Charco Press aims to ramp up publicity with Midas hire as fifth birthday approaches

Charco Press is aiming to ramp up its UK publicity as its fifth birthday approaches with the appointment of communications agency Midas.

The Edinburgh indie, which specialises in bringing Latin American fiction to English-speaking readers, was founded in 2017. It has had three books nominated for the International Booker, was named Scotland Small Press of the Year 2021 and 2019 at the Nibbies, and has been nominated as Publisher of the Year in the Scottish National Literary Awards. 

Midas will work with Charco to promote the independent publisher’s list of contemporary Latin American fiction, aiming to help its books reach new readers, while raising the profile of its authors, translators and the publisher as a whole.

Samuel McDowell, director at Charco Press, said: “Over the past five years we’ve been lucky to work with many of the most exciting authors writing in Latin America today, and many of the world’s most talented translators. With Midas onboard we’re looking forward to building on these foundations, and to introducing more readers to the rich literary landscape of Latin America.”

Marking its fifth birthday in autumn 2022, Charco has recently launched an English-first series, Untranslated, embracing texts by English-speaking authors linked to Latin American culture, as well as its first Spanish language OriginalES editions.

Edwina Boyd-Gibbins, associate director at Midas, commented: “Reading literature in translation is the ultimate escapism, allowing us readers a window into the soul of another culture. Charco Press has unparalleled expertise in bringing the very best Latin American literature to new readers in English speaking markets; we’re thrilled to be working with them to expand their reach in the UK.”