Catapult and Counterpoint Press have finalized a merger agreement between the two independent publishers that will make Catapult cofounder Andy Hunter the publisher of both Catapult and Counterpoint.
The deal, which closed August 31, includes both the Counterpoint and Soft Skull imprints. Counterpoint will continue to publish new works under the direction of Jack Shoemaker and Dan Smetanka. Counterpoint will remain in California but Soft Skull will return to New York, where Yuka Igarashi will head up its editorial effort. Counterpoint’s editorial operations will be overseen by Catapult associate publisher Jennifer Abel Kovitz. Rolph Blythe will be stepping down as Counterpoint publisher. PGW has served as the distributor of both publishers and will continue to distribute the combined company.
Counterpoint CEO Charlie Winton will retire from day-to-day operations while continuing as an editor at large. Winton, founder of PGW and Avalon Publishing, created the current Counterpoint about nine years ago when he bought and merged Counterpoint Press, Shoemaker and Hoard, and Soft Skull Press.
Hunter and Elizabeth Koch founded Catapult in 2015. Along with a publishing program that focuses on literary fiction and nonfiction, Catapult offers classes taught by emerging and established writers, produces a daily online magazine of narrative nonfiction and fiction, and hosts an open online platform where writers can showcase their own writing.
“Counterpoint is one of the most important independent publishers in the United States, with an incredible list of literary fiction, incisive political nonfiction, and a countercultural ethos that makes it urgent and necessary,” said Hunter in a statement. “Our goal is to support and continue the legacy Charlie Winton and his team have built, while innovating in our marketing and digital initiatives to make Counterpoint books an increasingly important part of our cultural conversation.”
“The merger with Catapult is an ideal transition and it will allow Counterpoint and Soft Skull to remain independent and vital. I believe Catapult and its team will contribute energy and passion, which will allow them to build on our formidable foundation and our commitment to developing strong and lasting relationships with our authors,” Winton said.
