How to join
We welcome new members. See below for more details on the two categories of membership and criteria for membership.
To apply, fill in the membership form and we will get back to you as soon as possible with information on subscription fees and next steps. This will usually involve a short meeting to find out a little more about your publishing and for you to ask us any questions.
If you have any queries about joining, please contact our Member Services Manager Lucy Feather: lucy.feather@publishingscotland.org
Publishing Scotland will keep your information securely while it processes your application and retain it securely if your application is successful. If your application is unsuccessful, Publishing Scotland will notify you of the decision and then all the information you submitted will be deleted and destroyed from its systems within a reasonable time.
About membership
Publishing Scotland is a membership organisation that supports and encourages its members through the services, benefits and opportunities it provides. There are two categories of membership – publisher and network.
Publisher membership joining criteria
Current publisher members include trade, academic, educational, and specialist publishers as well as the publishing arms of organisations. We welcome publishers who are set up as a business endeavour with a planned publishing programme in place.
- Publisher membership is open to all print and digital publishers of books based in Scotland or who publish predominantly Scottish material.
- Publishers must have produced at least 2 publications of a professional standard and which are not ‘self-published’ and have a planned publishing programme in place with an intent to continue producing content.
- Publishers must have a sales and marketing plan, a business plan, understand and work within copyright law and sign up to Publishing Scotland’s Code of Practice when working with authors. The Code of Practice will be sent if your application is successful.
- Online or electronic publishers should be producing high standards of online publishing and be in business for at least one year. They must also have an online distribution channel market such content commercially through advertising, subscription sales, or both and be able to demonstrate knowledge of, and commitment to, copyright law.
Publisher members may elect five representatives to the board of Publishing Scotland.
Benefits of joining as a publisher member
Members benefit from a wide range of services and opportunities including participating in book fairs, trade support, discounted training and regular industry news updates. For more on publisher membership benefits, see the Publisher Membership Benefits PDF.
Subscriptions
Membership subscription are payable annually and according to company turnover.
Network membership joining criteria
Current network members include illustrators, designers, literary agents, editors, organisations (including the Society of Authors in Scotland), printers and universities.
Applicants should be based or working in Scotland and have training and expertise if offering services (references will be sought).
Network members may elect two representatives to the Board of Publishing Scotland.
Subscription fees are payable annually and are based on turnover.
APPLY by completing the online application form.
Benefits of joining as a network member
Members benefit from a wide range of services and opportunities including a listing and showcase on the Publishing Scotland website, discounted training and regular industry news updates. For more on network membership benefits, see the Network Membership Benefits PDF.
Subscriptions
Membership fees are payable annually and are based on turnover.
APPLY by completing the online application form.