Self-made entrepreneur Judy Piatkus founded independent publishing company Piatkus Books from the bedroom of her home in Loughton, Essex during the 1970’s. At the time she was married with one small daughter who had cerebral palsy and was pregnant with her second child.
Over the next 25 years, she and her colleagues grew the company to become one of the world’s leading independent global publishing brands.
Piatkus started in business publishing fiction for the library market. Over the years the company expanded into a wide range of areas and became very well-known as a pioneer in the personal development, mind, body and spirit and lifestyle market. During the last decade, the Piatkus commercial fiction range grew at a very fast pace, successfully publishing novels by many of the world’s leading commercial fiction writers.
Judy Piatkus sold her (still completely independently owned) company in 2007 to Little Brown who are continuing to develop the imprint.
Along the way, Judy Piatkus achieved a diploma in psychodynamic psychotherapy and counselling and worked in an NHS surgery in Harley Street, London for 450 hours, as well as in her own private practice. She also had a third child, became divorced and has been remarried since 1990.
Judy now works with a wide range of organisations and businesses as an Executive Director, Investor and Mentor. She is also in much demand as a keynote speaker on the topics of entrepreneurship, future trends and building a great business. She remains as passionate and committed as ever to the importance of professionalism in business, leadership, self-understanding, personal development and spirituality in enabling people to live their best lives.
