After nearly two decades working in or around crafts and publishing, I co-founded, with Kate Atherley, a small press focused on Canadian art, craft and creativity.Nine Ten Publications launched in the fall of 2020 with our flagship online magazine. Digits & Threads is member-supported, with a mandate to publish pieces related to Canadian fibre and textile arts, crafts and industry. I built the website, and am responsible for business development, marketing and communications.In the spring of 2023, we launched our books division with the release of SHEEP, SHEPHERD & LAND, by Anna Hunter. In addition to my role as publisher, I am responsible for acquisitions; developmental, structural and line editing of our book manuscripts; for marketing and sales, and for managing book production and fulfillment.Launching a niche press in Canada is not for the faint of heart. Since 2022, I have raised $125,000 through crowdfunding on Kickstarter to finance the high cost of producing three of our full-colour books here in Canada, on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper. Building relationships with our most enthusiastic readers as we establish Nine Ten is rewarding, and effective. With the third book, QUILTING, by Andrea Tsang Jackson, expected in early 2025, I am now focusing on building out our list with books that aren't as expensive to produce, so that over time we strike a balance between self-funding and crowdfunding the production of our titles.
