Imprint

From its conception in 1990 Salt Publishing has built up an international reputation as a leading publisher of new poetry.  Publishing over 40 books each year, their focus is on poetry, biography, literary criticism and text books. Salt includes a widening range of acclaimed authors from around the world, they appear at festivals and conferences and their work continues to receive major critical attention.  Particularly interesting is their list of Native American writing and the press’s continued promotion of contemporary Australian writing.

Example publication Family Connections – Chrissie Gittins These stories trace the fragile and enduring connections between those related by blood, and those not.  A gay couple care for a cantankerous neighbour, a daughter hangs on to the threads of her father’s mind, an anthropologist finds it difficult to leave behind the refugees she has studied.  They take an unflinching look at the moments in lives when the axis swivels to reveal insights and actions which surprise and disturb.

Who will read these books?

The press makes a strong case for serious contemporary writing and is aiming at a young, professional audience.  The covers are aimed at an under 40 age group and look tempting, cool and very accessible.  This is a  press with the courage of it’s convictions, which are that poetry is food for the soul and the brain.  Young, well traveled readers will like these books, professionals and students, curious readers wanting to discover the next cool thing first.

 Website

A good-looking site that gives offers a stimulating view of the books and the authors.  There’s information about the press, their authors and books and you can purchase directly from the site.  There are some quirky corners to explore– how about a magazine section in Latin for instance?

The site links to a couple of blogs, one markets their author events which aims to whet the appetite by hiding the marketing message behind a Confidential tag.  The other blog posts views from staff.  The rubric of the site is to bring readers and writers together, but there are few creative opportunities here for readers to really engage directly with writers.  There are videos from writers, reviews and blurbs and opportunities to email the press. This looks like a site in development – with some links that at the time of writing that don’t work – but it’s really trying to give poetry a new readership and a new appeal.

www.saltpublishing.com

Salt Publishing Ltd
PO Box 937
Great Wilbraham
Cambridge
CB21 5JX
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)1223 882220
Fax: +44 (0)1223 882260