featured publisher:
Now Or Never Publishing

Fighting Words.

More about Now Or Never Publishing
See all our members
_____________

Subscribe to Books BC newsletters

Select your interests:
News & Events

BC Book Publisher New Star Books Announces its Winding Down of Operations

January 17th, 2025

 

 

 

Books BC is saddened by the recent announcement of publisher Rolf Maurer, posted on January 13th, regarding Maurer’s decision to wind down New Star Books. New Star will continue to promote and distribute titles in print through their distributor, the New Star website, and Amazon. However, it will no longer be acquiring new books for publication.

While this is not an official statement from Books BC, we wanted to respond to the moment with a few words from our organization while we process the impact of New Star’s announcement:

“New Star’s contributions to fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and the Transmontanus series have left an enduring mark. Each book—beautiful, thoughtful, and important—reflects the vision and dedication of the press and its publisher. Their work has been nothing short of essential, and this loss is profoundly felt by all who value independent and thought-provoking publishing in Canada. It stands as a sobering reminder of the critical need for sustained support—by the industry, consumers, and government—for arts and culture.”
Don Gorman, Books BC Chair

“Attending poetry readings at The People’s Co-Op Bookstore on Commercial Drive, voluntarily run by Rolf Maurer was how I, and many of us in Vancouver got intimately connected to the local literary scene. Though the bookstore will remain open, the winding down of the press is a painful reminder of how these spaces can never be taken for granted. For Books BC, this is a moment for reflection and deepening resolve to support our members in the face of myriad challenges.”

Matea Kulić, Books BC Executive Director

For his part, Maurer ends his announcement by stating:

“I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to engage in meaningful work, and to work with writers in bringing their books to readers. I’m grateful to have lived and worked in an era when the value of the work we do, as publishers, writers, and others involved in publishing, was valued, and supported by citizens through the taxes they pay. I am proud of the role, however small, that New Star, over the last 55 years, has played in creating a dialogue in this country about how we live. There will be time to celebrate the press’s history and contributions; this is not the moment for that.”