Small Beer Press Faces Closure Amidst Publisher’s Health Challenges

In a turn of events that has rippled through the literary world, Small Beer Press, known for its unique and eclectic publications, is on the brink of shutting down. Publisher’s Weekly is reporting that the independent publisher, which stopped accepting submissions in March 2023, is grappling with the severe health issues of its founder, Gavin Grant. These complications, stemming from Covid-19, have significantly impacted Grant’s ability to steer the press.

Grant, reflecting on the situation, shared, “2022 was a challenging year with just two books published. This year, we managed four, but it’s clear they lacked the essence of what I could bring to them in better health. I had hoped to sustain Small Beer Press, but it’s become an overwhelming task. Our commitment remains to keep our authors’ works available as long as they wish, or to find new avenues for them if interest arises.”

Despite these challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope for the press’s future. A special edition of ‘The Book of Love’ by co-founder Kelly Link is slated for release next year. This move, along with potential continued efforts on their zine, LCRW, as noted by Tor.com, suggests that Small Beer Press might still have a creative path forward, albeit on a smaller scale.