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Quarto Publishing Group unveils new cookery and wellness imprint, Carnival
The Quarto Publishing Group is launching Carnival, a new cookery and wellness imprint led by publisher Eleanor Maxfield.
Intended to have a “welcoming, festival-vibe”, the publisher says the list will have “a stellar line-up with a sense of social unity, where both headliners and debut authors thrive, and each book has the space to shine". It continues that it will showcase authors and brands who are original, savvy and have a zest for life.
Maxfield said: “The idea is to have champions in each arena. It’s a unique opportunity to create fresh space and energy across, often very competitive, commercial cookery subjects. I want this imprint to feel like a fun place to hang out where everyone’s invited – as accessible and inclusive as possible, and with books you want to rave about.”
Its first titles will be published in 2024, including the autumn publication of Prue Leith’s definitive cookbook “containing all the kitchen secrets you need for a lifetime of easy cooking”. Maxfield acquired world rights from Jane Turnbull.
Publishing in October, Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom is a direct quote from Shirley Conran’s Superwoman, which “blew up the idea that women could have it all and showed that struggling for perfection was a millstone, not a route to happiness". The publisher says it has a focus on cheats, tips and hacks to help the time-strapped home cook, the absolute beginner, or someone who has been cooking so long that it’s somehow lost its attraction. In the words of the publisher, “‘it’s the book you’ve always wanted from an absolute legend. I cannot think of someone who better summarises a joyful approach to cooking".
Other acquisitions publishing in 2024 include Misarana (which translates as fusion in Punjabi) – a collection of Indian twists on everyday classics – brought to life by 2022 UK "MasterChef" champion Eddie Scott. Maxfield acquired world rights from Imogen Morrell at Greene & Heaton. And there’s comfort food from Radio 1Xtra presenter, DJ and TV presenter Sian Anderson whose successful pop-ups have led to a restaurant opening later this year. World rights to Sian’s Kitchen were acquired from Crystal Mahey-Morgan at the OWN IT! Agency.
The debut baking book from “UK and US Instagram sensation” Florence Stanton (@Tasting.Thyme), Part-time Baker, is also in the line-up for 2024. Alison Goff, c.e.o. of The Quarto Group, said: “Eleanor is lining up a really exciting, highly commercial roster of titles on the Carnival programme and we are delighted that so many superb authors have joined us. The Carnival launch is an important plank in Quarto’s ongoing growth and expansion of our cookery and wellness publishing.”
Leith said: “It’s great to have a publisher who absolutely gets what I want to do and is as excited as I am about the book. I wish the brilliant Eleanor – and Carnival – every success. I think cooks and would-be cooks need a new imprint like Carnival making books that are exciting, inspiring, and easy to cook from.”
