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Duckworth Books Acquires September Publishing

In a significant development in the U.K. publishing landscape, September Publishing has been acquired by Duckworth Books. The terms of the deal, which was announced recently, remain undisclosed. Under the agreement, the September Publishing team, led by publisher Hannah MacDonald, will become part of Duckworth while continuing to operate September as an imprint, preserving its identity and mission.

Founded by MacDonald in 2014, September Publishing has quickly gained recognition, having been awarded the title of Regional Small Press of the Year twice by the British Book Awards and consistently shortlisted since the award’s inception. The press has carved a niche in upmarket mind-body-spirit titles, achieving notable success with five books authored by Sharon Blackie, alongside a diverse range of illustrated and narrative nonfiction works. Additionally, the press enjoys collaborative ventures with significant institutions like the Van Gogh Museum and English Heritage, enhancing its credibility and outreach.

Duckworth Books, established in 1898, ranks among the oldest independent publishing houses in the U.K. Its flagship imprint, directed by Clare Bullock, is renowned for its focus on biography, memoir, history, science, and literary fiction. Over the decades, Duckworth has published an impressive array of authors, including literary figures such as Beryl Bainbridge, Hilaire Belloc, Henry James, and Evelyn Waugh, contributing significantly to the cultural fabric of British literature. The company also oversees the Farrago Books imprint, which specializes in humorous fiction, and maintains a distribution partnership with the School of Life.

Reflecting on the acquisition, MacDonald expressed her gratitude for the journey September has taken since its inception. “September has grown considerably since Charlotte Cole and I published the first three books in 2015,” she noted. She acknowledged the supportive role of their authors, freelancers, and teams, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced infrastructure and global distribution as key motives behind the acquisition. “Joining forces with Duckworth gives us space and structure for growth within a publisher whose values align with ours and whose rich history of independent publishing is currently more exciting than ever,” she added.

Duckworth’s managing director, Pete Duncan, shared his enthusiasm about the acquisition, praising MacDonald as a standout figure in contemporary publishing. “The quality of the list she has built since founding September Publishing is second to none,” he remarked. Duncan looks forward to collaborating with MacDonald and her team, viewing September as a sister imprint that complements Duckworth’s publishing ethos.

Source
www.publishersweekly.com