I RECENTLY SPOKE to Pedlar Press founder Beth Follett about her decision to step away from publishing to pursue her own writing (read the story on p. 6). I asked Follett about the pay-what-you-can deal that Pedlar is currently offering on its website for its new book on Newfoundland artist Gerald Squires.
Follett – who began her career as a social worker in inner-city Winnipeg – says she heard from people who want the book, which retails for $80, but can’t afford the price tag. “When you are trying to figure out where your child’s meal is coming from, how do you buy an $80 book?” she asked. “You don’t. It’s a luxury.” Follett believes the publishing industry needs to address issues related to class and money, and this was one way she felt she could contribute. Interesting enough, Gaspereau Press was also looking to provide what publisher Andrew Steeves calls an “economical, democratic entry point into visual art” through its new series, A Gaspereau Field Guide to Canadian Artists (p. 42), a low-cost alternative to high-end art books.
To date, no one has taken up Pedlar’s offer, which doesn’t completely surprise Follett. Few of us enjoy acknowledging our financial situations – especially when our pockets are empty. Obviously, buying an art book is one thing, but it does make me think about the broader socio-economical issues connected to the publishing industry.