Independent publishers highlighted funds and personnel shortage as key challenges during the USTINGAN forum series, “How indie is indie publishing?” held on April 29 at the UST Miguel de Benavides Library Auditorium.
The event, organized by the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (UST-CCWLS), in cooperation with the Faculty of Arts and Letters and UST Makatha Circle, featured Ayer Arguelles of Grana Books, Ronald Verso and Beverly Wico-Siy of Balangay Books, and Katrina Santiago of Everything’s Fine PH Books.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, Arguelles, founder of Grana Books, highlighted how thinly stretched indie publications often are.
“Sa amin, sa Grana, tatlo lang kami. Ako ‘yong sa editorial work, tapos [‘yong wife] saka ‘yong anak ko, sila ‘yong sa marketing, distribution, at book design,” he said.
With a goal of six titles for the year, the challenge becomes not just about doing the work, but also finding the time for it.
Siy, co-founder of the Balangay Books, cited similar struggles.
“Sa Balangay, isa lang talaga ‘yong employee na full-time,” she told the Varsitarian, referring to Ronald Verso, her husband, founder of Balangay Books, who carries an almost comical role.
Verso plays as the president, layout artist, editor, social media manager, delivery man, and coordinator.
“I think [kapag] independent publisher, akala ng mga tao, maraming katuwang sa trabaho, pero usually, it’s one person. But what we do to keep up with the demands of the work, we hire people in a freelance manner,” she said, adding that the authors’ connections with graphic artists also help the publishers ease their workload.
Despite the challenges, the publishers remain hopeful for the future of indie publishing.
Siy said indie publishing is vibrant and diverse, adding that technology also makes the production of books easier.
Arguelles shared the same sentiments, noting that younger publishers are more enthusiastic and hardworking.
But the publishing industry’s future also lies on independent publishers.
“Kailangan talaga natin ng mas maraming readers […] kasi we cannot do it ourselves. Sobrang limitado ‘yong kaya naming gawin. [That’s why] we ask them that if [they] happen to like the book that we offer, sana i-promote [rin nila] sa iba,” she said. Sofia Gabrielle G. Rosario
