Julie Hammond, author of ‘Hope Became the Enemy’

“I spent months looking for a publisher to publish my book and then in the space of two weeks I had two offers.  I chose CM because they seemed more professional, and my gut told me they were the right publisher for me and I’m so happy that I made that choice. Hope Became The Enemy is my first novel and therefore I had no knowledge or experience of the publishing world.  At first, I was bewildered by it all, but CM are a lovely friendly team, and they held my hand throughout the whole process.  I loved that they not only guided me through the editing process but advised me on the marketing process too.  I was never told to make changes; they were always recommendations which meant I always felt fully in control of my manuscript. If you are looking for a publisher that recognises you as an artist and creator and where you will work as part of a team to make your book the best it can be, then I can definitely recommend CM.”

Sue Birley, author of ‘Travels with a Brompton in the Cévennes and other regions‘

“I had no trouble writing my book but finding a publisher was another matter. I bought the Writers’ Year Book and started at A, going through likely agents and publishers and crossing out the unlikely, eg the ones that say ‘no unsolicited submissions’. Thank goodness I did start at the beginning of the alphabet and not the end as I sometimes do. Cranthorpe Millner looked inviting so I did what they asked and sent the first 10,000 words. More or less as I moved on to D, a cheery and encouraging response arrived with a request to send the whole manuscript. So I got out my dusters and polish, licked it into a decent condition and whipped it off. And one day it was published! Between the whipping and the publication a warm and professional relationship built up between me and CM. A small independent publisher is just my cup of tea and fits beautifully with the ethos of my book which is about small, independent-minded bicycles. Thanks to CM and my brilliant cover designer Becky Ripley, I have a smart and enticing product and marketing it is what Donna and I are working on now. The cover is pretty well waterproof so I’m pushing it as the ideal reading for the beach!”

Parker J. Duncan, author of ‘Winds of the Immortals’ and ‘A Latticework Shrine’

“Working with Cranthorpe Millner has been a rewarding experience for me personally.  It’s difficult enough to find “the right” way into the writing world even if you’re lucky enough to get your work published, but CM took my work seriously, acted very professional throughout the editing process, and gave me the creative freedoms I needed while also offering sound advice and guidance to bring about the best results for my first novel. I’ve now published two books with CM and the exposure I’m getting is more than I had expected. I strongly suggest a hybrid publisher like CM if you want to collaborate with people who see both the value in your work and you as the author as well.”

Sheldon Baverstock, author of ‘One Black Ear’

“I sensed professionalism and a high level of ethics from the start in Cranthorpe Millner, and this has proven to be the case since day one, I am pleased to say. With CMP being a smaller, independent publisher I believed I would enjoy the benefits of being in a smaller pond and this has been the golden thread throughout my time under their wing. When you start doing your research, you realize just how scary it is out there for a first time writer trying to get published. Cranthorpe Millner is a safe haven in publishing pond that is big and  full of sharks!”

Ash Watson, author of ‘Because Japan’

“Finding a publisher is not an easy task but after months of searching, I finally found the team for me. I met with Kirsty and knew straight away that we were on the same wavelength. Claiming ownership of my work is extremely important to me, and throughout this entire process, I have been listened to and guided in the right direction that only benefits and inspires my writing. Writing your first book is a long and laborious task and it’s only a small part of the process; I am very grateful that this deal has been super relaxing and has felt more like a partnership than the experience I have been described by friends using other companies. I would strongly recommend Cranthorpe Millner to anyone who wants to feel valued as a writer and to experience that individual treatment.”

Cate Cullington, author of ‘The Stones’

“I recently wrote my first book ‘The Stones’ on a bit of a whim! Many of my friends read it and finally persuaded me that it should be in print. Only then did I realise what a minefield the world of publishing is – agents; self-publishing; vanity; boutique; electronic. All of it new to me and all quite bewildering.
Thankfully, early on in the process I came across Cranthorpe Millner who took the time and had the patience to guide me through and to explain how things work. They are a lovely, friendly bunch of people who hold your hand and keep in touch.
I’m so grateful to have found them and I look forward to working with them for a long time to come.”

