistencies, structural weaknesses, and many of the small details that separate an amateur publication from a professionally produced book. Although I received many kind words and encouragement from family, friends, and readers, I couldn't escape the feeling that the book wasn't yet ready to sit proudly on the shelves of a bookshop.
Like many first-time authors, I explored traditional publishing and was fortunate enough to receive offers from several vanity publishers. Unfortunately, as a university student, the fees they required were far beyond anything I could afford. That experience taught me an important lesson: many aspiring authors have wonderful stories to tell but simply don't have access to affordable, trustworthy publishing support.
Rather than giving up, I decided to learn everything I could about publishing for myself.
Over the years, I continued writing more books while dedicating countless hours to understanding every stage of the publishing process. I immersed myself in editing, book formatting, typography, cover design, ISBNs, Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, eBook production, print specifications, and the many technical details involved in creating books that meet professional publishing standards. Every project taught me something new, and with each book my knowledge, skills, and confidence continued to grow.
As my understanding of publishing developed, another passion grew alongside it—a deep appreciation for timeless classic literature. I wanted to create beautifully presented editions that honoured these remarkable works while making them accessible and enjoyable for today's readers. That vision became the foundation of Samuel Fenwick Publishing.
But Samuel Fenwick Publishing is about more than producing beautiful books.
It exists because I remember exactly what it felt like to publish my first book, to make mistakes, to feel overwhelmed, and to wonder if there was anyone who could offer honest guidance without charging thousands of pounds.
Today, my goal is to help other first-time authors avoid many of the difficulties I experienced. Whether you need help formatting your manuscript, designing a professional cover, understanding ISBNs, publishing through Amazon KDP or IngramSpark, or simply knowing where to begin, I want to make the publishing journey clearer, more affordable, and far less intimidating.
I believe every author deserves the opportunity to publish a book they can be genuinely proud of, regardless of their experience or budget. My aim is to provide professional publishing support at a fair and reasonable price, helping writers transform their manuscripts into books that look every bit as professional as those found on bookshop shelves.
Whether you've come here to discover beautifully produced classic literature or you're preparing to publish your very first book, I hope Samuel Fenwick Publishing provides the inspiration, guidance, and support you need for the journey ahead.
My Philosophy
Today, every book I publish - whether it's a timeless classic or the debut work of a first-time author - is guided by the same principles: quality, honesty, affordability, and a genuine desire to help great stories find their readers.
If my own journey has taught me anything, it's that everyone deserves the opportunity to publish a book they can be proud of.
Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to welcoming you to the Samuel Fenwick Publishing community.
Ivan Goslett
Founder, Samuel Fenwick Publishing