Market Focus: University Presses Press on Through Recession

Regional publishing doesn’t make sense for some other houses, like Duke University Press and Oxford, which have a more international reputation. But it’s a good strategy, agrees Steve Cohn, director of Duke University Press.

Regional trade publishing isn’t the only glimmer of light in this market segment, however. AAUP’s Givler is quick to point out that every cloud has a silver lining—even a recession. An economic downturn tends to expose the cracks in the foundation of a business, he says. “We’ve been encouraging our members to streamline [internal operations] … cut expenses and make changes that will have long-term effects on their business.

“Downturn in the economy is certainly a reason to look at these [areas], but these changes work well in the long run,” says Givler.

Holzman agrees. “What people forget is that times don’t last forever. The good news is that periods like this are opportunities to really evaluate what you do,” he says.

Amanda Baltazar is a Washington-based freelance journalist who specializes in writing about business.