John Blake Publishing: A History of Bold Titles and Industry Shifts
The landscape of British non-fiction publishing has often been shaped by publishers willing to take risks on unconventional narratives. One such figure is John Blake, whose career in the industry is marked by high-profile successes, public controversies, and strategic corporate transitions. From the founding of his first venture to the launch of his most recent imprint, Blake has carved a niche in the market for titles that appeal to a broad, populist audience.
The Evolution of Blake Publishing
The journey began in 1991 when John Blake founded Blake Publishing in partnership with his brother, David Blake. This initial partnership ended acrimoniously in March 2002, leading to a structural split. John Blake transitioned to a sole proprietorship, establishing John Blake Publishing to handle the frontlist (newly published titles), while the original Blake Publishing name was retained specifically to manage the backlist (previously published titles).
Six months after this transition, journalist Rosie Ries (later Virgo) joined the firm as managing director, helping to steer the company's growth and editorial direction.
Commercial Successes and Populist Appeal
The company became known for publishing raw, authentic accounts of life on the fringes of mainstream society. In 1998, this was evidenced by the publication of autobiographies from bareknuckle fighters Roy "Pretty Boy" Shaw and Lenny McLean.
One of the company's most significant commercial triumphs came in 2004 with the publication of Being Jordan by Katie Price. After being rejected by larger publishing houses, the book—ghostwritten by Rebecca Farnworth—became a massive hit. Despite a modest advance of £10,000, the title sold one million copies. Reflecting on the book's success in 2007, Blake noted that it appealed to readers who might find traditional high-end bookstores like Hatchards or Waterstone's intimidating.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Beyond celebrity memoirs, the company built a strong portfolio of football hooligan memoirs, including Cass by Cass Pennant, Massive Attack by Trevor Tanner, and Undesirables by Colin Blaney.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
The pursuit of sensational stories occasionally led to significant setbacks. A notable example was the book Dead Lucky, which claimed to have found the missing Lord Lucan in Goa, India. While the story was initially picked up by The Sunday Telegraph in September 2003, it soon collapsed when the subject was revealed to be Barry Halpin, a former Northern folk singer. Although 20,000 copies were sold, the remaining 40,000 of the 60,000 print run were destroyed. Blake later cited this as his biggest professional error.
Legal hurdles also appeared in August 2008 regarding the book On Her Majesty's Service by Ronald Evans, a former bodyguard to Sir Salman Rushdie. A High Court Judge issued a Declaration of Falsity—a legal finding that certain statements are untrue—citing 11 serious falsehoods that defamed Rushdie. While Rushdie did not seek damages, the original 4,000-copy print run was pulped, and the book was rewritten.
Corporate Acquisition and New Ventures
By 2015, the company was publishing 110 books annually with a turnover of £2.2 million. In May 2016, John Blake Publishing was acquired by Bonnier Publishing for an undisclosed sum, with Blake remaining in charge of the division.
However, internal challenges arose in early 2016 when authors complained about royalty payment delays affecting approximately 2,000 contracts. Blake attributed these delays to a "slight hiccup" with a new computerized efficiency system, stating that virtually all outstanding fees were subsequently paid.
In 2018, John Blake, Rosie Virgo, and their staff departed JBP to join Bonnier's Kings Road Publishing division, which oversees adult non-fiction imprints such as Blink Publishing, Lagom, and 535. Following this period, John Blake launched a new venture, Ad Lib Publishing, in 2020.
Key Facts
- Founded: Original partnership started in 1991; John Blake Publishing established as a sole proprietorship in 2002.
- Major Hit: Being Jordan (2004) sold 1 million copies.
- Financials: 2015 turnover was £2.2 million with 110 books published.
- Acquisition: Acquired by Bonnier Publishing in May 2016.
- Latest Venture: Ad Lib Publishing launched in 2020.
| Year | Event | Outcome/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Foundation | Blake Publishing founded with David Blake. |
| 2002 | Restructuring | John Blake Publishing formed for frontlist titles. |
| 2004 | Commercial Peak | Being Jordan sells 1 million copies. |
| 2003-2008 | Controversies | Issues with Dead Lucky and On Her Majesty's Service. |
| 2016 | Acquisition | Purchased by Bonnier Publishing. |
| 2020 | New Start | Launch of Ad Lib Publishing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the book Dead Lucky?
The book claimed that the missing Lord Lucan was living in India, but the person identified was actually Barry Halpin, a former folk singer. Consequently, 40,000 copies of the print run were destroyed.
How successful was Katie Price's autobiography?
Being Jordan was a massive commercial success, selling one million copies despite being rejected by larger publishing firms and receiving a relatively small advance of £10,000.
Why did authors complain in 2016?
Authors complained due to delays in royalty payments across 2,000 contracts, which the publisher attributed to technical issues with a new computerized system.
Who acquired John Blake Publishing?
The company was acquired by Bonnier Publishing in May 2016, though the specific purchase price was not disclosed.
What is Ad Lib Publishing?
Ad Lib Publishing is the most recent publishing venture launched by John Blake in 2020.