Edinburgh: Harper Collins snaps up a small independent publisher
Founded in 1997 by Patience Thomson and Lucy Juckes, the company publishes dyslexia-friendly fiction and non-fiction by a number of critically acclaimed authors and illustrators.
Barrington Stoke will continue to be based in the Scottish capital and maintain its publishing autonomy as a standalone, editorially independent imprint under the historic Collins brand, led by Managing Director Alex Beecroft, Trade Body Publisher Scotland reports.
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Barrington Stoke’s catalog ranges from pre-school to youth and publishes around 40 frontlist titles annually using a specialized editing process and its own specially designed font.
We are delighted to share the news that Barrington Stoke has been acquired by @HarperCollinsUK, as an editorially independent imprint under the historic Collins brand. We can’t wait to meet our new colleagues and continue our mission of enabling every child to become a reader. https://t.co/ePHUw2lXhx
— Barrington Stoke (@BarringtonStoke) April 4, 2023
His list includes work by many of the country’s most popular writers, including seven Children’s Prize winners. In 2020 Anthony McGowan’s Lark won the Carnegie Medal and this year Barrington Stoke is shortlisted for Patrice Lawrence’s Needle.
Lucy Juckes, Co-Founder of Barrington Stoke, said: “The impact of the pandemic and our growth over the past three years has shown that Barrington Stoke is needed more than ever. Having met Charlie, Alex and the team I feel that HarperCollins is the best possible new company to make a home for the team at Barrington Stoke and our authors and books as we embark on the next leg of our journey and more children help develop a love of reading, with all the benefits that that brings.”
Charlie Redmayne, CEO of HarperCollins UK, said: “Barrington Stoke is a pioneering company with a unique vision that, led by co-founder Lucy Juckes, has created a truly exceptional, accessible publishing industry. We are delighted that Barrington Stoke’s team and fabulous books, authors and illustrators will join the wider HarperCollins family and contribute to our presence and rich history in Scotland.
“At HarperCollins, we share Barrington Stoke’s goals of breaking down barriers and helping every child experience the joy of reading. I know that countless young readers and their families have benefited from the books of Barrington Stoke and, having dyslexia myself, am honored to be a part of the future of the business. I look forward to working with the team and to seeing the business grow and benefiting from the opportunities of working with the Collins, HCCB and Farshore businesses.’”
