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It is never easy swimming against the current, but independent publishers make it their business to keep pushing boundaries and make it upstream in their own unique way. Of course, being a different kettle of fish will always be challenging, especially in an ever-evolving industry like publishing, where resources and budget are often hurdles that may stop businesses cold in their tracks.The struggles that indie presses face – whether it is being understaffed or managing money and resources very tightly – mean that any type of help makes a difference. These challenges and necessities in turn foster the need for community.The growing indie community seems to be focused on nurturing professional and networking links, creative collaboration, and community spaces and events.

Examples of professional associations include the not-for-profit Independent Publishers Guild (whose mission began in the 1960s) and the Indie Press Network. Although these are not strictly ‘official’ bodies, they are important collectives in the indie publishing landscape and fulfil a valuable purpose – being a point of contact for not only new and up-coming presses but older, more established publishers too.

The IPG offers a range of resources and training to aid in professional development for independent publishers, whereas the IPN aims to establish connections between independent publishers amongst themselves, with booksellers and even readers.    

 Whilst there are a few events which afford the opportunity for presses to sell and exhibit their work, there are a couple specifically featuring independent presses that stand out. The first is the Small Publishers Fair (it is a beloved event for our MA Publishing every October!), and the second is The Indie Press Fair, part of The Alternative Book Fair, which takes place in early April.