There's a reason that so much good material is coming down…
“There's a reason that so much good material is coming down to the small presses: it's difficult to turn a profit, all things considered. But you can't go into small press publishing and complain about the money. Our Little Island publishing just needs to survive. If we're still around in a few years - in vaguely the same shape as we are today - then, to me, that's success.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Small presses survive by prioritizing mission over profit, measuring success as continued existence rather than financial gain.
In simple terms: Small presses succeed by staying alive, not making money.
Key Takeaway
Focus on sustainability, not profit.
Themes
publishing
small business
mission
success
survival
Mood
determined
realistic
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- starting a small press
- securing funding
- building community
- long‑term planning
- evaluating success
Key Concepts
economics
mission-driven
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define success beyond revenue?
- What strategies keep a small press viable?
A Different Perspective
Profit focus can limit creative freedom and growth.