Indie Spotlight: And Other Stories

A popular independent press, And Other Stories, has been selling well in the shop lately. Based in Sheffield, and having published many prize winning works of contemporary literature, they are leaders in the industry (in so far as publishing weird translated books about grief / memory etc can rightly be called an industry).

At the core of And Other Stories lies a dedication to contemporary writing, with a special emphasis on translated works from diverse cultures. They take great care in their selection process, prioritizing stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought and endure the test of time. Each book is handpicked to offer readers a journey beyond the ordinary, into realms of adventure and introspection.

What truly distinguishes And Other Stories is their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in an industry often perceived as exclusive. By moving their main office from the traditional literary hubs of London and Oxford to Sheffield, they've embraced a more diverse perspective, both in their publishing choices and their operational approach.

Crucial to And Other Stories' success are their readers, editors, writers, translators, and dedicated subscribers. And Other Stories is particularly notable for being the first UK based publisher of literary fiction to offer subscriptions to customers. A model which has since become a strong trend in the publishing world. With around 1,000 active subscribers across 40 countries, they form a community bound by their love for literature. These subscribers play a vital role in bringing new voices and narratives to light, providing the support needed to nurture emerging talent.

But their engagement goes beyond publishing. And Other Stories actively involves its community through reading groups, where participants explore and discuss foreign books ripe for translation. These gatherings reflect their belief in the power of collective exploration, transcending borders and languages to uncover stories with universal appeal.

There are several titles from And Other Stories available in the shop. Check out ‘Star 111’ by English PEN winner Lutz Seiler, or ‘Berg’ by the tragically underread Ann Quin.