Small Press, Big Impact
Going up against the big guns in the book world, it’s small independent presses who do the hard yards finding and publishing diverse talent. Taking risks can pay off, with new writers going on to win awards. Damien Levi (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi) (Āporo Press), Laura Borrowdale (ngā pukapuka pekapeka) and Murdoch Stephens (Lawrence & Gibson, which celebrates its 21st this year) come together with Brannavan Gnanalingam to discuss.
Speakers
Damien Levi
Damien Levi (Te Āti Haunui-a-Paparangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi, Pākehā) is a publisher, editor and arts facilitator.
Learn more
Laura Borrowdale
Laura Borrowdale is a writer and educator from Ōtautahi, Christchurch. Her second collection of stories, Dead Ends, was
Learn more
Murdoch Stephens
Murdoch Stephens is a Wellington-based writer, publisher, and refugee advocate. He is a founding editor of the publishin
Learn more
Brannavan Gnanalingam
Brannavan Gnanalingam is a writer and lawyer based in Wellington. He has written seven novels, including Sprigs (2021),
Learn more
Word Social Feed
wordchch
🇳🇿 WORD Christchurch gets the city buzzing with books, ideas and kōrero. Next festival: 1 - 6 September 2026. Watch out for events through the year!