Beyond the margins: women who made their mark on America's publishing industry

Book publishing in the United States has a rich history, filled with evidence of entrepreneurship, determination, passion and creativity very much in the spirit of the “American Dream”. 

From the end of the eighteenth century, citizens of the United States had ceased to rely on imported books from Europe and were establishing their own publishing companies and distribution networks, with many becoming cornerstones of the industry. By the latter half of the twentieth century, small independent publishing companies were emerging to serve as a platform for authors who were not represented by mainstream publishers.  

AM’s Independent Publishing in America explores both eras. Whilst historically the book industry may have been seen as a male-dominated profession, this project provides insight into some extraordinary women who made their mark on publishing.

The earliest collections, digitised from the American Antiquarian Society, contain many references to women involved in the production and sale of books. One notable example is a Mrs M E Waite, who canvassed for publishers in Worcester, MA, during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. During this era, subscription publishers or booksellers often employed a canvassing model wherein agents would travel to locations armed with samples of books, with the aim of tempting interested parties into an advanced purchase of the text prior to printing. An example of a sample book used by Waite is Charles Dickens’ ‘Dealings with the firm of Dombey and Son’ (c.1902) published by Dana Estes & Company (Boston). Accompanying the sample text is an order form for R. H. Hinckley Company Publishers, Boston, as well as various newspaper clippings about Dickens which were likely used as part of Waite’s canvassing efforts. Other sample books include scripts of persuasive text which may have been used by Waite and other agents. 

Over half a century later, the rise of independent publishers brought the opportunity for women to establish their own platforms for creative expression. Many used this platform as a means to amplify marginalised voices. Poet laureate, publisher and educator Naomi Long Madgett is one such remarkable woman, and her papers have been digitised from the Special Collections Research Center at the University of Michigan Library. Founding the Lotus Press in 1972, Madgett was committed to publishing works by African American authors, giving a voice to many for whom mainstream publishers were inaccessible. Running Lotus Press single-handedly for over 40 years, and working with influential authors such as Dudley Randall, Toi Derricotte, James Emmanual and Terry Blackhawk, Madgett’s life-long dedication to amplifying the voices of African American writers is highlighted in material such as Lotus Press flyers and press releases from 1972 through to 1995. These newsletters, flyers and press releases for publications and poetry readings, sponsored workshops and awards, demonstrate the impact that an independent publisher can make, not only in terms of literary output but also in building a vibrant literary community. 

Whilst independent publishers such as Lotus Press offered a platform for writers, other groups focused on providing opportunities in the technical side of the publishing industry. The San Francisco-based Women's Press Project, which was first established in 1974 as a nonprofit before becoming a collective (and later a business), aimed to provide women with technical skills in the printing trade whilst also printing LGBTQ+ and feminist material (amongst other subjects). Class catalogues and flyers from the Women's Press/Up Press Records housed at the GLBT Historical Society offer a glimpse into the opportunities provided by this dedicated group of women. 

These are just a few examples of extraordinary women who feature in Independent Publishing in America and who have contributed to the publishing and printing industry in the United States. They made their mark within a male-dominated industry, amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and improved opportunities for creative expression and technical skill.

For more information on Independent Publishing in America, including free trial access and price enquiries, please email us at info@amdigital.co.uk. The documents discussed in this article are available open access for 30 days and can be accessed via the following links:

• Dealings with the firm of Dombey and Son
• Lotus Press - Flyers and press releases
• Class catalogues and flyers