Small publisher spotlight: Rockpool Publishing

13 April 2016 Books+Publishing

Sydney-based Rockpool Publishing was established in 2006 and specialises in health, recreation and family titles. Publishing director Lisa Hanrahan spoke to Books+Publishing for our ‘small publisher spotlight’ series:

Describe your company in under 50 words.

Rockpool Publishing is an independent family-owned publisher that focuses on Australian sport and recreation; mind body spirit; and family, health and wellness. This July we are turning 10 years and are very proud to have grown each year within an ever-changing publishing industry.

What book did you launch with?

The Post-Baby Conversation by Alison Osborne—a great book about the changes in relationships after babies. It did well in the market and has gone on to sell well internationally over the years.

Why start a publishing company?

We started it because we saw a gap in the market for local authors in the mind body spirit genre.

How many people do you employ?

There are four full-time staff in the business including myself and my husband, and we also use the skills of many Australian freelancers.

What makes your small press unique?

We publish what we know and love, concentrate on Australian content and authors, and understand our genres very, very well by talking with tens of thousands of customers each year at events.

What has been your biggest success?

Staying happily married whilst working in business with each other … oh and our ‘Holden vs Ford’ car series and ‘Oracle Reading Card’ series.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Distribution always.

Which book by another small press do you wish you’d published?

Raising Boys by Steve Biddulph—a great title, the first in that area and it stands the test of time—by an excellent Australian publisher, Finch Publishing. We are reading it again now as we raise our own 10-year-old son.

What will you publish next?

Healthy Liver by Dr Cris Beer, publishing on 1 July to coincide with Dry July. Dr Cris Beer will be a Dry July ambassador. This is the fourth book in the ‘Healthy Living’ series, following on from The Healthy Coconut, Healthy Habits and Healthy Body.

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