Tai Le Grice, author of ‘Smoke and Water’ and ‘Between Dusk and Dawn’

“With Gratitude.
It’s difficult to express in words how grateful I am to have the privilege of working with the CM team and there are days where I wonder how it all came to this. Why? Because for this relationship, it isn’t merely about numbers in a ledger. To CM, I’m a person, an artist, a creator, a valuable asset, a member of a team, an ‘author’.
Meeting Kirsty and the team was a beautiful twist of fate and I give thanks to the Universe constantly for the grace I was granted. As somebody who has been writing as an escape since I was a child, I never, ever envisioned publishing my work; it was never a goal or an aspiration, merely a vague dream to belong to others with greater skill than I. Kirsty gave me courage, and the CM team helped me begin a journey to fulfilling new possibilities.
If I was to summarize it, it’s because CM really is about ‘team’, which is something I appreciate the most about them. I’ve learned so much and realized how complex and involved the entire publishing process really is, something I’d never had any comprehension of previously. Writing a draft is one thing, that’s almost the easy part, and I can’t give credit enough to the team for the incredible amount of hard work which goes into my raw efforts from thereon in, not only to get it out to the public but maintain its momentum and support me afterwards.
Thank you, and aroha nui, to all of you. It’s an honor.”

Nick Van Loy, author of ‘Insomnia’

“This was my first time that I worked with a publisher and I am so glad that Kirsty helped me get to where I am now. I have the utmost confidence in her that she will do everything she can to help me pursue my dream. My book couldn’t be in better hands. I am happy to be a part of the Cranthorpe Millner Family!”

Sam Catling, author of ‘Seems Like Smooth Sailing’

“I was initially approached by Rebecca from the Cranthorpe Millner team in March of last year. She reached out to me because she had seen my crowd funding campaign online, and wanted to know more about my book. We arranged a meeting between her, myself and Kirsty to discuss things in person. Both of them are a couple of real lovely ladies, as are all the staff I’ve spoken to at the office as well. They gave me the confidence to just write my stories without having to worry about much else which was a huge weight off my shoulders.
I’m so glad that I decided to crowdfund and open myself up for publishers to see my work, because if I hadn’t, I probably wouldn’t have been introduced to the Cranthorpe team. They are such a great bunch of hard working individuals, and I am so pleased to be working with them.

Sylvia Hawk’sbee, author of ‘The Messengers’

“Having sent off a synopsis and the opening of The Messengers, a YA novel, I had a reply from a publisher saying it was not suitable for their list. The writer added that she had enjoyed the story and it was likely that someone else would. The letter ended, ‘Do not be disheartened.’ I wasn’t so I sent the material to Cranthorpe Millner. Shortly, I had a friendly response saying it sounded like an interesting read. and I would soon hear the readers’ opinion.

I was very excited to hear their report was favourable; they wanted me to send the whole MS.

Another step on the way. I kept looking in the inbox, fearing the next answer would bring disappointment. It didn’t! Incredulous and excited, I sent my acceptance of the contract offered.

Very often good news is followed by bad. As my neighbour said, “La vie n’est pas une fleuve tranquille.” Next day I could hardly put my right foot on the floor. Tendonitis, a painful condition, had struck, then, stunned, I saw society turn into a re-enactment of the Middle Ages, with Corona-virus the new Black Death. My illness and the new Plague can’t be laid at your door, but the joy and excitement of my story finding approval certainly can.”

Jack Salva, author of ‘Dybbuk’s Asylum’

“My experience with Cranthorpe Millner Publishers has felt like a trusted writing partnership versus an author-publisher agreement. Their enthusiasm for my manuscript blew me away. The editing process transformed my completed manuscript into a polished novel while maintaining my unique writer’s voice. Dialogue best describes each step of the publishing process. Everyone has made me feel valued. Cranthorpe Millner Publishers may be a smaller company, but there is nothing lacking in their services, and the bigger publishing houses could benefit from they way they conduct business. I can not thank them enough or recommend them more highly.”

MW Dutton, author of ‘Mrs PJ Wigglesworth: The Dancing Spy’

“When it comes to author encouragement, some commentators talk an excellent game but fail to deliver. That cannot be said of Kirsty and her team at Cranthorpe Millner. They have empowered and given me the courage to share my tales with the world. Cranthorpe Millner’s, engaging and astute handling of my novel is nothing short of a writer’s dream, helping to bring my ideas to life and fulfil a lifelong passion.”

Kelly Wright, author of ‘Owl’

“I am very happy to have a publishing company such as Cranthorpe Millner Publishers who have been most helpful and supportive in collaborating with myself and my second picture book ‘Owl’.

Kirsty has been very helpful as my editor and I feel reassured that I can ask her anything at anytime and she will best work with me on my ideas for ‘Owl’. My illustrator, Ros Lyons, I love working with and she is very accommodating to my illustration notes and story ideas and listens to what I can visualise on the page. It is a joy to work with her and see my memories come alive through her illustrations.

I would recommend Cranthorpe Millner Publishers to any other author as their friendly approach is clear and genuine. My experience with them so far has been very efficient, personal and I feel they want what is best for me and my picture book.”