The Canelo Group launches August Books
March 08, 2024
Martina O’Sullivan, Executive Publisher at The Canelo Group has revealed the name and logo of its new division. August Books is the home of non-fiction and historical adventure at The Canelo Group.
The Division August Books is the home of quality books for curious readers. The name is inspired by both the month of August – the height of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the end of winter in the Southern Hemisphere – a time of energy, excitement and impending change, and the adjective ‘august’ meaning ‘respected and impressive’. They plan to publish entertaining, compelling and insightful books written by exceptional writers and leading experts in their field.
August Books are:
- clever but never dry
- innovative but always accessible
- forward-looking with ideas that have longevity
O’Sullivan said: “Our logo, created by Suzie Webb Design, conveys that identity beautifully and encapsulates our fresh, fun and creative approach to publishing. It’s such a privilege to start something new, and incredible to combine that creative freedom with the existing knowledge and expertise of the Canelo team.”
Background & Plans
O’Sullivan joined The Canelo Group to set up the new division in January. Her editorial team at August Books includes Craig Lye, Commissioning Editor and Hannah Taylor, Editorial Assistant. Their publishing will be supported by the sales, marketing, publicity and production teams at The Canelo Group.
Martina has almost 20 years’ experience working in trade, scholarly and academic publishing across a broad range of subjects with authors ranging from early career academics to celebrities and influencers. Authors she has worked with include Ruby Wax, Joanne McNally, Seth Godin, General Stanley McChrystal, Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Anne Boden, Drs John and Julie Gottman and Dr Robert Livingston. At August Books she is acquiring new titles in social and cultural history, popular culture, and expert-led health and popular science.
O’Sullivan said: “This is just the beginning. I plan to explore lots of different areas in the coming years looking at topics that have international as well as local appeal. I love books that excite true curiosity in readers so I’m especially interested in unexpected or taboo topics – anything that shakes up the way we think about ourselves and the world around us. And I’m delighted that we already have some new books lined up for the next year or two which is terrific. I’ll be sharing more news of our emerging frontlist soon.”
She can be reached at martina@augustbooks.co
Lye has a background in historical fiction and at Canelo he has published Angus Donald, S.J.A Turney, Douglas Jackson, D.L. Marshall, the classic Capt. W.E. Johns’ Biggles books, and current bestseller A Spy Alone by Charles Beaumont, as well as being involved in the early development of the Canelo History list previously spearheaded by co-founder and non-executive director Michael Baskhar. At August Books he will continue to commission exciting new talent in historical adventure and expand his publishing further into military history.
Lye said: “The opportunity to work with Martina on this next step in Canelo’s journey is a real thrill. August Books will offer historical adventure titles an even more dedicated home within the group, while also allowing me to expand my commissioning into military history, so often the source of the many incredible stories my historical adventure tales have dramatised. I can’t wait to find true stories of heroism, daring and bravery in the face of adversity to share.”
He can be reached at craig@augustbooks.co
Iain Millar, Managing Director of The Canelo Group said: “While this is in many ways a natural extension of projects and subject areas and books we have been working on for some years, at the same time it is a departure, and the newly named division, sitting alongside the Canelo and Hera divisions, reflects that. It’s something everyone here is very passionate about, and will supplement and provide more shape to our existing publishing perfectly. We’re now not just one publisher with huge potential, but home to a family of three: Canelo Publishing, Hera Books, and August Books. It means every work day is different, and that we’ll have more books that will appeal to more customers and even more readers. I can’t wait to see the titles Martina, Craig and Hannah produce, especially as the early signs and reactions from the trade have been so encouraging. Bring it on!”