Small press

[1] Independent press is generally defined as publishers that are not part of large conglomerates or multinational corporations.

[1] Many small presses rely on specialization in genre fiction, poetry, or limited-edition books or magazines, but there are also thousands that focus on niche non-fiction markets.

[1] They can also make up for commercial clout by creating a reputation for academic knowledge, vigorously pursuing prestigious literature prizes and spending more effort nurturing the careers of new authors.

Self-publishing or subsidy presses usually require payment by authors, or a minimum purchase of copies.

Small presses are traditional publishers, which means that they engage in a book selection process, along with editing, marketing and distribution.

Small presses also enter into a contract with the author, often paying royalties for being allowed to sell the book.

Small presses became distinguishable from jobbing printers at some time towards the end of the nineteenth century.

The use of small letterpress machines by amateur printers increased proportionately to the mechanization of commercial printing.

Combined with Internet based marketing, digital typesetting, design tools with the rise of eBooks, the new printing technologies have lowered the economic barriers to entry, allowing many new niches to be served, and many new publishers to enter the industry.

There was a strong upward trend in the number of titles published by small press and shortlisted for the Miles Franklin and the PM's Fiction Awards in the two years preceding 2017.

[9] The Small Press Network (SPN), located at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne, represents small and independent publishers in Australia, which promotes independent publishing and supports diversity within the industry "as a vital component of Australian literary culture".