Self publishing and book printing
Who we are
Tricorn Books is an independent Hampshire publishing house that’s been championing local authors for over 16 years. We’re passionate about transforming manuscripts into beautiful books that authors can be truly proud of.
Small team, big hearts
We may be compact, but our reputation speaks volumes. Hundreds of delighted authors—from debut novelists to seasoned professionals—trust us with their precious work. Our client list spans from local historians to international names like Hugo Boss, the Royal Navy and the Falkland Islands Government, plus acclaimed artist Ursula Sternberg.
What sets us apart? We genuinely care about every single book, and its author that passes through our hands.
Real people, real conversations
You’ll always speak to actual humans here—no call centres or automated responses. Our team works from a proper office in Portsmouth, and we love it when authors pop in for a chat. There’s something special about meeting face-to-face; it builds trust and makes your publishing journey feel personal rather than transactional.
Many authors tell us this personal touch makes all the difference.
How we work
Every successful partnership starts with listening. We want to understand your vision, your concerns and your goals before we even talk about printing.
From that first conversation through to holding your finished book, we guide you step by step. No confusing jargon, no assumptions about what you already know—just clear, friendly support throughout.
The books we produce meet the same quality standards as major publishers. Your work will look at home in any bookshop, giving you the confidence and credibility you deserve when approaching readers, reviewers and retailers.
Honest upfront pricing
No nasty surprises, no hidden extras lurking in the small print. We tell you exactly what everything costs from day one, so you can make informed decisions and budget with confidence.
Competitive pricing? Absolutely. But it’s the transparency and value that our authors really appreciate.
Why choose Tricorn Books?
Whether you’ve written a family memoir, historical research, elegant art book or gripping fiction, we’ll treat your work with the respect and attention it deserves.
After 16 years and hundreds of satisfied authors, we’ve learned that publishing success isn’t just about printing—it’s about partnership, pride and making dreams come true.
Meet the Team
Gail Baird: Marketing & Design. With a wonderfully diverse background spanning marketing communications and design, Gail brings creativity, commercial insight, and genuine heart to every project. Her experience ranges from major international corporations to community and non-profit work, plus running her own successful business, giving her a unique understanding of what makes brands and books truly connect with people.
What sets Gail apart is her ability to really listen, a skill honed through regular volunteer work and community involvement. She takes time to understand not just what you want your book to look like, but who you’re trying to reach and why. This thoughtful approach means your book’s design and marketing strategy work hand-in-hand to connect with readers.
When she’s not helping authors bring their stories to life, you’ll find Gail tending her allotment, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen,or braving the sea for a refreshing swim. This love of nurturing, whether it’s growing vegetables, feeding friends and family, or developing an author’s vision, is at the heart of everything she does.
Authors consistently praise Gail’s knack for translating complex ideas into clear, compelling visuals that capture the essence of their work. Whether you’re launching your debut novel or your tenth non-fiction title, she’ll help ensure your book makes the right first impression.
Dan Bernard: Creative. Dan’s journey began with 131 Design, which he co-founded in 2007 and where he honed his skills in creative photography, graphic design and film. When the financial landscape shifted in 2008, rather than simply weathering the storm, 131 Design saw an opportunity to help authors bring their stories to life and Tricorn Books was born.
The company’s name has a lovely origin story: it comes from the very first publishing client, Dr Celia Clark, and her compelling work The Tricorn: The Life and Death of a Sixties Icon. Sixteen years later, Celia remains a cherished client, a testament to the lasting relationships Dan builds with his authors.
What makes Dan truly special is how he combines his photographer’s eye and designer’s precision with a natural gift for putting people at ease.
Many authors arrive feeling overwhelmed by the publishing world, but Dan’s calm, encouraging approach quickly puts them at ease. He takes time to walk you through each step, ensuring you understand exactly what’s happening and why.
Whether it’s discussing cover design options, explaining printing processes or helping you visualise your book’s potential. His diverse creative background means he can see possibilities others might miss, turning your manuscript into a book that not only looks professional but truly reflects your unique voice.
Liz Bourne: Editor & Proof reader. “I’ve worked in publishing for nearly 30 years, having started my career at HarperCollins Publishers. My editing experience spans books (fiction and non-fiction), magazines and a newspaper. In addition, I have considerable experience in corporate communications and marketing, for universities, charities and businesses, large and small. My copywriting has been put to good use in a range of settings, including as a newspaper columnist, for marketing campaigns, writing blogs and magazine articles, and as a ghost writer. I love helping authors hone their manuscript, ready for it to be turned into a beautifully designed and printed book.”
