Publishing

The publishing sector in Scotland

Scotland is the birthplace of publishing phenomenon, the Encyclopedia Britannica. We have a long heritage in traditional media which today is being combined with world-renowned technological excellence, creating new and exciting opportunities in the field of new media.

There are around 120 publishers in Scotland employing around 1,500 people, which excludes freelance workers. The businesses range from large conglomerates such as Harper Collins to sole traders.

In a typical year, Scotland’s publishers: 

• Produce 3,000 titles – fiction accounts for around 30 percent of this 
• Account for a sales turnover of approximately £195 million at invoice value 
• Pay royalties to over 14,000 writers

Publishing Scotland

This not-for-profit’s organisation provides industry support in Scotland.

Their key objectives include: 

• Focusing on new technology 
• Finding new ways to promote and use content 
• Advancing the industry into new markets and territories 
• Helping build the skills needed to make Scotland a centre of excellence in digital publishing