Impact Books: Now for Something Completely Different

Mark McIntyre
May 17
3 min read

Let’s be honest. In the wild world of charity publishing, there seems to be an unspoken rule: the more bonkers and convoluted the offer, the more likely someone is to fall for it. Maybe it’s the thrill of the chase. Maybe it’s the persuasive power of a “limited-time-only-advertising-space-in-our-invisible-magazine” pitch. Or perhaps, deep down, people simply suspect that if something looks too straightforward, it can’t possibly be real.

Which brings us to the burning question:

Are some causes drawn to the scams while the authentic, well-intentioned providers are left standing on the sidelines, waving a big flag that says, “We just want to help”?

Now come along, and let’s find out...

[A dimly lit village hall. Two figures sit at a battered folding table: “The Cause” (nervous, bespectacled) and “Me,” representing Impact Books (cheerfully exasperated, possibly in a silly hat). John Cleese might walk in at any moment with a dead parrot.]

The Cause: So, you’re a book publisher?

Me: Well, yes, but we’re completely different.

The Cause: Oh, I’ve heard that before. Next, you’ll be telling me you don’t want an arm and a leg just for opening an email.

Me: No arms, no legs, no invoice, Impact Books is genuinely free.

The Cause: And no catch?

Me: No catch advertising fees forced stock orders. No “buy 500 copies or we release the hounds.”No penguin-juggling, either.

The Cause (dubious): That’s not normal. Most publishers want me to sell my kidneys before they spell-check the cover.

Me: Yes, well, we’re not most publishers. We’re Impact Books, and here’s why we’re actually different.

Why Impact Books is Completely Different (And That’s Not Just a Flesh Wound)

Let’s set the scene. Imagine holding your 8x10 incher!, yup, your gloriously full-colour book in your hands, a real book, professionally made, bursting with stories, photos, and fun facts all about your favourite cause. Yes, your cause. Not some random group, not “charities in general,” but your hedgehogs, your day trips, your dog sanctuary, your village project right there in print, exactly the way you want.

That’s what Impact Books delivers. No trickery, no hoops to jump through, no awkward phone calls demanding you buy your own weight in paperbacks. Just a genuinely beautiful book, all about you and the good work you do, ready to show off at fundraisers, send to supporters, or just prop up on your coffee table when you want to feel a bit proud.

This isn’t a magazine full of adverts and broken promises. It’s your story, your supporters, your chance to make a real impact (see what we did there?)—and it’s all wrapped up in a book that looks as good as it feels to read.

No hidden costs, no endless sales pitches, no penguin juggling. Just your cause in full colour, ready for the spotlight.

If You’re Still Sceptical About Impact Books

Go ahead, visit writepublishbooks.co.uk, head to the Impact Books page, and download the PDF. Play a round of “Spot the Scam.” It's a game that will drive you insane!

Scammy Book Publishers vs. Impact Books: The Table of Truth

Scammy Publisher Tactics	Impact Books
Upfront admin/set-up/listing/thinking fee	£0.00
Forced bulk order (buy 500 copies, build a barn)	£0.00 required, order as you wish
Proofreading/editing/additional “features” fee	Included, always
Must “upgrade” to get your own book	You get it. No upgrades needed.
Hidden “distribution” and “exposure” fees	No hidden fees. None. Nada.
Stock delivered by the lorry load	Amazon print-on-demand, no storage drama
Sales reports written in Swahili	Amazon monthly sales statements, in plain English
Demand you rescue a kitten or juggle penguins	Optional, never required
“Charity Tax” for your own fundraising	You earn from the first sale
Steve from “Accounts” calls daily	No Steve. No calls. No pressure.
If Amazon takes less, your share shrinks	If Amazon takes less, your share *grows*
17 pages of legalese	One page, actual English

[Scene: Back in the village hall. The Cause is reading a copy of Impact Books’ info sheet. Silence. Then, a phone rings.]

The Cause:

Sorry, just got a call. It’s “Spammy McSpam” Publishing. They say if I pay today, I can get a full-page ad in Book of the Month for Charities Who Never Read Books. That sounds much more realistic, at least I know I’ll get an invoice. So thanks, but I’ll stick with what I know. For better or for worse.

Me (John Cleese voice):

Well, you can’t change what can’t be changed. And now, time for something completely breakfast!