By Patricia Mulcahy
On Friday, October 24, 5E editors Judy Sternlight, Anne Horowitz, and Patricia Mulcahy hosted a very lively and informative Office Hour with Johnny Temple (publisher, Akashic Books), Erika Goldman (publisher, Bellevue Literary Press), and Masie Cochran (editorial director, Tin House) on the role of indie presses in today’s book marketplace. We’re pleased to offer this hourlong recording of the session so that those who couldn’t attend can still access this vital information.
One of the participants on the Zoom asked the panelists: Can you mention some other outstanding small presses? No small task! Small and independent presses are not on the sidelines of the book business. As books like Braiding Sweetgrass from Milkweed Editions sit atop bestseller lists, and Seven Stories Press and Transit Books publish Nobel winners like Annie Ernaux and Jon Fosse, small presses are publishing work that’s every bit as bold and dynamic as that published by the corporately owned Big Five. Other standouts include Verso Books, Melville House, the Feminist Press, Europa Editions, New Directions, Unnamed Press, A Public Space, McSweeney’s, Coffee House, Counterpoint, Soft Skull Press, Deep Vellum, Delphinium Books, Soho Press, Beacon Press, Steerforth Press, and Graywolf.
Independent presses work closely with writers and can offer more hands-on consultation on everything from cover design to publicity. They’re all over the country, enabling authors to get out their books, even if they don’t have an agent or contacts in New York City. They democratize the publishing process. Each one has a different perspective and submission requirements. Most work with agents but many also take un-agented submissions during specific reading periods. To find the best fit for your project, detailed research is essential. Poets & Writers has a useful database of independent presses. The Community of Literary Magazines and Presses also has a good list.