YA and New Adult imprint Ink Road has been brought into Bonnier Books UK’s Nibbies-nominated Children’s Trade division, joining its roster of award-winning children’s imprints.
Previously part of Black & White Publishing, the imprint will now sit alongside Bonnier Books UK sister children’s imprints such as Hot Key Books and Piccadilly Press, benefiting from the expertise and resources of the wider Children’s Trade team.
Ink Road’s editorial will be led by Ruth Bennett, editorial director of Children’s Fiction at Bonnier Books UK, and recently shortlisted for Editor of the Year at the British Book Awards. Marketing and PR campaigns will now be overseen by the Children’s Trade M&P teams led by Sarah Lough and Amber Ivatt respectively.
Ink Road will be a reader-focused imprint, publishing addictive reads and uncovering the latest fresh voices. Its list includes Estelle Maskame’s bestselling Did I Mention I Love You? series, David Fenne’s Overemotional trilogy, and Angela Montoya’s A Cruel Thirst. Upcoming 2025 highlights include bestselling author Lynette Noni’s Wandering Wild, Rohan Gavin’s Domain, and Amy McCaw’s They Own The Night.
Helen Wicks, m.d of Children’s Trade, said: “I’ve long admired Ink Road, expertly led by Ali McBride and the talented Black & White team, and with its legacy of light-footed, forward-thinking commercial publishing adored by readers and critics alike. This move marks an exciting next step in the imprint’s growth. Ink Road is now positioned at the heart of our thriving Children’s Trade division, tapping into the wealth of experience across our fabulous teams and ensuring that its authors remain in expert hands. We’re ready for the next exciting phase in its journey.”
Ali McBride, publishing director at Black & White Publishing said: “Since introducing Ink Road in 2017, we have been incredibly proud to publish original contemporary fiction by exceptionally talented and inspiring authors such as Estelle Maskame, Nina De Pass and Akemi Dawn Bowman. I’m excited for Helen and Ruth’s vision for introducing new voices and continuing to raise the profile of Ink Road’s backlist. This is an exciting time for Ink Road and its authors, and I’m delighted that the imprint will be included in Bonnier’s award-winning children’s trade division, while the wider Black & White team here in Edinburgh drive forward with our bestselling adult fiction and non-fiction lists. I look forward to seeing Ink Road flourish under Helen and Ruth’s leadership.”
Ruth Bennett added: “I’m really excited to be taking Ink Road forward into this next phase of its growth at such a dynamic time for YA and new adult publishing. There are so many passionate readers out there who are hungry for new stories to read and share. We love the fact that books create communities, and that people are open to moving between genres and styles, trying books out and seeing what takes their fancy. We are ready to be part of the conversation – publishing unputdownable fiction and bringing a wealth of new voices to the fore. From heart-pounding vampire mysteries to swoon-worthy contemporary romance, Ink Road is here to help discover your latest bookish passion!”
