A renowned literary publisher in Canada is currently running its operations from a refurbished shed located in Keagan Hawthorne’s backyard in Tantramar, New Brunswick. Hawthorne, who is set to take over as the owner of Gaspereau Press, a boutique publishing company and printing press, is ensuring a smooth transition into his new role.
Gaspereau Press, established in 1997, has maintained its small-scale production approach by hand-printing and binding books in-house in Kentville, Nova Scotia. This unique method has earned the company a distinguished reputation, particularly among writers who appreciate the meticulous care put into each publication.
Despite facing challenges in the past, such as struggling to keep up with demand when one of their books won a prestigious award, Gaspereau Press remains committed to its roots. The company’s dedication to staying local and preserving its artisanal bookmaking process sets it apart in the publishing industry.
Hawthorne envisions a bright future for Gaspereau Press in Sackville, New Brunswick, citing the town’s vibrant arts and culture scene as conducive to the company’s ethos. While some changes are on the horizon, including potential outsourcing of certain production aspects, the core principle of handcrafted, personalized bookmaking remains at the heart of Gaspereau Press.