Saraband to take the Inklings series forward after 404 Ink closure

Posted on July 11, 2025

 

In the wake of the decision by 404 Ink co-founders Laura Jones-Rivera and Heather McDaid to close their publishing company in 2026, award-winning independent publisher Saraband has agreed to take forward some of their books from July 2026, when 404 Ink closes its doors.

A significant portion of the Inklings series of pocket-sized pop culture titles will move to Saraband, and new Inklings titles will be commissioned for publication by Saraband from mid-2026 onwards. Submissions for those will be accepted during August 2025. Details of the submission process can be found here. This follows Saraband’s earlier acquisition of US rights for several books in the series, which begin publishing in the US from Autumn 2025.

Saraband are also taking a selection of 404’s main list titles, including Victor & Barry’s Kelvinside Compendium by The Traitors US host Alan Cumming and Royal Shakespeare Company associate Forbes Masson.

The two companies are working together to create a smooth transition during the coming year for those 404 authors who will move to Saraband.

Sara Hunt, Saraband said: “We’re sorry to hear from 404 Ink’s co-founders that they’ve decided to shutter their company after achieving so many accolades for their ground-breaking approach to publishing. The independent publishing landscape will lose a bold, innovative and colourful voice, and two individuals who have spoken out clearly and passionately for ethical and transparent publishing. But we are delighted to have agreed with them and some of their authors to move forward with the Inklings series, and we look forward to working with all concerned.”

Heather McDaid, 404 Ink said: “We’ve been thankful to bring so many brilliant authors and their works to readers far and wide, but it is the right time for this next chapter to begin; for this to include Saraband – who were pivotal to both of our publishing career’s beginnings – also feels a full circle moment.”

Laura Jones-Rivera, 404 Ink added: “We’re so thankful to Saraband for being a key part of this process and working with us through this transition which is no small task. We’re so proud of the 404 Ink legacy and hope our authors feel so too.”

Read more about the forthcoming closure of 404 Ink in The Bookseller here.