Haunt Publishing launches crowdfunder to stay afloat

Scottish press Haunt Publishing, which specialises in gothic fiction, has launched a Crowdfunder in the face of rising costs.

The Fife-based indie publisher aims to platform underrepresented voices, with a focus on “authors of colour, queer authors, neurodivergent authors and authors from working-class backgrounds” according to its fundraising bio. They are aiming to raise £5,000 in the next 10 days, which will ultimately go towards bills, materials costs, marketing, overheads and author payments.

Haunt’s managing director, Rebecca Wojturska, said: “The cost of materials, such as paper, has risen substantially in recent months. This has meant we have had to order smaller print runs which is a higher cost per unit and means less selling opportunities. This has hit us particularly hard. Also, Brexit-related issues mean we can’t really ship to the EU anymore, which has meant less sales, which in turn has impacted our wee business.

"The cost of living crisis means more people are having to cut back on purchases such as books, which makes sense. It makes promoting our books harder.

“We have two books coming out this year, so we would have to strip back our print runs and engage in less marketing and promotional activities. We have been putting off the idea of closing our doors, but without meeting our target it’s a very real possibility.”

Anyone who donates to the Crowdfunder will receive a discount voucher, which can be redeemed against any Haunt Publishing book. Included on Haunt’s list are authors such as Anna Cheung, Joanna Corrance, Lauren T Davila and Heather Parry. At the time of writing, Haunt had raised £605.

Wojturska added: “Every bit helps, and we hope that more people will see the fundraiser and want to support a wee indie press. Thank you to all past and future donors!”