People often say: “I didn’t know you were a real person,” or “I thought you were dead.” No, I am alive and well, and celebrating 30 fulfilled years of running my own publishing firm.

It all began when I was 28, and the Second Vatican Council decided to change everything. Services were changed from Latin to English. As a composer, I wrote a setting of the Roman Catholic mass in English.

I approached two Catholic publishing houses with it. They both said, “No, it won’t sell.” They have both since gone bust, but, of course, that is incidental. So I decided to self-publish. I had left school at 16, and had worked in the publishing world since then; so I knew the system. In particular, I knew how to contact churches.

After 100,000 copies sold very quickly under my name, I had enough money to launch the company.

I often joke I am half-educated, as I left school so early. I was a chorister at Westminster Cathedral, and it was there that I discovered a love of books and church music. The director of music, George Malcolm, was not only an inspiring musician: he got me reading.

The Anglican “hoot”, as it was known, was the tradition of the day in choir schools. George Malcolm did not think this was the best voice — he was a great enthusiast of the “playground” voice, which was a more edgy sound. That suited me.

Kevin Mayhew has always been non-denominational. We work in all areas, which is part of our strength. Our Anglican hymn book is our best seller, closely followed by a Roman Catholic hymn book.

Despite the use of overhead projectors and the internet, hymn books seem to go on and on.It’s a bit like the view that TV would kill radio. It didn’t. Sales of our most popular hymn book were up by 20 per cent last year. Who knows what will happen in a generation’s time, but there is still a traditional love of holding a hymn book.

I have ten ideas before breakfast, and have thrown out nine by lunch. Publishing ideas do not fall into your lap, but we have more than 50 employees; so we can move quickly. We tried out our No Organist? No Problem! in our recording house first. The CD is now used by 5000 churches.

To celebrate our 30th birthday, we sent 30 flocks of sheep to Ethiopia with the help of World Vision. We felt it was important to share what we have. We are also supporting the educational programme of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

The link between church and music is very important to us. In 2004 and 2005, we organised a 70-concert series — “Concerts in Churches” — with artists ranging from Julian Lloyd Webber to the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge.

We do not like to go head to head with other Christian publishers. It is better to find your own niche. If someone else is doing a job well, why stop them? We look for the bits that are missing.

I read a lot, and have really enjoyed all Alexander McCall Smith’s Botswanan novels. My wife and I went to India last year; it was one of those life-changing holidays. I really enjoyed reading Mark Tully and Gillian Wright’s India in Slow Motion. I am just starting The Troublemaker, a biography of the Revd Michael Scott, who was involved in the very early struggle against apartheid.

I am married to Barbara, and if I had to be locked in a church with anyone, it would be with her.I enjoy her company, and she would not mind if I stretched out at 10 p.m. and went to sleep. We have seven daughters, all beautiful, and seven grandchildren.

As a child I wanted to be a professional pianist. Although I get by, my teachers advised me against pursuing it.

My biggest choice was to concentrate on publishing rather than composing. I wrote the hymn “Peace, perfect peace”, but there can be a tension if you are both publisher and composer.

I would like to be remembered as a good publisher, one who did his best for his authors and his composers.

I admire anyone who stands up to oppression, particularly the nuclear disarmament campaigner Bruce Kent, and Martin Luther King.

When it comes to memorable sermons, my wife reminded me of our visit to Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta — Martin Luther King’s old church. We heard this wonderful preacher, who burst into song during his sermon, wandered around, and gave a brilliant talk on love. This was about ten years ago, on the day when two of his congregation had been shot at a protest at the local Coca-Cola factory.

My favourite part of the Bible at the moment is the Beatitudes. We have published a new translation of the New Testament by Nick King, which I believe is nearer the Greek. Instead of saying: “Blessed are those who mourn”, he writes: “Congratulations to those who mourn.” I have found this really helpful.

I last got angry, and I am still angry, over the recent invasion of Lebanon. I am happiest when I am working on a big, new idea.

Kevin Mayhew is a fairtrade company; so we are great supporters of products. I think my favourite is Traidcraft’s Onecup tea.

I am a slob-out person when it comes to holidays. My lifestyle is such that I really do need time to recharge. But I can always find time to retreat to my five-acre garden and get some spiritual space. I am a demon on the sit-on lawnmower, although I have ended up in a few ditches.

Kevin Mayhew was talking to Rachel Harden.