Orion launches digital imprint Dash

Orion is launching a new digital-first commercial fiction imprint called Dash this autumn, led by commissioning editor Victoria Oundjian.

The venture, which aims to “connect readers with stories, fast” will publish across all fiction genres including romance, comedy, suspense, historical tales and thought-provoking novels about the modern world.

Oundjian will draw on her background as head of HQ Digital where she published titles like Between You and Me by Lisa Hall and Rebecca Raisin’s Gingerbread Café series, alongside her work overseeing Avon’s open submission drive and digital list.

The first title New Beginnings at the Birdie and Bramble by debut author Alison Craig will be published in September. It is the first in a “laugh-out-loud” St Andrews-set trilogy. World English rights were secured from Jenny Brown, at Jenny Brown Associates.

In October, Dash will put out “heart-breaking emotional novel” When We say Goodbye by New Zealand-based writer Michelle Vernal. World all language rights came from Vicki Marsdon at High Spot Literary Agency.

In the same month, Nina Kaye’s debut The Gin Lovers Guide to Dating will be released. Described as “a laugh-out-loud story full of romance, friendship and the search for the best G&T”, world all language rights were bagged from Kate Nash.

Dash is looking for more authors from across the storytelling world, including UK and Ireland, India, South Africa, Australia and the US.

Submissions are now open to both represented and independent writers, who can send a synopsis, one-line pitch and complete manuscript to dashdigital@orionbooks.co.uk.

The news follows an announcement in June that Oundjian’s former colleagues at HarperCollins were also launching a digital-first division called One More Chapter. Like Dash, the team also called on authors to make contact directly.