DFB joins Indie Alliance

Children's publisher David Fickling Books (DFB) has joined the Independent Alliance.

The move comes less than four months after DFB went independent, after being an imprint at Random House.

DFB is the first dedicated children's publisher in the 11-strong Alliance.

Stephen Page, Faber c.e.o., said: "We've long admired David's publishing, his commitment to his authors and to quality reading; so, it was entirely natural to invite David Fickling Books to join the Independent Alliance at the earliest opportunity and they will be the first dedicated children's publisher in the group."

Fickling said: "UK publishing and bookselling have been battling with consolidation and globalisation and the Alliance is a fierce force to help small sellers and publishers compete with the conglomerates - and celebrate excellent books and inventive stories." He added: "Despite the pressures, we really believe that independent publishing has been enjoying something of a renaissance this century and that the best is yet to come."

The Independent Alliance now comprises Atlantic, Canongate, Constable & Robinson, David Fickling Books, Faber, Granta, Icon, Portobello, Profile, Serpents Tail and Short Books.