Publishing Consultancy
No nonsense. Just experience, insight and lived experience (and true partnerships).
What makes us good at what we do is simple: we’ve been in your shoes. We’ve launched, grown, restructured, and led publishing businesses, we understand first-hand the realities, pressures, and ambitions that shape your day-to-day. We know what it’s like to do the things you’re aiming to achieve.
About Us
At Wonderful Consultancy we work with a combination of long-term retained clients and organisations who come to us for one-off support across a wide range of needs, from strategic planning and restructuring to leadership coaching, team
development, and market expansion. Our professional network across the publishing industry is second to none, and where additional expertise is needed, we know how to identify and engage the right specialist voices to support the work at hand.
We (Dean & Dan) both began our careers in publishing through internships, supported early on by generous mentors and inspiring role models. Since then, we’ve each worked across a broad range of roles, from entry-level to C-suite, in both corporate and independent settings.
We bring practical insight, trusted relationships, and a collaborative approach to every engagement, helping businesses grow, teams thrive, and ideas take shape.
We also own and run a recruitment business and a learning & development consultancy, both rooted in publishing and the wider creative industries. These ventures keep us closely connected to the people, trends, and challenges shaping the industry today, ensuring our consultancy work is informed, relevant, and grounded in the real, day-to-day realities of publishing life.
Dan has spent more than two decades in publishing, with a career that started in production at DK before moving into sales and eventually becoming Deputy Group Sales Director at Penguin. He later returned to DK as Global Sales and Marketing Director, before serving as CEO of Igloo Books.
He has a strong commercial track record and deep experience in publishing, toys, games, and licensing sectors, working with global brands on content strategy, partnerships, and product development.
With over 25 years of experience across publishing and the creative industries, Dean’s background includes senior commercial and leadership roles at Penguin Random House UK, Carlton Publishing Group, and Welbeck Publishing. He began in operations at Penguin before moving into sales, specialising in international and non-traditional channels.
Dean has also worked across music, events, brand development, and licensing—within organisations ranging from start-ups to global publishers—giving him a wide perspective on what creative businesses need to thrive.
Examples of Areas of Support
Commercial Strategy & Sales Development
Refining propositions, developing new channels, and growing revenues.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Support across all stages, from preparation and due diligence to integration planning.
Business Structuring (New or Existing)
Practical advice on organisational design, cost efficiency, and team transitions.
C-Suite Coaching & Advisory
One-to-one guidance for senior leaders navigating change and growth.
Non-Executive Support
Independent input for boards and senior teams on publishing and creative strategy.
Full Business Reviews
Holistic audits of editorial, operational, and commercial performance.
Digital Transformation & Technology Integration
Helping businesses adopt the right tools, platforms, and workflows.
Rights Management & Licensing
Strategic support for acquiring, managing, and monetising IP.
Marketing & Audience Development
Data-led planning to grow reach and strengthen engagement.
Author & Talent Development
Editorial coaching, talent strategy, and content planning.
Distribution & Supply Chain Optimisation
Improving how content reaches readers, efficiently and reliably.
Strategy & Editorial Planning
Aligning publishing plans with audience needs and business goals.
Training & Workshops
Tailored sessions for individuals, teams, or departments.
Market Entry & International Expansion
Planning and executing moves into new markets and territories.
