AUTHORS have inundated a leading independent publisher with concerns over their future after one of the firm's co-founders suddenly quit.

Adrian Searle, director at Glasgow-based Freight Books, left the company citing "differences over strategic direction".

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Director Davinder Samrai, who set up the business with Mr Searle, said existing contracts would be honoured.

Mr Samrai said: "Following the departure of Adrian Searle from Freight Books at end of last week, my team and I have received numerous concerned calls and emails from authors about the status of their books and the imprint’s future publishing activities.

"We are responding to a situation that was unplanned and we are actively working to take all necessary steps to ensure that Adrian Searle’s sudden departure causes minimal disruption."

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He said: "Yesterday, my team and I, met with several stakeholders, including Publishing Scotland, Creative Scotland and Booksource, who have been fully briefed on the unprecedented circumstances, and who continue to be supportive.

"I am very keen to reiterate and reassure all our authors and their agents, as well as others with whom we work within the Scottish publishing community, that Freight Books is committed to meeting all our contractual obligations.

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"We continue to have a robust sales and distribution infrastructure in place, that ensures our list remains in the marketplace.

"For the avoidance of doubt and by the nature of his departure, Adrian Searle has revoked his ability to represent Freight Books in any capacity.

"We are delighted that Robbie Guillory and his unparalleled knowledge of Freight Books and its day-to-day operations, has re-joined the team."

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Mr Searle said earlier it is "with much regret I have decided to leave the business I own jointly and resign as a company director to pursue other interests".