Hello all from Wellington International Airport!

As has become somewhat of a tradition for me, I am enjoying sitting in the airport killing time by sharing a bit about my travels and how things worked out.

In a twist, I traveled solo (initially my partner and daughter were going to come on this trip too), and I have to say that I really embraced the slob life. My hotel room was awash in snacks, fruit and my bed had a place to sleep and then my laptop, phone and headphones. I never really unpacked my bag, and enjoyed living off take away indian food, sushi and coffee. I am not a glamorous traveler, and when I travel for work I almost get a bit of satisfaction out of having this weird bachelor/twenty-something-male living space. Sparse, non-descript, utilitarian, incredibly easy to make fun of.

That slightly sheepish admission aside, NZ was a big success. It was always going to go well, as I had flights and accommodation paid for by the festival, and was paid to run three workshops/events - so even without selling any books I was already paid. But at the book fair I sold about $2200 worth of products. So, for a 4-5 day period of work it was quite good! And, frankly, after paying for the printing of two new books, every scrap of cash is good! That’s publishing for you - build up the bank then watch it flow out at once! But with no more big bills this year, it’ll be nice to (hopefully) watch things build back up.

Some more small highlights were that my own book - Ten Eighty - sold 11 copies at the book fair - the highest selling product. My exhibition at Massey University was also quite nice. I feel that exhibiting is something so hard to develop without a budget - there are so many things I’d like to do, but with a budget of $0 I just can’t. But an exhibition is an excuse to talk about certain themes, ideas and concepts in the work and, at times - I think that aspect of public engagement is vital.

As I turn my attention towards the rest of August, I will be trying to do some substitute teaching - hopefully 2-3 days a week (or more) until early September when I go to Korea for the next book fair. Frankly, like I said above, each little bit of cash is good at the moment and I can feel my car crying to be replaced, one of our air conditioners on the fritz, and one of our showers is also in need of replacing (though I’ve been told by the plumber if I just keep removing and resealing it I can get another 3-5 years before it HAS to be replaced, so we’ll do that).

The rest of the year is fairly locked in. With no more books to make (the most recent two are on their way from China) it’s simply selling, designing and getting ready for 2027.

In September I am going to Seoul for Publisher’s Table Book Fair. I’ve managed to pre-sell quite a few books to stores in Seoul, which is fantastic. I need to clear about $4000 in sales for Seoul to be profitable. September will also see two book launches of Nobody Knows I’m Gay - so my sincere hope is that September is a chunky month for sales!

In October I have a book fair in Melbourne which should be a nice little earner. Given it’s local and simple, after I sell one or two books I’m in the black. October will also be, I hope, a good month for substitute teaching work.

In November, the book fair I am running in Sydney is happening, and I will also try to run a book workshop in Sydney that weekend too. November may be a very slow month for substitute teaching work as the Year 12s finish school and schools have more free hands to help if someone is sick or on leave.

In December I am expecting my slowest month - very little substitute teaching work in the run up to summer holidays, perhaps one fair but nothing big.

In January I’m off to Tokyo for Tokyo Art Book Fair and I hope that’s a really big kick off to the year. I am hoping to see $1500-$2500 more in sales this year than last.

My main work outside of these events and teaching will be to make sure 2-4 books for 2027 are ready to go. That means that they are designed, drafted, we have quotes, business plans and everything is lined up. That will be a big part of August-Christmas. I have been slowly editing four books - and that’s always quite a negotiated process. Sometimes I have ideas that really excite me, but they aren’t attractive to the artists, other times I have to keep walking and wondering until some inspiration strikes. There’s one book where I have a really gorgeous idea for a front cover, but the internal pages are feeling like I need to bring something a big more.

Lastly, after doing a lot of data deep dives, I have discovered that my business CAN possibly grow to the level of income I need, which is really good, BUT it will require 3 years of continued growth, keeping costs low and building out better sales channels in person and via online sales. I feel like I have both so much to say about this and also like I wouldn’t even know where to start describing the work to develop insights and strategies for Tall Poppy Press. I’m glad it’s done, and that I had encouragement and help, notably from my partner.

With that in mind, please check out the latest books!

Matt