Wilton Square, A New Chapter for Unbound Authors
In a decisive move to stabilize the publishing landscape after months of uncertainty, Will Atkinson, former head of Atlantic Books and current publisher and managing director at Eye Books, has launched a new publishing company, Wilton Square, aimed at offering a “safe and secure home” for authors previously published by the now-defunct crowdfunding publisher, Unbound.
The creation of Wilton Square follows the collapse of Unbound in March 2025 and the subsequent liquidation of its successor, Boundless, on August 1st. These events left hundreds of authors in limbo, with reverted rights and unpaid royalties. Atkinson, who has been in active dialogue with affected authors since Unbound’s downfall, saw an urgent need for a stable and trustworthy alternative.
“I have been in the industry for 40 years, and it’s from that secure base that I can extend this offer,” Atkinson said, emphasizing the importance of continuity and author care.
Wilton Square will operate under the Eye Books Group, leveraging its existing infrastructure and distribution channels. Atkinson will serve as joint CEO alongside Dan Hiscocks, founder of Eye Books, whose company has maintained a reputation for financial reliability since its founding in 1996.
The new imprint is expected to begin trading by mid-August, with 20 authors already signed on and many more in ongoing discussions.
To ensure a seamless transition, Wilton Square has partnered with Macmillan Distribution Ltd (MDL). A simple stock transfer at Macmillan will allow authors’ books to remain available without disruption. MDL’s commercial director, Matthew Hogg, expressed confidence in the collaboration;
“We expect our combined experience and capabilities to bring stability for both authors and retailers.”
While Wilton Square plans to acquire and publish new titles in the future, its initial focus is on supporting authors previously handpicked by Unbound editors. Atkinson and Hiscocks are committed to honoring royalty payments and restoring trust in the publishing process.
“For the past few months we have been putting together an initiative to try to create something positive from what has clearly been a distressing situation,” Hiscocks said, noting that the launch coincides with Eye Books’ upcoming 30th anniversary.
This development marks a hopeful turning point for authors affected by the collapse of Unbound and Boundless. Wilton Square’s foundation on experience, transparency, and author-first values may well become a model for ethical publishing in turbulent times.
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