MANCHESTER, 19th February 2025 - Independent publisher Fly on the Wall Press has been shortlisted as the Northern finalist for Small Press of the Year at the prestigious British Book Awards 2025, recognizing its innovative approach to publishing and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.
The Manchester-based publisher demonstrated remarkable growth in 2024, achieving a 12.5% increase in net profit through a strategic focus on fewer, carefully curated titles. This approach allowed for deeper market penetration and more impactful nationwide events for each publication.
The press's dedication to environmental literature and education was acknowledged with a Manchester Culture Award for Environmental Sustainability and Responsibility, highlighting their groundbreaking Higher Education Outreach program, 'Finding a Vocabulary for Climate Anxiety.'
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"Being named a Northern finalist for Small Press of the Year is a testament to our dedication to publishing bold, necessary literature while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity," said Managing Director Isabelle Kenyon, who was recently appointed as Module Leader for '21st Century Publishing' at Arts University Bournemouth's MA Creative Writing program.
Notable achievements in 2024 included:
- International recognition at the Sharjah Book Fair and selection for the 2025 Jaipur Book Fair fellowship
- Successful launch of 'Lying Perfectly Still' by the late Dr. Laura Fish, championed by Bernardine Evaristo and Irenosen Okojie
- Growth of their Substack platform to 3,900 subscribers, creating a vibrant community of engaged readers
- Pioneering sustainable practices in publishing, saving over 8.6 kg of CO2 emissions annually
The British Book Awards, known as the "Nibbies," celebrate the best of British publishing. The Small Press of the Year category recognizes outstanding achievements by independent publishers across the UK and Ireland.
About Fly on the Wall Press
Fly on the Wall Press is an independent publisher based in Manchester, specializing in contemporary fiction, poetry, and craft guides. With a focus on amplifying underrepresented voices and environmental literature, the press combines innovative publishing practices with a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
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