Our Books
At Barlow Books we produce quality books for enterprising authors.
We are proud to showcase a selection of some of our more recent titles.
Featured Book
The Practice of Philanthropy
A Guide for Foundation Boards and Staff
by Malcolm Macleod
“Here is a book (finally!) that speaks comprehensively and powerfully to the unique challenge of running a foundation. With practical insights and wisdom gleaned from years of experience, Malcolm Macleod explores the crucial elements required for impact, from building strong relationships with non-profits to getting the most out of a governing board to managing an endowment. Skillfully weaving powerful stories of impact that remind us why this work matters with practical insights and tips for...
New Releases
Upcoming Releases
Our Services
At Barlow Books we offer the same services as a traditional publishing house but without the expensive overhead. Our publishing model is designed for authors. Authors invest in their book. Fees for our services are paid upfront, and the authors keep the revenues from their sales. Here is a brief summary of the many services we offer:
Consulting
One-on-one coaching with our experienced publisher will help you develop and clarify your concept, visualize your idea, and strategically position your work to reach your target audience. Our seasoned editors provide in-depth manuscript evaluations and market needs analysis.
Book Production
We’re a one-stop shop. Our services include writing (for or with you), all levels of editing, proofing, design, artwork, photography, e-book conversion and creation, printing (any quantity), and production management. We will make your book and get it printed.
Marketing & Branding
Our extensive experience and connections will get you noticed. We offer in-depth brand assessments and workshops to strengthen and focus your brand to your target audience. Personalized marketing campaigns include a market needs analysis and PR, media outreach, and social media strategies. We can help you with as much or as little as you like.
Our Authors
At Barlow Books we are proud to work with some of the finest new and established writers in Canada, such as our featured author below.
Featured Author
Douglas Hunter
Douglas Hunter is a writer and artist who lives in Port McNicoll, Ontario. He is the author or co-author of more than 20 books with leading publishers in Canada and the United States. He has been a winner of and finalist for the National Business Book Award, and a finalist for the Writers’ Trust Non-Fiction Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award (non-fiction). He holds a PhD in history from York University and was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Waterloo. You can learn more at douglashunter.ca.
Barlow News
Three Barlow Authors Win Awards
It’s always a joy to report when one of our authors wins an award. This time, I’m very happy to announce that three of our authors have been recognized for [...]
Barlow Resources
The Ultimate Book Gift
I love giving and receiving books for Christmas, but have you ever considered the ultimate book gift? You could give someone you love the chance to write their own book. [...]
The Question You Need to Ask Before You Start Writing Your Book
If you’re thinking of writing a book, you might wonder: Where do I start? My answer might surprise you. Put down your pen, shut down your laptop, and think about [...]
What to Do When a Publisher Rejects Your Book
When a traditional publisher says no to your book, it’s painful. You’ve worked hard on that book, and you’re convinced that it can change minds and make a real difference [...]
Testimonials
After I chose Barlow Books as my publisher, I worked with an experienced editor who gave me invaluable feedback and advice, cheered me on, and taught me the art of writing for audiences versus writing for business. I learned to show more and tell less, and make my story come alive. I am delighted with the finished product. The fact that I am proud of Hold on Tight tells me that I selected Barlow Books wisely.
Even before I signed a contract with Barlow Books, I was so pleased with their professionalism and understanding with working with new authors. Sarah and her team were and are incredible. They walked me through each step of the process with kindness and professionalism. Without Barlow Books, their support, guidance, and needed connections in the publishing world, I would not as be successful as I am now. Looking forward to many more years and books with Barlow!
I had an idea for a book, and a deep belief that it was necessary to get the real story on wealth out into the world. I kept this idea with me for years and could not get it started. I was referred to Barlow Books by bestselling author Diane Francis. Sarah at Barlow walked me through the process up front, and over the course of a year, I built out my big idea very strongly onto 140 pages, with 6 pages of citations to back me up. The ghostwriters that each came to the project with a specialization at each phase, the researchers, and incredible fact checkers made it all real, and really good. I was coached through every step including how to market it when completed, and what the right title should be for my target audience. I wasn’t rushed, yet the project kept moving along, and it moved along well. I’m very proud of what was created!
