There are stories that are just begging to be told. They can be interesting, quirky, or just downright strange. 

Those stories can even be from completely different genres. 

What connects them is the fact that they need to be out in the world, ready and waiting to be read by the right people.

That’s why publishers like At Bay Press exist.

The bigger, more traditional publishing houses aren’t always willing to take a chance on new authors with something to say and a story in their hearts. 

At Bay Press publisher Matt Joudrey seems to look for that exact type of author.

When asked about the types of writers and stories he’s looking for, Joudrey’s answer is both grand and precise at the same time. 

“There is a special human connection to books, and we look at building those connections. Some stories are just meant to be published, and we try really hard to sniff that out, give it a platform, and share with the world.”

The question of why Joudrey is in this business has an even simpler answer: “We love it beyond understanding.” 

That’s the kind of passion an author wants in an independent publisher. And At Bay has been using that intensity to put incredible stories into the world for almost 20 years.

Currently based in Winnipeg, At Bay was formed in Toronto in 2008. It publishes a range of poetry, graphic novels, and contemporary fiction, in addition to non-fiction titles.

Ten years ago, the company published Woman: An Anthology, which featured contributions from the likes of Lynn Coady, Alice Munro, and Stephen King. 

The book would go on to receive an IPPY gold medal as one of the Independent Publisher “Independent Spirit” Outstanding Books of the Year.

While accustomed to working with big-name, heavyweight writers, the bread and butter of At Bay’s publications are emerging, first-time authors, such as Olivia Van Guinn, whose debut novel will be published this fall. 

In particular, the company gets a great deal of positive attention for its poetry publications, and next year’s lineup will include melanie brannagan frederiksen’s first full-length collection.

Not only does At Bay do an exceptional job of choosing writers to work with, but they are also masters of book design.

“We are always striving to make things better and to improve, and that includes design,” says Joudrey. 

“It’s such an integral part of what we do and how our books are perceived by readers. We see it as part of the reading experience, not a separate consideration.”

Beyond the physical books, At Bay puts out a podcast called The Front Matter. 

“Everybody has a podcast – we didn’t want to be left out,” says Joudrey. 

“Also, we love the sound of our own voice too much.”

The podcast’s real purpose plays into their desire to tell great stories and promote their authors. The Front Matter is another important tool in that arsenal.

The same is true of the ephemera, such as autographed dust jackets, available to purchase on their website.

For Joudrey, that is an extension of the publishing process. 

“We love to explore what a book can offer and other tangibles that add value and interest. Ephemera is part of that, and perhaps informed a bit by our own predilections for collecting.”

That collector’s eye is evident throughout At Bay’s work. 

Collectors are always interested in something special and of high quality – that effectively describes everything At Bay does.

Publishing has never been an easy business, and it has gotten more difficult for smaller houses, particularly in recent years. 

But the literary industry as a whole needs publishers like At Bay Press that are willing to take chances.

This is a company that distributes its books to over 100 countries around the world, after all. 

For a new author putting their first work of contemporary fiction out, a graphic novel artist craving international exposure at comic conventions, or a poet taking a chance on their vision, it’s important to have someone with the scope and experience of At Bay at their side.

It’s impossible to tell what the future holds for At Bay, but Joudrey is optimistic. 

“Bright! I mean, sure we’ve stepped over a few dead bodies to get here, but that’s par for the course.”

While he’s most likely joking about that, he also sees the future of At Bay with a realistic gaze. 

He says, “That all depends on readers, but we’re far from giving up.”