Publisher Spotlight: Renard Press
Renard Press hasn’t yet reached its first birthday, but with the wealth of titles already on offer under the publisher’s banner, you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise. Launched in June 2020, and already representing a host of historically significant work, Renard Press has made a notable contribution to the world of independent publishing, and provides a wonderful and fresh service to readers.
The publisher’s founder, Will Dady, has proudly stated that Renard Press is the culmination of years of hard work, and on reading the site’s manifesto, it’s easy to tell why. Not only do they represent a group of talented contemporary authors, but have also republished a sprawl of classic literature, poetry, and manuscripts. The names are staggering, with works from Oscar Wilde, Leo Tolstoy, Virginia Wolf, Bram Stoker, and George Orwell being only a few.
In this service of republishing, Renard Press pride themselves on breaking the traditional method of classic reproduction. Rather than revising the numerous amendments of new additions created by other publishers over the years, they pay exact tribute to the authoritative edition of classical works, and add additional explanatory notes and extra material where they feel it benefits the reader. They also take great care in style and appearance, releasing lavished editions, which often contain relevant illustrations in order to enrich the experience. Overall, leaders get the chance to revisit and discover longstanding works in the form of a refined, yet wholly faithfull new product.
Alongside fiction and poetry from the aforementioned names, Renard Press have also published many other great works of centuries past, including In the Clouds, the fictional work of 19th century French stage actress, Sarah Bernhardt, which is intermingled with illustrations from painter of the same era, Geogres Clairin. Other work includes that of legendary 17th century female poet and dramatist, Aphra Behn, and early 20th century humorist, Stephen Leacock, whose compendium of numerous articles, Frenzied Fiction, is a highly influential piece of writing for his many contemporaries…
Speaking of which, the list of contemporary writers championed by Renard Press is by no means sideline to the classical catalogue, but another integral part of the publisher’s identity. Though numbering just four at present, these authors have produced some exemplary work. Renard Press has proudly published the debut novel of This Good Book author, Iain Hood, and also the debut novel of acclaimed writer J.L Willetts, whose book, The Green Indian problem, was longlisted for the 2020 Bridport Prize. Other contemporary works include the latest poetry collection from prestigious champion of the arts, Simon Mundy, Waiting for Music, and two scripts from Nolfolk actor and playwright, Emma Zadow, Fridge, and In the Moss.
As Renard Press has been in the run-in for just 11 months, the acquisitions of modern novelists, playwrights and poets is set to grow steadily larger. The fact that this independent publisher is such a proud vessel for bringing classical and established art into today's world, without neutering a single morsel of that art’s core integrity, this is surely a draw for many new writers looking to present their works in the most earnest and respected manner possible. What this publisher has achieved so far is truly amazing.
Renard Press also champion equality and diversity within its ranks, and is a proudly queer-led publisher. Followers also have the opportunity to observe the gender split on an ongoing basis, using the site’s gender split counter, which will in turn allow the publisher to maintain its core mission of representation on a fair and even footing.
To dig deeper and purchase the great list of titles from Renard Press, visit their book section. You can keep up to date on all the latest news and thoughts at their blog. For discounts, and the chance to grab first-edition copies of books, subscribe here.
