The IPG at 60 and prospect books / Marion Boyars Publishers

As the IPG celebrates its 60th anniversary, we’ve invited some longstanding IPG members to reflect on their achievements, change and our role in their stories. Here are the thoughts of Catheryn Kilgarriff of Marion Boyars Publishers and Prospect Books.

1. What achievements in publishing are you most proud of?

Bringing overlooked writers and topics to light and promoting them well, with good design, editing and marketing. I’m proud of rescuing not one but two publishing lists: Marion Boyars Publishers, founded by my mother; and Prospect Books, the food history list I bought in 2014. We worked hard to modernise two amazing backlists and add great new authors, and both are now flourishing. Our authors are happy and some—including Hong Ying, author of K:The Art of Love, and Elif Shafak—have moved on to the large publishing houses they deserve. 

2. What do you think are the main ways independent publishing has changed since you first became involved in the sector?

Younger publishers perhaps don’t realise that in order to enjoy the huge benefits of independence in life you need to commit yourself to lifelong learning and mastery of all the disciplines and technological literacies available these days. If you just wish to be an editor or writer, you won’t survive as a publisher. Publishing is not just about choosing who to publish.

3. And what elements have stayed the same over that time?

A love of books, writing and beautiful design.

4. How do you think the IPG has evolved since you first joined?

There are many more members now, and more events that are well attended. Networking between publishers is still hugely valuable.

5. Where do you see independent publishing heading in the next five years?

Hopefully it will be stronger than ever, so long as we can work well with our partners in distribution, shipping and printing. It’s a team effort, and together we need to overcome the challenges of the cost of raw materials and Brexit.

Visit the Marion Boyars and Prospect Books websites