Peepal Tree Press joins forces with HopeRoad Publishing

Peepal Tree Press and HopeRoad Publishing are joining forces from 1st February 2024. 

The move will “secure and build the diversity of independent publishing in the UK” according to a press release from the publishers.  

“Peepal Tree Press and HopeRoad see in each other companies with a comparable ethos, backlists and complementary publishing identities.” 

The new agreement means that Peepal Tree will take responsibility for the physical production of HopeRoad’s titles, marketing and back-office operations. HopeRoad will retain ownership and control of its IP and its choices of new titles. The publishers said this process “should run smoothly” because both Peepal Tree and HopeRoad are represented by Inpress Ltd (funded by the Arts Council) and distributed by BookSource. 

Pete Ayrton, editor at HopeRoad’s imprint Small Axes, said: “I have always looked forward to reading the Peepal Tree titles on my shelves. Its publishing programme shows a long-term commitment to literary values that is not dictated by fashion. It will be a great pleasure to work with all at Peepal Tree.” 

Rosemarie Hudson, founder of HopeRoad, added: “I have admired Peepal Tree and the books they publish for a very long time. I’m looking forward to working with Jeremy and Hannah and the rest of team, especially to continue to give voice to the underrepresented. And very much looking forward to marking HopeRoad’s forthcoming 15th anniversary next year.” 

Jeremy Poynting, founder and managing diector at Peepal Tree, said: “This will be an exciting new stage for both of us. HopeRoad’s emphasis on translation, writing for young adults and on South Asian literature brings something new. At Peepal Tree we see the connection as an opportunity to learn from the process. We were keen to have an agreement that was not about property but co-operation and solidarity.”