Meet Newfoundland and Labrador’s Independent Book Publishers
Newfoundland and Labrador has a thriving publishing scene, where independent presses play a vital role in preserving stories, amplifying voices, and celebrating the culture, history, and imagination of the region. From children’s picture books infused with folklore to groundbreaking scholarly research, these publishers showcase the creativity and resilience of Atlantic Canada. Each press brings its own vision—whether it’s capturing local traditions, championing diverse voices, or pushing the boundaries of genre. Together, they ensure that the stories of this place reach readers both close to home and around the world.
Boulder Books

Boulder Books, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent publisher based in Newfoundland and Labrador with a reputation for high-quality, culturally significant works. Their catalogue spans history, nature, field guides, cookbooks, knitting traditions, and more, often highlighting underrepresented aspects of Canadian culture. Known for beautifully designed books like the bestselling “Saltwater Knits” series and acclaimed titles on Newfoundland history, Boulder has earned recognition including multiple Atlantic Book Awards and the Atlantic Canada Craft Award for Excellence in Product Design. With a commitment to excellence in editing, design, and cultural storytelling, Boulder Books continues to connect readers with the rich heritage and evolving voices of Atlantic Canada.
Brack and Brine

Brack and Brine, founded in 2021 by Mark David Turner and Morgen Mills in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, is dedicated to publishing and consulting with a focus on Northern records, media, and communities. Building on years of archival and film work at the Labrador Institute, they launched their press with “Labrador Cinema” and later “Remotely Useful: Practical Lessons for Northern Community Archiving”. Guided by the motto “beautiful books that matter to the North,” Brack and Brine also partners with Northern organizations, governments, and researchers to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories and histories of Labrador and beyond.
Breakwater Books

Breakwater Books, founded in 1973, is Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier publisher and a cornerstone of Atlantic Canada’s literary landscape. Dedicated to showcasing the voices of both emerging and established writers, Breakwater publishes award-winning works across genres, from fiction, poetry, and drama to non-fiction, cookbooks, art, and children’s literature. The press has been instrumental in shaping the province’s cultural renaissance, nurturing icons like Bernice Morgan and Kevin Major while championing new generations of writers. With a strong commitment to Indigenous voices, 2SLGBTQ+ authors, feminist literature, and other equity-seeking communities, Breakwater continues to build a diverse, socially engaged catalogue that reflects both regional roots and global perspectives.
Engen Books

Engen Books, founded in 2007 by Matthew LeDrew and now run by a collaborative board of writers, is an independent Newfoundland-based publisher committed to celebrating imagination without limits. Unlike many presses, Engen is not bound by genre—publishing everything from novels and poetry to short fiction and beyond. With a mission to champion independent authors from Atlantic Canada and around the world, Engen believes the best stories emerge when writers are free to explore any style, setting, or idea. The result is a dynamic and diverse catalogue of bold, imaginative fiction that pushes boundaries and excites readers.
Flanker Press

Flanker Press, founded in 1994, has grown from a part-time venture into Newfoundland and Labrador’s most active trade publisher, releasing around 20 titles each year. Based in Paradise, the press is best known for regional non-fiction and historical fiction but also publishes literary fiction, short stories, YA, and children’s books through its Pennywell Books imprint. Led by Garry and Margo Cranford, Flanker is dedicated to supporting local and regional writers while giving their work national and international reach. With a strong catalogue and a clear mission, Flanker continues to be a cornerstone of Atlantic Canadian publishing.
Memorial University Press

Memorial University Press, formerly ISER Books, is the publishing arm of Memorial University’s Institute of Social and Economic Research. Dedicated to high-quality scholarship on the North Atlantic, the press focuses especially on Newfoundland and Labrador and the broader Atlantic Canadian region. Since its founding in 1966, it has published more than 120 titles spanning society, economy, and culture, many of which remain in print today. Rebranded in 2021 as Memorial University Press, the press continues its long tradition of academic excellence while also producing books that appeal to a wide general readership, making it a leading voice in research and publishing about the North Atlantic.
Running The Goat Books

Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides is a Newfoundland-based micropress celebrated for its beautifully crafted children’s literature and distinctive handmade publications. Founded with a focus on letterpress chapbooks and broadsides, the press carries that same spirit of care, artistry, and playfulness into its children’s books today. Many of its titles draw on the folklore, language, and traditions of Eastern Canada while also welcoming voices and illustrators from across the country. Known for pairing local stories with diverse artistic styles, Running the Goat creates books that are whimsical, thoughtful, and deeply intergenerational, appealing to both children and adults alike. At its heart, the press believes that children’s books are not only joyful but essential to cultural life and democracy.
Independent publishers in Newfoundland and Labrador are more than businesses—they are cultural stewards, community builders, and champions of creativity. Their books connect past and present, local and global, and remind us that stories have the power to shape identity and spark imagination. Whether you’re a lifelong reader of Atlantic Canadian literature or just beginning to explore it, these presses offer a vibrant and diverse catalogue worth discovering.
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