Draft:Diversion Books

Diversion Books is an American independent publishing company founded in 2010 by literary agent Scott Waxman. Originally established as a digital-first publisher, the company produces fiction and nonfiction titles across multiple formats, including print, e-book, and audio.

History

Diversion Books was founded in 2010 by Scott Waxman as a digital publishing venture during the early expansion of the e-book market. Early coverage in Publishers Weekly described the company as an e-book–focused operation that positioned itself between traditional publishing and self-publishing models.

According to Bookstr, the company rapidly expanded its catalog through backlist acquisitions, reaching hundreds of titles within its first few years.

By the mid-2010s, Diversion had begun transitioning into a broader publishing house. A 2015 Publishers Weekly article noted that the company had “spun off into a publisher in its own right,” expanding its staff, frontlist acquisitions, and print distribution.

In 2026, Diversion Publishing acquired the London-based independent publisher Influx Press, marking a significant expansion of its international operations. According to Publishers Weekly, the deal added approximately 75 titles to Diversion’s catalog, including works of literary fiction, short fiction, and experimental writing. The acquisition also brought a roster of authors whose works had been recognized by major literary awards, including the Booker Prize and the Dylan Thomas Prize. The Bookseller reported that Diversion acquired Influx’s publishing assets and backlist, integrating the imprint into its portfolio while maintaining its editorial identity. Founder Scott Waxman described the acquisition as part of a broader strategy to expand the company’s global presence and support distinctive literary voices.

Operations

Diversion Books has grown into a multi-format publisher, releasing titles in hardcover, paperback, digital, and audio formats. The company publishes across a range of genres, including history, current events, music, sports, and commercial fiction.

According to Publishers Weekly, the company experienced significant sales growth in the early 2020s, reporting a 45% increase between 2021 and 2023. The publisher has also expanded its frontlist output while continuing to develop its backlist catalog of more than 2,000 titles.

Diversion has participated in industry initiatives such as Open Road Integrated Media’s Ignition program, aimed at increasing the visibility and sales of backlist e-books.

In addition to its core publishing operations, Diversion has expanded into audio and podcasting. In 2022, the company partnered with Gemini XIII to launch Diversion Audio, a division focused on original audio content and adaptations of book properties.

In a 2026 interview with Bookstr, founder Scott Waxman discussed the company’s future direction, including expansion into new areas of publishing and continued adaptation to changes in the industry. He also highlighted the company’s focus on scaling its operations while maintaining a flexible, hybrid publishing model.

Publishing model

Diversion Books operates a hybrid publishing model that combines elements of traditional publishing with digital-first strategies. The company initially focused on e-books but later expanded into simultaneous multi-format releases.

Coverage in Bookstr highlights the company’s early focus on digital distribution and its use of marketing and discoverability strategies tied to the growth of e-books.

Notable titles and authors

Diversion Books has published works by a range of authors, including public figures and entertainers.

In 2024, the company published I Curse You with Joy, a collection of essays by comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish. The release received coverage in People, which reported on the book’s publication and content ahead of its release.

The publisher has also released nonfiction works on historical topics. For example, Navy Times covered the book Codename Nemo, which recounts the capture of a German U-boat during World War II.

In 2025, the company published Murder on the Mississippi, the story of three racially motivated murders in Mississippi that inspired the speech that put Lincoln on the national stage.

Other notable titles the company have published include The Caesar's Palace Coup, Drums and Demons, and Levon.

Industry recognition

Diversion Books has been included in industry analyses of independent publishers. In 2024, Publishers Weekly listed Diversion among fast-growing independent presses, citing sustained revenue growth and expansion into new categories and formats.

Further coverage in Publishers Weekly highlighted the company’s continued development, including increased title output, new genre expansion, and partnerships in audiobook production and distribution.

References

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Categories:

• Publishing companies established in 2010