It was an honour (not to mention great fun) to work with so many wonderful poets, publicists, printers, booksellers, event organisers and librarians via @StewedBooks. I was constantly amazed by the generosity of the whole sector in sharing knowledge and opportunities with us.

While SR technically runs at the profit and grows every year, the reality is that it is subsidised with significant volunteer time from everyone involved.

Without any realistic hope of sustainable arts funding, finding the capital required to compete in commercial publishing, or motivation to branch out into managing or other more lucrative areas, it became apparent I’d have to choose between SR and a decent quality of life.

Six months after deciding to move on from Stewed Rhubarb, I now have a low-grade job in commercial art publishing for 2.5x the yearly income for fewer hours, less effort, and far less responsibility.

Nobody is entitled to make a living for just rocking up and doing whatever they want; but if we want a publishing culture that is welcoming to new and diverse writers, readers, and workers then the current structure will not suffice.

I’m basically a poster boy for white privilege but imagine if I wasn’t. Imagine what Stewed Rhubarb would be like then? I doubt it would even exist at all.