By Natalie Klinkenberg, Frankie Harnett and Mishelle Kennady
In 2010, what is now known as one of Australia’s fastest-growing independent publishers, Affirm Press, was founded. Based in Melbourne, Affirm Press states they are “dedicated to publishing great Australian stories,” including both local and international authors in their lists. Their values are deeply rooted within a passion for Australia and its creators. By never discriminating against creators' identities and circumstances, championing local creators, and prioritizing Australian retailers, Affirm Press has left an admirable mark on independent publishing. Affirm Press won the Australian Book Industry Award for Small Publisher of the Year back in 2019, and their motto; “books that leave an impression” certainly reigns true with their catalog.
Affirm Press publishes a range of non-fiction books, a select number of fiction books, and as of 2017, books for children and young adults. The independent publisher is home to books such as Christian White’s The Nowhere Child which became “the fastest selling Australian fiction debut” stated by Books+Publishing, and Letters to My Teenage Self, an anthology by fifty Australians which raised $20,000 for the Reach Foundation, a youth support organization, in the span of two weeks. It’s safe to say that with Affirm Press’ love for books that are “influenced by delight” as mentioned on their website, their optimism and commitment to publishing books with love and care is a recipe that continuously brings in success.
Affirm as a press is defined by its authors as it is defined by the books they publish. Boasting an impressive range of non-fiction by both local and international authors, carrying titles from self-help to cooking to politics. Books like Molly Benjamin’s Girls Just Wanna Have Funds hold an impressive following, empowering women of all ages to take control of their finances and aims to destigmatise discussion surrounding personal money management. Benjamin herself has a wide following after her establishment of the Ladies Finance Club in Australia and the UK, which now has over 35,000 members. Other popular reads include This is Not a Sad Book (But it’s Ok to Feel Sad) written by Elizabeth Vercoe and illustrated by Grace Fraraccio. The practical and uplifting guide to coping with grief and difficult times approaches hardship with a compassionate tone and acts as for award-winning writer Megan Daley as a “beautiful roadmap through difficult times.”
With a mission to publish great Australian stories, the press also published a small range of fiction, boasting works like Mark Mupotsa-Russell’s The Hitwoman’s Guide to Reducing Household Debt. This witty and engaging thriller tells the dark tale of a reformed hitwoman who takes it upon herself to bring justice to a crime gang responsible for her family tragedy before the police unravel the crimes themselves. Characterised by dark humour, dynamic pacing and a sardonic tone, this novel is beloved by fans and won a 2023 Affirm Press Mentorship Award despite being author Mupotsa-Russell’s debut novel.
While Affirm Press has only been active for around fourteen years, they have made significant contributions in both the literary world and society. The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is a historical fiction title published under Affirm that went on to win awards in 2021 for the Australian Book Industry Awards, Indie Book Awards, MUD Literary Prize, and NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. The book sold over 300,000 copies in two years and became the first Australian novel selected for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club. The Bookbinder of Jericho won Pip Williams another ABIA award and Booktopia's Best Overall Book Award for their second novel. Other decorated works under Affirm Press include The Grandest Bookshop in the World and The Bookseller's Apprentice by Amelia Mellor, The Strays by Emily Bitto, The Birdman’s Wife by Melissa Ashley and A Walk in the Bush by Gwyn Perkins.
Affirm Press also partners with organisations to raise money for positive causes through their profit-for-purpose titles. The proceeds for the anthology Letters of Love went toward The Alannah & Madeline Foundation, which was established in memory of victims of the Port Arthur Massacre. The foundation works to shield children from violence and bullying. The Silver Sea is another profit-for-purpose title that raised money for the Royal Children’s Hospital where the patients had a hand in creating the picture book illustrations.
In late August 2024, Affirm Press and Simon & Schuster released statements stating that the former would be acquired. They have stated that the acquisition represents strategic growth for both companies. Affirm has said that they are grateful for the opportunity to take a backseat on more complex business matters with the added benefit of being able to focus on what they genuinely care about now. Affirm Press will continue to run independently and maintain their brand by operating as a subsidiary of S&S.
Comments