Sweet Cherry Publishing Shelves YANA Young Adult Imprint Until 2027 Amid Unfavourable Market Conditions

Leicester-based independent Sweet Cherry Publishing has postponed the launch of its YANA (Young Adult New Adult) imprint until 2027, having originally planned a late-2026 debut as part of its 10th-anniversary celebrations. Several titles had already been commissioned, including Girl of Darkness by Kristina Dowling (September 2026) and Blind Spot by Christine M. Quirk (Autumn 2026). Managing Director Sanjee de Silva cited the need to focus on Sweet Cherry's core children's list and recently launched imprints — Every Cherry (SEND-focused) and Salaam Cherry (Islamic content). The delay reflects broader 'unfavourable market forces' affecting independent publishers expanding into competitive YA/NA segments.