Cover Stories: Sue Freestone joins Quercus; Paul Sidey signs up Richard Littlejohn; Lakeland Book of the Year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As suggested in this column, Sue Freestone, the Hutchinson publishing director responsible for such bestsellers as Sebastian Faulks, Stephen Fry and Robert Harris, is to join Quercus, the latest venture to be founded by Anthony Cheetham. Currently searing its name into the public consciousness with large ads for Aussie crime writer Peter Temple, the new company aims to build to a £50m business by 2011; it is currently at £3m, so there's work to do. Freestone, with a keen eye for talent and the patience to nurture it, will be a crucial building block. And it remains to be seen which of her many distinguished authors will join her.
Speaking of Hutchinson, Freestone's old colleague Paul Sidey has signed up Richard Littlejohn, the scourge of anything vaguely liberal. His book, Littlejohn's Britain (get it?), will be an attack on pomposity in all its forms. Not something he could ever be accused of himself, of course.
It's always heartening to see an independent publisher triumph. This week The Gardens at Levens by Chris Chowder (the gardener there for 29 years), published by Frances Lincoln, was named Lakeland Book of the Year - an initiative driven by the Cumbria Tourist Board and author Hunter Davies. Taking time off from the World Cup to present the award, Davies praised the book's "superb insight into social history". Another Frances Lincoln title, In the Footprints of Wainwright by Derry Drabs, has won the Dodd & Co award for photography. The firm's founder, who died too young a couple of years ago, would have been proud.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments