Bakers Lane Books: New publisher, writing prize launched

New independent publisher Bakers Lane Books has been launched by founder Ginny Grant, with a commitment to ‘platforming bold, inclusive storytelling’.

Bakers Lane said it aims to publish ‘a select number of high-quality fiction and nonfiction titles each year, with a mission to support underrepresented and diverse Australian voices’, with its inaugural title, Paula McLean’s debut novel, The One Remaining, set to be released in October this year. 

Grant has previously worked as an editor with HarperCollins, Hachette, A&U, and Walker Books, among other locations.

‘After more than two decades in trade publishing, it’s a dream to be able to back the authors I believe in – and create a space where new talent can thrive,’ said Grant. ‘We know there are extraordinary writers in this country who aren’t being seen or published, and we want to help change that.’

Bakers Lane has also launched the Fearless Prize, an annual manuscript award offering publication along with a $10,000 advance against royalties. The prize is to be awarded for an unpublished manuscript by a debut Australian woman writer. The winning manuscript will be published under the house’s Fearless Press imprint, which will focus on stories by women in all their diversity, added the publisher.

‘In a market where debut authors are finding it harder than ever to break through, we’re here to make space,’ said Grant. ‘The Fearless Prize is about rewriting the rules of who gets published, who gets seen, and whose stories get told.’

Bakers Lane Books will be distributed by NewSouth.

More information is available on the Bakers Lane Books website.

Pictured: Bakers Lane Books founder Ginny Grant.

Category: Local news