Jamie Byng, CEO of Canongate Books, dives deep into his publishing journey that transformed a struggling company into a beacon for cult authors. He shares his passion for bold literature, discussing famous authors like Barack Obama and Ruth Ozeki. Byng also reflects on the contrasts between Edinburgh and London, the digital shift in publishing, and how independent firms navigate these changes. With insights into unique projects like the Canongate Myths and community-focused initiatives, he champions the enduring magic of print in a digital world.
Persuasive storytelling and personal connections are crucial in successfully launching a book.
Building lasting relationships with authors and going on creative journeys together adds value to publishing.
Discovering and publishing extraordinary voices that create a deep impact and connection with readers is a pleasure.
Editors play a pivotal role in shaping a book, providing objective perspective and structural insight.
Deep dives
Discovery of the Swallows and Childhood Memories
As a child, the speaker had a deep connection with the swallows that migrated to their house. The speaker recalls memories of being born in a house where they would observe the swallow's nest. This connection with swallows holds sentimental value, symbolizing the beginning of their life.
The Power of Persuasion in Publishing
The speaker shares an example of how persuasive storytelling in publishing can have a significant impact. They discuss how they convinced literary editors to review a book, resulting in extensive coverage and ultimately increased sales. This example highlights the importance of energy, passion, and personal connection in successfully launching a book.
Author Collaborations and Long-Term Relationships
The speaker highlights their long-standing collaborations with acclaimed authors, such as Matt Haig, Ruth Ozeki, and Jan Martell. They emphasize the value of publishing authors rather than just books, building lasting relationships and going on creative journeys together. The speaker believes in providing personal attention and support throughout the publishing process.
The Joy of Publishing Extraordinary Voices
The speaker expresses enthusiasm for discovering and publishing extraordinary voices that bring unique perspectives and stories to the world. They emphasize the pleasure of publishing authors who have a deep impact and create connections with readers. The speaker believes in the inherent value of these voices and the importance of curating and sharing their work.
The Role of Editors in Shaping Manuscripts
Editors play a pivotal role in the creation of a book, ranging from minimal involvement to extensive back-and-forth collaboration with the author. While some authors may deliver near-perfect manuscripts that require little editing, most benefit from the objective perspective and structural insight provided by an editor. In some cases, books undergo significant changes through the editing process, resulting in a final version that looks vastly different from the initial draft. The role of an editor in shaping a book is often hidden from readers, but it can greatly impact the overall quality and readability of the final product.
The Evolution and Impact of Publishing
Publishing has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. The rise of digital technology, online retailers like Amazon, and social media have revolutionized the industry. Ebooks and audiobooks have gained popularity, but their growth has plateaued, with physical books maintaining their appeal. Bookstores, however, have faced challenges with the decline of traditional book chains and the dominance of online retailers. Independent publishers have emerged as a viable alternative, capitalizing on their ability to curate and provide personalized experiences for readers. Despite the challenges, publishing remains an exciting and dynamic industry with opportunities for innovation and connection.
The Power of Letters and Letters Live
Letters hold a special place in human communication, serving as time capsules and conveying emotions and thoughts in a unique way. Letters Live, an initiative that brings letters to life through live performances, celebrates the beauty and impact of letters. With a diverse cast of performers, including actors like Benedict Cumberbatch and Gillian Anderson, Letters Live showcases the power of written words. Letters Live demonstrates that all books are, in a sense, self-help books, as they offer insights, emotions, and connections that can inspire and educate readers. Letters Live has also supported charitable causes and literacy initiatives, making a positive impact beyond the stage.
Publishing Peanuts and the Genius of Charles Schultz
Publishing Peanuts, the iconic comic strip by Charles Schultz, was a dream come true for the publisher. Having grown up with Peanuts, the publisher had a deep appreciation for Schultz's genius. The partnership with Fantagraphics to publish the complete works of Peanuts, as well as spin-off books, allowed the publisher to share the beloved characters and stories with readers. Peanuts remains a labor of love, as Schultz's timeless and endearing creations continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Jamie Byng is the CEO and publisher of the independent publishing firm Canongate Books.
When Canongate was on the verge of bankruptcy in 1994, Byng, then in his mid-20s, bought it with a business partner. His first move in overhauling the company's image was to establish the ultra-hip Payback and Rebel Inc. imprints, dedicated to championing cult authors. Over a series of years, the publisher became a radical underdog success story not only publishing wonderful books by Miranda July and The Mighty Boosh but also two books by an, at the time, little-known Senator in Barack Obama—Dreams From My Father and The Audacity of Hope. Jamie continues to be a maverick and taste-maker in the industry, taking chances on bold titles and authors and navigating an industry with an ever-consolidating base of power.
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