NEW YORK, June 1— Simon & Schuster has entered into a global ebook distribution agreement with Start Publishing LLC, since 2012 the publishing division of Start Media. Under the agreement, which is effective July 1, 2016, Simon & Schuster will handle distribution in all territories worldwide of Start Publishing’s new and backlist titles exclusively in digital format.

“Start Publishing is well-known for publishing top-notch, award-winning science fiction, thrillers, fantasy, inspirational non-fiction and romances titles under its twelve imprints. As digital-only publishing grows, and as with our distribution for physical books, we look forward to employing our ready-made infrastructure and services to help publishers such as Start grow their readership worldwide” said Stephen Black, Vice President, Client Services, Simon & Schuster.

The Start Publishing catalog consists of over 7,000 titles throughout twelve imprints, including Cleis Press, Viva Editions, Start Science Fiction, Abingdon Fiction, Accent Press, Whiskey Creek Press, Torrid Books, Night Shade Books, Salvo Press, Start Classics, Mason Crest, and Start Publishing LLC, as well as an expansive library of public domain titles.

“We are thrilled to have Simon & Schuster distribute our entire ebook catalog and expand our reach into new territories. Start Publishing chooses partners we believe can help our business get to the next level.  Teaming with Simon & Schuster is an exciting step in our continued growth,” said Jarred Weisfeld, President, Start Publishing.

ABOUT SIMON & SCHUSTER:
Simon & Schuster, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com.

ABOUT START PUBLISHNG
Start Publishing has become well known as a publisher of high quality titles in a variety of fiction niches, including science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and romance. In addition to organic growth, the company has grown quickly through several strategic acquisitions, including Night Shade books, a renowned science fiction imprint; Salvo Press, focused on thrillers; Whiskey Creek Press, known for general fiction as well as romance; Viva Editions, focused on healthy living; and Cleis Press, a 35 year old company well known for high quality sexuality non-fiction and romantic fiction. Across all twelve of our imprints, we have amassed a library of over 7,000 titles. Start Publishing’s titles have won Hugo, Nebula, Shirley Jackson and Locus Awards.

CONTACT:
Cassandra Fernandez
Corporate Communications
212-698-7033, cassandra.fernandez@simonandschuster.com

06/01/16                                                                     ***END***