British independent publishers thrive despite Brexit and Covid pandemic

theguardian.com:

Small presses across the UK and Ireland have had a “year of exceptional sales and profit growth in the face of Brexit and escalating running costs”, according to the British book awards’ chair of judges.

Independent presses have also told the Guardian they are optimistic about the future, a very different picture from just three years ago, when research found that more than half of the UK’s small publishers feared they could be out of business by autumn 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the cancellation of author events, delays in titles being released and poor bookshop sales.

These smaller publishers are “showing that even in a toughened climate, grassroots book making is alive and well”, said Philip Jones, chair of judges for the British book awards, which on Wednesday announced the regional and country finalists for the Small press of the year award, which celebrates those presses delivering diverse, innovative and risk-taking publishing.

Recent challenges for independent presses have included increases in the costs of heating, printing and distribution, but Jones said those in the running for Small press of the year had “responded magnificently” whether “staking their claim to the mainstream or mining their niche”.

“These publishers are reaping the rewards from dedicated and often inspirational publishing, hands-on author care and community building,” he added.

A total 48 small presses are listed across different regions and countries for the Small press of the year award. The presses will compete to win their region first, before contending for the overall prize.

Kevin Duffy, founder of Bluemoose Books, which is a finalist in the North England region, says the landscape for small presses is