A well-known Canadian literary publisher is currently based in a renovated garage located in the backyard of Keagan Hawthorne in Tantramar, New Brunswick. Hawthorne, who is in the process of taking over as the owner of Gaspereau Press, a boutique publishing company previously located in Kentville, Nova Scotia, emphasizes the company’s commitment to staying small and local.
Established in 1997, Gaspereau Press has maintained a unique identity by handcrafting and binding books in-house, earning a reputation for quality and care among writers nationwide. Despite facing challenges in meeting demands, such as when the novel “The Sentimentalists” won the Giller Prize in 2010, leading to a temporary shift in operations, Gaspereau Press remains dedicated to its local roots.
Hawthorne, a poet himself, likens the bookmaking process at Gaspereau Press to the art of furniture making, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship in producing quality literature. As the company plans to move into a local warehouse and outsource certain processes, Hawthorne ensures that each book will still receive a personal touch from the team.
Located in Sackville, New Brunswick, a town known for its academic and artistic community, Gaspereau Press sees potential for growth and innovation in its new setting. Despite the upcoming changes and expansion plans, the essence of handcrafted care and attention to detail will remain integral to the company’s ethos.