"
We are going to publish at least 6 books a year until the whole world has heard the stories, voices and ideas of the North West of England
We don't care about genres and trends.
We care about work that
makes us turn the page.
"
Julie Tait
Publisher
We are proudly from the North West and based in Barrow-in-Furness. We want Cumbrians, Lancastrians, Mancunians and Liverpudlians of every variety to send us quality manuscripts that will delight open-minded people the world over.
The stories can be about the North West, written by people born in the North West or who live, study and work in the North West.
Fantasy Sci-fi novel about the anxieties and stresses of being a black hole? Send it in.
The bloody romance between a bare knuckle boxer and his fiercest opponent? We read every manuscript.
Read our Submission criteria
Apply to be an Editor
We aren't in a hurry, but we're not waiting around.
The first year
In our first year we will build a team around us of passionate readers and experienced editors who will find our first 6 titles.
Year two
We keep out pipeline of submissions, community growth and publication selection strong while bringing our first 6 titles to print and glorious distribution to a grateful world.
The community
Our work is of The North West and needs to benefit the North West. We will be working with our partners locally, and across the UK, to ensure that we stay true to that cause.
Read the full year one schedule
Our community
David Fickling and Michael Sheen have our backs
Two men from other parts of the country have decided to give their tme and money to us with an understanding that they will not see a penny in return until we are successful.
Are they kind fools or do they see us as a model that can be scaled and replicated across the country and in different sectors?
The world is saturated with talent and brilliant people, but so many of them are hidden and blocked by lack of opportunity.
In tandem with the Furnace they aim to bring great stories and the people behind them in front of the world.
Read our interview with David and Michael
How our finances work
Barrow-in-Furness
The Furnace must serve the needs of the community that we call home.
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The North West
Built on a bedrock of rich stories and people with a talent for telling them.
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So do we. Read our FAQs and then tell us what you think we are getting wrong and haven't thought of.