Cullen to spearhead new paperback imprint Canelo Crime

Independent publisher Canelo is launching a new crime fiction imprint, Canelo Crime, this September, and has promoted Louise Cullen as publishing director to oversee the list.

The imprint will launch with a selection of eight titles, including novels by Rachel Lynch (pictured) and Nick Louth. Due for release on 24th September, they will be backed by a "significant marketing push", according to Canelo, alongside a publicity campaign from the PR agency FMcM Associates.

Cullen is now actively seeking new novels with "bestseller potential" for inclusion in the imprint in 2021 and beyond. The target is 15–18 new releases next year.

Iain Millar, managing director of Canelo, said: "Canelo have always been passionate about crime fiction, and in Louise Cullen we have someone who has expertly forged a list of some of the genre’s most promising and exciting recent novels. We are super proud of our authors, and are eager to realise their huge potential. Beyond that we’re determined to become known as a natural home for the next generation of great crime-writing talent. Canelo Crime will be a flagship imprint, and I know under Louise’s guidance it will meet all our ambitions, and become synonymous with the highest quality page-turning mysteries."

He added: "I’d love to congratulate Louise, who has made a huge contribution to the company. Everyone here was delighted at the news of her much-deserved promotion."

Cullen, publishing director, said: "Since I joined Canelo nearly four years ago, I have been proud to bring brilliant works of crime fiction to the list from some incredibly talented writers. In late 2018, we established a print programme to publish mass market paperback editions which have since reached sales of well over a million copies. Now, the launch of Canelo Crime is a chance to further celebrate some of those who have contributed to that success and also to look to the future. I’m excited to be part of this thrilling moment for Canelo and can’t wait to see Canelo Crime grow into a leading imprint for the most compelling crime fiction available."

To be made available via MacMillan Distribution, the launch list comprises: Lost Cause by Rachel Lynch, Lies to Tell by Marion Todd, The Body Under the Bridge by Nick Louth, A Front Page Affair by Radha Vatsal, When the Past Kills by M J Lee, When the Dead Speak by Sheila Bugler, Home Fires Burn by Lisa Hartley and Small Mercies by Alex Walters.