Judges' Comments

 

404 Ink
Since becoming the 2017 Emerging Publishers of the Year, the team at 404 Ink have grown in both size and profile.  They are pioneering pathfinders with the determination to champion not just good writing and production but the values beyond business, using their platform to talk openly about issues such as gender and diversity.

 

BHP Comics
With a clear understanding of their audience, BHP Comics have worked hard to develop their market, networks and partnerships. Their commitment to increasing the diversity in comics is important for the literary landscape in Scotland. 

 

Canongate Books

Canongate books continue to grow as global publishing brand building on an already strong catalogue of writers and work, the judges were impressed with the mix of compelling writing and quality of publishing.

 

Charco Press
Charco specialise in publishing translated Latin American fiction. Since 2017, they have grown both their commitment to their authors and their international reach, recently signing a North American distribution deal. Strong design and editorial has helped to create a formidable list in what can be a very tough segment of the publishing landscape.

 

Sandstone Press
Sandstone Press, based in Inverness, have narrowed and focussed their list, building upon a keen eye for catching great authors early, providing a platform for Scottish subjects and taking risks with translated fiction. Along the way, they seem to have developed a major literary prize habit, with this year’s Man Booker International Prize being the latest feather in their cap.