Home / Arts and Entertainment / From Garage to Global: A Publisher's 40-Year Triumph
From Garage to Global: A Publisher's 40-Year Triumph
3 Dec
Summary
- Publisher thrived for 40 years from its original Leeds house.
- Began as an 'expensive hobby' printing books in a garage.
- Mentors Black writers, distinguishing itself from mainstream.
An independent publisher, founded 40 years ago in Leeds, has evolved from a personal project into a globally recognized name. Initially conceived as an 'expensive hobby' by its founder, Jeremy Poynting, the press began by printing its first 12 books in a garage. This hands-on approach, involving typesetting, printing, and binding on-site, continued for 12 years.
With initial support from an Arts Council grant and a remortgaged house, the publisher achieved viability, fostering a significant backlist. It has consistently championed authors from the Caribbean and its diaspora, including Booker and TS Eliot prize winners. The press is noted for nurturing emerging talent, dedicating considerable time to developing writers.
In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, the publisher offers a nuanced perspective on mainstream publishers' engagement with Black writers. They highlight a risk of "a particular kind of Black writing" being favored, one that conforms to traditional English literary ideas rather than embracing authentic cultural narratives and innovative forms. The press emphasizes the importance of interrogating narrative structures.
