Scott Waxman’s Diversion Publishing Corp. has acquired the U.K. independent publisher Influx Press Ltd. The purchase involves about 75 titles in the categories of upmarket horror, literary short fiction, satirical fiction, “and others meant to provoke and unsettle the reader,” according to the announcement.
Notable Influx authors include Percival Everett, Eliza Clark, Eva Wyles, Lauren DuPlessis, Joel Lane, Eley Williams, Nour Abi-Nakhoul, Ben Tufnell, and Darran Anderson. Influx’s titles have been shortlisted and longlisted for the Booker Prize, Dylan Thomas Prize, the Edge Hill Prize, the Jhalak Prize, and the Gordon Burn Prize.
Diversion’s titles are distributed in the U.K. by Simon & Schuster, but, at least for the time being, Influx books will continue to be distributed by Turnaround.
Waxman told PW he intends to retain the Influx name and to continue to add to its list. He added that he sees the purchase as “marking a strategic expansion of Diversion’s international footprint and reinforces its commitment to publishing distinctive literary voices and globally resonant fiction and nonfiction.”
Influx was founded in London in 2012 by Gary Budden and Kit Caless and was called “a lynchpin of the indie scene” by U.K. trade magazine the Bookseller.
“This acquisition represents an exciting step forward in Diversion’s global growth strategy,” said Waxman. “We’re thrilled to welcome Influx into the Diversion fold and look forward to building on its reputation while expanding opportunities for its authors worldwide.”
Budden will stay on for a transitional period and will continue to acquire titles along with Diversion editors.
“I am thrilled that Influx has found a new home as part of Diversion,” Budden said in a statement. “This marks the beginning of a whole new chapter that builds on our legacy, whilst continuing to publish the bold and innovative titles we have become known for.”
The Fisher Company served as the broker for the deal.