Sarah and her team at Barlow shepherded me through the process of writing, editing, producing, and publishing my book. I found them to be knowledgeable and professional in their dealings with me. I am very pleased with the final product.
Since our first call, Barlow Books has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Communication is always strong, deadlines are always met (if not early), and the professionalism is excellent. Writing my first book with Barlow was an enjoyable experience and it is only a matter of time before we work together again.
I chose Barlow Books to do the book because I wanted the opportunity to be involved in the process myself. Barlow brings something unique to publishing. You’re able to be involved in as much or as little of your project as you want. They bring the best editors, the best marketers, and the best distributors to you.
We looked around, but Barlow was the only publisher that was able to help us. They helped us every step of the way. They found an excellent writer for us, who very quickly understood the industry, did the research, and so on. Barlow Books found us an editor, who is a former top-notch international financial journalist. They also gave us complete control from start to finish. We had the final say on everything, from the text to the cover design to the interior layout of the book, and the photographs. Right down to the weight of the paper. That was important to us. We were able, with Barlow’s help, to design a book that is high quality.
I highly recommend Barlow Books to anyone who is looking for a first-class publishing house and a high-quality end product … The publisher, Sarah Scott, is the consummate professional, and will help you with creative and effective suggestions and advice for your whole publishing journey. Sarah and her team are all tier-one professionals, from editors to production. They will make your experience a memorable one, and you will be thrilled with the result.
From the first meeting to publication day, the Barlow team efficiently steered my book to market. They made a complex process understandable and enjoyable. I recommend their publication model to authors of non-fiction books without reservation.
The team at Barlow Books did an outstanding job of stepping me through the book publishing process with professionalism and expertise. I would not hesitate to work with them again on my next book.
Barlow Books was so important in making my book, Kakuma Girls, a success. From the very first day, they supported my efforts and believed in what I am trying to achieve for refugee girls.
“Barlow Books has reinvented publishing. They enable you as the author to tell your story, guided by their expertise, industry knowledge, and creative resources. We ended up with the book we were passionate to make, and it couldn’t have happened anywhere else. I am grateful.”
“Professionalism is the word that comes to mind when I think about my dealings with Sarah Scott and her team at Barlow Books. From copy editing, production, and more, I couldn’t be happier with how my book Right Hand Man turned out.”
The great team at Barlow Books, led by publisher Sarah Scott, helped me to publish my book, Lessons Learned on Bay Street. It was a real success. In the spring of 2021, my book was the top-selling business biography in Canada. That’s a tribute to Barlow’s editorial, design, and production teams. Barlow’s distribution into stores across Canada helped to make this book a winner. Business leaders who want to contribute their stories to the history of Canada can rely on Barlow Books for top-quality work.
Writing a first book is a big enough challenge. Trying to publish it in Canada 13,000 km and 12 hours time difference away from our home in Malaysia was even tougher. Barlow Books, and Sarah in particular, cleared the path for us. Her sound advice, her stable of excellent editors, designers, and project managers, delivered us a book we are immensely proud of. I don’t think we could have done it without Sarah, and I have no doubt that even if we could have, it wouldn’t have turned out so well.
It has been a real pleasure, having published with Barlow Books, to have the guidance, support, and commitment of Sarah Scott and her team. Before the book even saw the light of day, I felt totally supported, and this support continued long after my book was published. Sarah and her team continue to work with you, promoting the book, monitoring how well it is doing, and pushing to increase sales. I would publish with them again without hesitation.
Sarah is very capable of bringing people together who have a variety of skills to complement hers. There are excellent editors, fact checkers, and design people. The print and publication side is superb. You end up with a very professional and polished product, which I value.
In the age of instant communications, webinars, and social media, writing a book is probably one of the slowest and most difficult ways of getting your ideas across. But what an experience! Sarah and her team were superb at guiding and crafting the final product (of which I’m very proud). Many of us have books in us, just waiting to be written. It’s an incredible growth process to bring them out into the light of day.
