About Us
Founded in 1898, Duckworth is one of the UK’s oldest publishing imprints still under independent ownership. We prize great storytelling in all forms. We publish accessible, stimulating and intellectually curious works of non-fiction, on topics ranging across biography, memoir, science, economics, psychology, philosophy, culture, nature and history, as well as highly compelling historical and literary fiction.
Our heritage includes such legendary authors as D. H. Lawrence, Henry James, Hilaire Belloc, Evelyn Waugh, Oliver Sacks, Alice Thomas Ellis and Beryl Bainbridge. Moving with the times, among our critically and commercially successful authors of recent years are Julia Child, Yu Hua, Ray Kurzweil, Ruth Pavey, Anne Dickson, Julia Parry, Oskar Jensen, Keshia Abraham and John Woolf, and A. J. West. We are always on the lookout for interesting writers from around the world to join our evolving list.
Our sister imprint, Farrago, is dedicated to accessible, entertaining humorous fiction. We are also proud to represent The School of Life to the UK book trade.
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!
Clare Bullock,
Editorial Director
I joined Duckworth in 2024 after stints at Icon Books and Penguin Random House, where I worked at Ebury Press and Jonathan Cape. I am looking for the very best non-fiction, literary fiction and historical fiction – books that combine excellent writing, fresh ideas and brilliant storytelling to tell us more about our world.
Matt Casbourne,
Head of Sales
I’ve worked at Duckworth the last seven years and witnessed its amazing growth as a leading independent press. My favourite books are the ones that make you reevaluate how you see the world (aka ‘smart thinking’). I also work with Queen’s Park Book Festival, and the Historical Writers' Association.
Rob Wilding,
Marketing Manager
I joined Duckworth in 2020 and have grown quickly with the press. I strive to maximise the sales potential of our list by delivering dynamic marketing campaigns. I do a bit of sports commissioning – previous includes Sports Book Awards-shortlisted Scheisse! We’re Going Up!
Daniela Ferrante,
Editor
I began working at Duckworth in 2023. Prior to this, I worked at Hodder & Stoughton and Fairlight Books on commercial non-fiction and upmarket and book club fiction. I am drawn to books with an immersive writing style, and especially enjoy character-driven fiction and thought-provoking narrative non-fiction.
Josephine Cassaglia,
Publicity Officer
I am a recent Publishing MA graduate with bookselling experience. I love books that transport you all around the world – atmosphere is key to a good read! I have a keen interest in using social media to optimise the publicity of Duckworth's books and using different platforms to engage readers.
Danny Lyle,
Production Editor
I have worked with Duckworth since 2017. As well as overseeing production across Duckworth’s diverse lists, I run my own business typesetting and project managing for a range of small publishers and independent authors. In my spare time, I love to read fiction and am always on the lookout for unusual and creative approaches to writing.
