Poetry publishers have joined forces to support independent bookshops by offering poetry titles at exclusive discounts, the Bookseller reports. The “Indies x Indies” initiative, co-ordinated by Out-Spoken Press, Inpress and the Poetry Book Society, will support bookshops with an initial bundle of 10 titles to coincide with Independent Bookshop Week.

The 13 participating indie publishers are Carcanet, Boiler House Press, Pavilion Poetry, Makina Books, Verve, Penned in the Margins, Ignition Press, The Poetry Business, Prototype, Peepal Tree, Burning Eye Books, Seren and Out-Spoken Press. The introductory bundle, selected by TS Eliot Prize shortlisted poet and publisher Anthony Anaxagorou, pictured, founder of Out-Spoken Press, includes titles by Inua Ellams, Nat Raha, Alice Miller and Jason Allen-Paisant.

Anaxagorou said: “The focus is very much on collaboration and building connections - between titles, publishers, booksellers and readers. Ultimately, we want poetry to find readers and for readers to find work they love - there is something out there for everyone.

“Independent booksellers - their expertise, energy, and connection to their customers - are such a vital part of that process and after this last, difficult year, it feels all the more important to all do what we can to co-operate. The UK poetry scene is vibrant and independent publishers in particular are contributing to that vibrancy through platforming a wealth of exciting talent - we hope this programme can offer booksellers and readers an opportunity to reach through an open window into the variety and depth of contemporary UK poetries.”

Inpress managing director Sophie O’Neill said: “We are thrilled to be part of this project that celebrates the vital relationship between independent bookshops and independent publishers. The support of small presses by passionate booksellers keeps the publishing landscape fresh and exciting and we hope that by supporting their work we can get more poetry books into the hands of readers.”

The promotion will build towards National Poetry Day in October, through further concept-linked bundles highlighting a range of contemporary poetry.

Meanwhile the ‘poet laureate of Twitter’, Brian Bilston, tweeted a supportive poem, ‘Never Judge a Bookshop by its Cover’, to mark Independent Bookshop Week. In it he likened a bookshop to a travel agent, pharmacy, tailor’s, hardware store, jeweller’s, garden centre, and a greengrocer. You can read the poem here

PHOTOGRAPH: ALESSANDRO FURCHINO CAPRIA