Canelo to release first hardbacks as print growth continues

Canelo is to issue its first ever hardback editions next year as the company continues to see growth in print.

Having started as a digital-only publisher, the independent's first print books were published in 2018. It has since racked up paperback sales of 907,816 books for just under £2m, excluding lockdown periods in 2020 and earlier this year, according to Nielsen BookScan's Total Consumer Market in the UK.

The first hardback title will be crime thriller After Everything You Did by debut author Stephanie Sowden (pictured) on 7th April next year. The second hardback, Roman adventure Shadow of the Eagle by Amanda Cockrell writing as Damion Hunter, publishes on 26th May. Further hardbacks are planned for the rest of the year, ramping up to an expected one a month for 2023.

Most of Canelo's books are published simultaneously in paperback and e-book formats across eight dedicated imprints, with some audio editions. 

Michael Bhaskar, co-founder and publishing director, said: "When we started Canelo the world of print, let alone hardbacks, felt like a long way away. However, we have seen and heartily embraced the enduring power and appeal of print in a digital world, and are thrilled to have quickly grown into a top print publisher. This marks the next step in that journey and is a vote of confidence not just in the format but in our ever-stronger publishing programme and brilliant authors. We can’t wait to get these out there."

Louise Cullen, publishing director, added: "To publish Stephanie’s debut in hardback represents a landmark moment for the Canelo Crime list, and takes us closer to realising an ambition to reach the largest audience possible for our authors. After Everything You Did is compelling, unique and unforgettable, making it the perfect choice for Canelo’s inaugural hardback edition. I anticipate that crime fiction fans – whatever their preferred format – will agree with me on that when it is released next year."