Small Press Distribution Is Gone, But You Still Have Options

Small Press Distribution got thousands of books into readers’ hands. Now that they’ve shuttered, we writers can’t quit. I’m sharing this list of indie presses from Electric Literature hoping to lend a hand. Let’s check out these other options and rebuild.

This is an opportunity for writers to remember that they do not have to lean on the biggest or most well-known distributor with their content. In fact, I’d say having more competition among distributors can be good in some ways. It encourages the distributors to maintain competitive rates and ethical practices.

But I do want to take a moment to say how sorry I am to all of the writers who are caught in the middle in all of this. You didn’t sign up to have this trouble with Small Press Distribution. I’d bet money one of the reasons you turned to them was because of their reputation and reach in hopes your book would do better. I cannot imagine putting in all the work you have done, only to run into yet another hurdle.

But we’re writers. Creativity is our thing, as is persistence. I have faith in you, my fellow wordsmiths, because I know what drives you. I know that feeling in your gut that tethers you to the page no matter how many naysayers you might have. We will find new paths, as we always have. SPD wasn’t always there, just like Amazon or any of the other big companies. Yet, books always have made their way. We’ll figure it out. I hope that by sharing this list, I help a little by offering some potential ways you could go.

If you know of any other presses, or if you’ve had experience with any of the presses on this list, share in the comments on Instagram.

Image credit:
Ashley Byrd on Unsplash