Bold Types is a celebration of 32 of Aotearoa’s best independent bookshops, giving space for the owners to tell their own stories.
Verve sits down with co-author and publisher Deborah Coddington to find out more.
Congratulations on the publication of such a beautiful book, with such a worthwhile topic. We were surprised to read that some publishers were unmoved by the idea… have you heard from any of the doubters since?
Thank you. I don’t blame the doubters. I had a very clear picture in my head of the finished product, but I found that difficult to explain. It turned out for the best because Ugly Hill Press was born – named after the road I was brought up on in Hawke’s Bay. Now I have five books on the market with four more in production.
How do you think independent bookstores contribute to local communities?
Good indies have staff who know their books, are well acquainted with their customers, and can assist buyers choose the right book. They take special joy in that task – it’s one of the treats of bookselling, matching people with books.
Are there bookstores that you found particularly inspiring?
Obviously, Hedley’s Books in Masterton – I dedicate Bold Types to the late Alex Hedley because 50 years ago when I was a 21-year-old lonely new mum Alex reignited my love for books. Hedley’s is Aotearoa’s oldest bookstore still in the same family. But all the stores in this book are inspiring in their own ways.
Did you learn anything new about the industry while compiling this book… and about yourself?
I’m always finding out that I don’t know what I don’t know. I’m grateful I owned a bookshop before I published this book, for obvious reasons. Having a bookshop made be a better person. Also, if I knew how much multitasking is involved in publishing, I possibly would have thought twice about doing it! But maybe not. I’m pretty impulsive, and it is good fun making beautiful books.
Have you had much feedback from the readers, and any messages for potential readers out there?
I’m stunned by the positive reaction. Jane Ussher is one of Aotearoa’s premier interiors and portrait photographers, so I’m thrilled to see her work, yet again, appreciated by a wide audience. I hesitate to tell readers what to do, but without bookshops, there would be fewer writers, designers, printers, editors, reps, and so on.
How do you think independent bookstores are shaping the future of publishing, and are you hopeful for their future?
I think indies stock those esoteric books which bold publishers take a risk. My philosophy in publishing is ‘books with attitude, with enduring content’. I want Ugly Hill Press books to be beautifully written, and beautifully designed. I’m hopeful because there will always be other optimists in the future who agree and seek out indie stores to look for such publications.
WIN a copy of Bold Types, visit vervemagazine.co.nz for details.
