Small Press Month

Small Press Month, held each March, recognizes the contributions of small publishers in the literary world. Despite limited financial resources, these publishers have become vital in today’s publishing landscape. While it was once difficult for small publishers to reach readers, there are now numerous avenues for authors to share their work. Small Press Month highlights this progress by celebrating authors and independent publishing houses globally. It encourages these publishers to persevere even with the competition from larger, well-funded companies.

The inception of National Small Press Month dates back to 1996 when the Small Press Center in New York City and the Publishers Marketing Association in California joined forces to support smaller publishing entities. This initiative shines a light on authors and their independent representation. Small publishers often challenge traditional norms by working with authors that bigger publishers may overlook. A notable survey in 1999 by the Book Industry Study Group revealed that 50,000 small publishers generated $14.3 billion in sales, surprising many in the industry. Since then, the number of independent publishers has dramatically increased. Despite the challenges of competing with big publishing houses, small presses find ways to engage readers, often through local library and bookstore displays of their books, providing a valuable service to avid readers.

Timeline of Small Press Month:

• 1996: Establishment of Small Press Month by the Publishers Marketing Association and Small Press Center.
• 1999: The internet fosters self-publishing as Blogger provides free platforms for individuals to share their creations.
• 2007: Amazon launches Kindle, revolutionizing how we consume ebooks.
• 2011: For the first time, Amazon reports ebook sales surpass print book sales.

Understanding Small Press Publishing:

• Definition: Generally, a publisher with annual revenues under $50 million is considered a small press.
• Author Compensation: Contracts often include royalties ranging from four to 25 percent.
• Revenue Streams: Book sales are the primary income source for these publishers.

Engaging in Small Press Month Activities:

• Writing courses: Take the opportunity to enhance your writing skills during Small Press Month.
• Join a book club: Overcome procrastination and enrich your reading experience by joining a book club.
• Support small publishers: Purchasing books from independent publishers supports their mission and enriches your knowledge.

Five Insights About Reading:

1. Reduces stress: Reading can decrease stress levels by 68%.
2. Importance of book ownership: Children with home libraries of at least 20 books are educationally ahead of their peers.
3. Daily reading habit: Reading for 20 minutes daily can expose you to nearly 1.8 million words annually.
4. Reading achievement: Children who read extensively are in the top 2% of reading achievement.
5. Vocabulary growth: Reading introduces children to 4,000 to 12,000 new words per year.

Why Small Press Month Matters:

• Recognition: It highlights the achievements of small publishers who make significant impacts despite financial constraints.
• Promotes reading: Celebrating publishers naturally encourages reading, which fosters intelligence.
• Encourages new writers: Aspiring authors gain motivation seeing the recognition and support small publishers receive.

Upcoming Dates for Small Press Month:

• 2025: March 1 (Saturday)
• 2026: March 1 (Sunday)
• 2027: March 1 (Monday)
• 2028: March 1 (Wednesday)
• 2029: March 1 (Thursday)

For more information, visit FindNoMore.

What is the date of Small Press Month every year?

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