Publishing veteran Kate Parkin, who worked for Random House and was most recently MD of the adult publishing division at Bonnier Books UK, is launching a new independent publishing house, Firefinch. It is a co-venture with her Bonnier colleague Margaret Stead who was Bonnier publisher.
Among the authors who are making the jump with them is Heather Morris, bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Christy Lefteri, author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo. Morris has one further book to come from Bonnier, which is titled Jesse’s Wish and will be published in September. Morris said: “To be reunited with outstanding, passionate professionals, notably Kate and Margaret, is truly thrilling.”
Firefinch will launch in June 2026, with the aim of creating “a nimble and collaborative space in which author and publisher work together”. It describes itself as “a small, focused publishing house with an approach and ethos that will appeal to authors, agents and publishers alike”. The business, backed by an unnamed investor, will publish six titles initially.
Parkin, who will be managing director of the new business, said: “Publishing is all about networks and relationships and to be given the chance to start a new publishing house with a trusted group of friends and colleagues is truly exciting. I am very proud of the authors we are welcoming to Firefinch and can’t wait to see them take flight.”
Stead, executive director, added: “I am absolutely delighted to be working with Kate and Blake again: two of the most inspirational and talented women in the industry. To have the opportunity to create a publishing house from the ground up, well supported by a brilliant wider team, is the dream.”
Curtis Brown CEO Jonny Geller said: “It is always exciting to see new publishers come on the scene and I was delighted to receive a call from Kate, an editor and publisher whom I’ve worked with and admired for many years.”
Fellow Curtis Brown agent Alice Lutyens added: “Margaret and Kate are two of the best women in this industry and I know they will go from success to success.”