Hello all,

The last few weeks have really gotten away from me, haven’t they? After coming back from China I was absolutely flat out wrapping up workshops, doing some casual work for my old boss, prepping books for print, and being a Dad.

To be honest, I think the end of June was a time I just had to have my nose to the grindstone and not much time for anything else.

Thankfully, that period ended yesterday and I can do things for pleasure again.

So - let’s look at a few things that have happened.

1. China

   Last time I wrote I was on the way to Shanghai book fair. I had high hopes that it would be a big sales event and that I would feel confident in pursuing China as a market.

   Shanghai went decently - 46 books sold, 17 pieces of merch - costs covered plus a bit of extra cash. It wasn’t the massive sales event I was hoping for - but that’s ok - it went well. I hadn’t been in China before, so knowing what would work, sales wise, was hard. The merch, for example, was really dominated by posters. Two of our books were prohibited from sale (as they both had 1-2 images of a nude woman!).

   I really don’t enjoy traveling in China solo - it is one of the few places where I really crave someone with me. It’s a funny place, there are so many people and so little international tourism (compared to domestic tourism) that nothing is very easy for tourists. I was glad to have a quick visit.

   I will continue to explore China as a market over the next year or so - however I think of the next 5-7 books, 2-3 have some nudity in them. Whoops.

2. Overprint

   I have been very lucky to launch a new book fair in Sydney and you can apply now.

   Over the last 6-12 months I have found a really great friend and collaborator in Ruby Powell-Hughes, someone who I have continued to do more work with. Overprint represents our vision of what a great fair can be - busy, exciting, engaging and easy.

   I’d love to see you there, or see your application.

   For the business, having a series of fairs in Australia is also vital - these represent good profitable events that can grow the audience and network of people interested in what we do. For years it’s been surprising that Sydney doesn’t have a book fair - a major city, a major art city, with very little? We’re aiming to make something great that builds on that opportunity.

3. End of financial year

   Today marks the last day of the financial year in Australia and I’m reasonably happy with how the financial year has gone! I sold 943 books - so close to my goal of 1000 that I KNOW I’ll get there next finacial year. This was also the financial year that merch started to be a thing with 180 units sold.

   I have so much to unpack here, but the top line story is: as the business has grown sales have grown as have profits (I’ve been WAY better at sticking on top of costs). I’m fairly chuffed and am looking to the next 12 months with a very positive outlook.

4. July is a BIG MONTH

   There is so much happening in July.

   If you’re in MELBOURNE please know that we have two book launches on this weekend (July 4).

   Marisa Mu is launching Every Tile is a Flower at At The Above Gallery on Gertrude St. There will be food made by her aunties, a DJ, exhibitions and books. For the first 50 books she is donating an A4 art work to the buyer. The event runs 12-6.

   ON THE SAME DAY, Duncan Wright is over from Fremantle to launch Dancing Unconscious with me at Perimeter Books in Thornbury. From 3-5 we’ll be chatting about the book, he’ll be signing and we’ll be having a lovely time.

   On July 11th - if you’re in Perth/WA Duncan and I will be at Case Frames in Fremantle launching his book AND hosting a Tall Poppy pop up. Books, zines, an exhibition, free beers, music and a big party. From 6pm-late.

   on July 18th - if you’re in Sydney - Marisa will be launching Every Tile is a Flower at Georgia Draws a House. The space will be warm, inviting and lush.

   Thanks for being here all :)