Our first poetry collection

General tasks of a micro-publisher

The Harvest Press has more in common with craft makers than big publishing houses. We are involved in every aspect of production. We select the book and edit it. We work with a brilliant copy editor/proof reader and a wonderful graphic designer. That said, every book requires many reads-through and each cover is carefully considered. The final decision rests with us. I’ve learned that a lighter coloured cover works better than a dark one and that clear big print is best for the spine. My most recent rule of thumb is that it should be clear enough for me to read on a book-shelf without my new glasses.

Last week I wore a groove in the path to the Post Office as Christmas orders came in. We wrap, address and queue to post our own books. We use plain brown paper and non-plastic tape. Again, more in common with craft than big business.

The first poetry collection we will publish is We Say We Will, by Martha Woodcock. The collection was due out in August 2021 but, as we couldn’t have a launch, we postponed it. The launch is scheduled for February 2022 and we travel in hope into next year.

On Saturday, we filmed Martha reading three poems from her collection.

Chris Jacques made the films with the help of Katie and Mairenn Jacques. Chris has made several films that we use to show our work, including a short documentary about the making of 'Between Your Love and Mine’, the requiem that John made with Leonard Cohen. See link below.

The films of Martha’s work will be used to promote her book and to give her poetry the opportunity to reach a wider audience.

The first poem to go up on our YouTube channel is I Remember. The film and poem are a wonderful combination of conciseness, beauty and honesty. Thank you Chris and congratulations Martha.