The past, present, and future potential of publishing collectives

This report describes and analyzes a range of publishing collectives from the past and present in anglophone Canada and considers the potential for future development. It begins with a focus on the past with an emphasis on the role of collectives in overcoming the threat of foreign influence on Canadian publishing. Moving into the present, some key current issues facing independent publishers in Canada are outlined and collectives are found to form part of the solutions to these problems. A critical discussion of collectives is also included so as to provide a comprehensive insight into the role collectives are currently playing. The report ends with a view to the future, building on the previous section to provide recommendations and suggestions for how collectives could develop. This report relies heavily on interviews with publishing professionals who outlined their experiences within collectives. Overall, this report illustrates the value collectives bring to the industry while also recognizing where improvements could be made.