#USA #publishing #Portland #Hawthorne Books #Cataput Book Group

Catapult Book Group Expands Its Literary Reach

In a significant move within the publishing world, Catapult Book Group has announced the acquisition of Hawthorne Books & Literary Arts, a prominent independent press based in Portland, Oregon. This integration marks a pivotal expansion for Catapult, now adding Hawthorne Books as the fourth imprint to its esteemed collection, which already includes Counterpoint Press and Soft Skull Press, among others.

Founded in 2001 by Rhonda Hughes, Hawthorne Books has consistently been a champion of literature that delves deep into human experience. With this acquisition, Catapult not only gains access to Hawthorne's impressive catalog but also its brand identity, further solidifying its position in the literary publishing landscape. The press is recognized for publishing impactful narratives, including Lidia Yuknavitch’s The Chronology of Water, which has recently been adapted into a major motion picture featuring Kristen Stewart as director.

Under the terms of the deal, distribution of Hawthorne Books will transition from Publishers Group West to Catapult's own distributor, Penguin Random House. As a part of this new chapter, Hawthorne Books plans to continue its tradition of releasing compelling titles, with its first new acquisition scheduled for Fall 2026.

Alyson Forbes, the Publisher at Catapult, expressed enthusiasm about the new acquisition, stating, "We were immediately drawn to how closely Hawthorne's sensibility mirrors our own. Hawthorne has long published writers who probe beneath the surface of experience, work that echoes Catapult's mission to illuminate complexity and broaden perspective. This merger strengthens our shared commitment to stories that resonate both emotionally and reflectively."

Hawthorne Books is celebrated not only for its current portfolio but also for a rich backlist filled with titles that have received critical acclaim. Among these are Love and Terror on the Howling Plains of Nowhere by Poe Ballantine and the notable Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead by Frank Meeink and Jody M. Roy.

In light of the acquisition, Rhonda Hughes will remain with the company in a pivotal role as a Contributing Editor for Hawthorne Books, working directly under the guidance of Dan Smetanka, the group’s Editorial Director. Hughes expressed her excitement, noting, "Having Hawthorne become an imprint alongside such esteemed publishers as Catapult and others is both a joy and an honor. I am deeply appreciative of the art and spirit of publishing that this partnership reinstates."

Catapult Book Group, which operates under the umbrella of Unlikely Collaborators, a nonprofit founded by Elizabeth R. Koch, champions a literary vision that promotes diverse voices and narratives. The group’s authors have received prominent awards such as the International Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award, showcasing the high quality and impact of the literature they publish. Catapult is known for its Perception Box™ framework, developed by Koch, which encourages a writing process based on self-reflection and curiosity. The framework is designed to challenge assumptions and expand perspectives, ultimately enriching the literary world with nuanced storytelling.

As Catapult integrates Hawthorne Books into its growing family of imprints, the anticipation builds around what new literary treasures will emerge from this collaboration. With its strong dedication to impactful writing, the union of these two publishing entities sets a promising foundation for the future of literature, ensuring readers have more opportunities to discover meaningful and insightful writing for years to come.