Birlinn, 404 Ink, Canongate and EUP among shortlisted publishers for Scotland’s National Book Awards

Birlinn, 404 Ink, Canongate and Edinburgh University Press are among the shortlisted publishers for Scotland’s National Book Awards’ Industry Awards, organised by the Saltire Society.   

The awards recognise Publisher of the Year and Emerging Publisher of the Year, which are presented in partnership with Publishing Scotland, and Book Cover Design of the Year, which celebrates the talent in Scottish design and the importance of the relationship between the designer, publisher and author.   

Sarah Mason, executive director of the Saltire Society, said the shortlists “exemplify the powerhouse that is the Scottish publishing industry and demonstrate the Saltire Society’s commitment to discover and recognise the emerging talents who will ensure the future of Scottish publishing”. 

Shortlisted for the 2023 Book Cover Design of the Year are Mark Mechan for Giselle and Mr Memphis by Jerry Simcock, published by Vagabond Voices, Thomas MacGregor for Rub-A-Dub-Dub by Robert Wringham, published by P&H Books, and Andrew Forteath for Sadie, Call the Polis by Kirkland Ciccone, published by Fledgling Press.   

The Publisher of the Year Award supports Scottish publishing and aims to recognise and promote the work of Scottish publishers as an important element in the ecology of Scottish Literature. The 2023 shortlisted publishers are 404 Ink, Acair, Birlinn, Canongate Books, Charco Press and Edinburgh University Press. 

The Emerging Publisher of the Year Award is presented in partnership with Publishing Scotland and aims to recognise and encourage the work of an individual in the early stages of their publishing career as they develop their skills and experience in the industry. The Shortlisted Emerging Publishers for 2023 are Rosie Hilton, publishing manager at Saraband, Melissa Tombere, editorial assistant at Canongate Books, Alex Strouts, marketing and sales manager at Scotland Street Press, Daniel Miele, regional sales manager at Edinburgh University Press and Grace Balfour-Harle, desk editor at Edinburgh University Press. 

Marion Sinclair, chief executive of Publishing Scotland, said "We are delighted to sponsor this category once again. It highlights new entrants into our industry and what can be achieved in a short time - from making a mark within a larger company, to setting up and leading the field in a small company. It’s inspirational to see the publishers of the future." 

Winners of all of Scotland’s National Book Awards will be announced in Glasgow on 7th December.