10 Welsh publishers to get excited about
2020 has been a stressful year to say the least, and more people are turning to books as a way of managing anxiety. Whilst bibliotherapy is great for self-care, buying books from local businesses has the added feel-good factor of knowing how much your support means to smaller companies. If you’re looking for ways to support the Welsh publishing industry, here are some exciting Welsh publishers whose books make the perfect lockdown reads.
- Firefly Press
Firefly Press are a children’s and young adults’ book publisher based in Cardiff. They publish fiction books in all genres for readers aged five to nineteen, so their website is the perfect place to find Christmas gifts for young readers!
Firefly Press boast a variety of children’s books set in Wales, from historical fiction to mystery books. They also stock Welsh-language books and currently offer a range of signed copies, which are sure to get anyone excited about Wales.
Where to find them: https://fireflypress.co.uk/
2. Parthian Books
Parthian Books describe their list of publications as ‘a carnival of voices’ and pride themselves on publishing the work of debut authors. Some of their most recent successes include writers Alys Conran, who won the Wales Book of the Year in 2017 for her novel Pigeon, and Tristan Hughes, who won Stanford’s prize for fiction in 2018.
In addition to publishing these accomplished writers, Parthian Books also work to promote Welsh writing through projects such as their Library of Wales and Modern Wales series. These projects aim to present the talents of some of Wales’ most prestigious writers, from classic novels and poetry to contemporary publications. The books published under these series are available to buy through their website.
3. Graffeg Publishing
Graffeg are a Llanelli-based independent publisher specialising in illustrated non-fiction books, children’s books, cards and calendars. Founded by designer Peter Gill, the team at Graffeg place high-quality design and immaculate presentation at the heart of their publications. From books about arts and culture to beautifully designed Christmas cards, there’s something for everyone at Graffeg Publishing.
Founded in 2003, Graffeg have gone on to receive critical acclaim in national press and media in publications such as The Times, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph Magazine. Have a look at their website to explore their stunning design work.
Where to find them: https://graffeg.com/
4. Deadstar Publishing
If you’re a lover of fantasy, horror or sci-fi, have a look at Deadstar’s publications. Having first opened in 2010, the team at Deadstar aim to promote new talent and have succeeded in launching the careers of several writers and artists.
They release between five and ten new titles each year, which include books, graphic novels, comics and ebooks. They also attend comic conventions around the UK, so keep an eye out for them on your next visit.
Where to find them: https://deadstarpublishing.co.uk/
5. Honno Press
Honno (meaning ‘that one (feminine) who is elsewhere’) publish and celebrate the work of Welsh female writers. According to Penni Bestic, the designer of their original logo, their owl is representative of Blodeuwedd (a character in Welsh mythology) after she is banished into the night and is also a symbol of the Ancient Greek Goddess Athena.
When the press was established in 1986, they aimed to address a gap in the market when it came to publishing women’s books in Wales. As the longest-standing independent women’s press in the UK, they continue to publish books in Welsh and English, including numerous critically-acclaimed publications across a variety of genres.
Where to find them: https://www.honno.co.uk/
6. Seren Books
Seren Books are an independent literary publisher based in Bridgend. They specialise in English-language writing from Wales and have published poetry, fiction and non-fiction titles. According to the Seren Books team, they are always on the lookout for ‘a story told well or an idea or history presented interestingly or provocatively’.
Since their establishment in 1981, Seren Books have succeeded in publishing many critically-acclaimed titles, including the work of the Pushcart Prize 2019 nominee Angela Graham, as well as the work of Peter Benson, winner of the Guardian Fiction Prize.
Where to find them: https://www.serenbooks.com/
7. Dref Wen
Dref Wen are Wales’ leading children’s book publisher, having been producing Welsh children’s books and dual-language titles for almost 50 years. Alongside their Welsh adaptations of iconic children’s characters, Dref Wen also publish educational titles to support the National Curriculum in Wales. Series such as Welsh History Stories and Practising Belief are sure to spark young learners’ interests and give parents an opportunity to get involved with their children’s schooling.
More recently, Dref Wen have been developing a list of autobiographies from some of Wales’ best-known celebrities, including Huw Ceredig and Heather Jones. Whether you’re buying for yourself, for a friend or for a little one, you’ll find the right book at Dref Wen.
Where to find them: https://www.drefwen.com/
8. LUMIN Press
LUMIN are a small, independent press who publish experimental new writing in their LUMIN journal, in poetry chapbooks and in pamphlets. LUMIN’s founders also run LUMIN RADIO, a monthly music and arts show which features a mix of world, hip hop and spoken word, amongst other genres of music and performance.
LUMIN’s work focuses on collaboration between visual and text-based artists as founders Sadia Pineda Hameed and Beau W. Beakhouse often team up with other artists on residencies, commissions and curatorial projects. A recording of LUMIN’s radio show is available through their website, along with links to previous journals.
Where to find them: https://lumin-press.com/Info
9. Y Lolfa
Y Lolfa are a Welsh printing and publishing company based in Ceredigion. First established in 1967 by Robat Gruffudd, they are now an independent company run by their founder’s sons. Y Lolfa publishes books in Welsh and English, as well as bilingual texts.
Whilst their list of titles spans a range of different genres, many of their books explore Welsh culture and identity. From true crime books such as The Man in Black to the historical novel The Dipping Pool, their publications are well worth exploring for anyone who’s interested in learning more about Wales.
Where to find them: https://www.ylolfa.com/
10. Accent Press
Accent Press describe themselves as ‘a feisty, independent publishing company’. Founded in 2003, they have received awards for their work in trade publishing. Their accolades include being named Specialist Publisher of the Year and winning the title of Best New Business.
Accent Press publish fiction and non-fiction titles across four imprints, including romance novels and YA fiction. Many of their books are also available in ebook format so you can start reading straight away.
Where to find them: https://accentpress.start-publishing.com/
