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In the fast moving world of publishing, Coffee House Press has adapted to the digital age while still remaining true to its original artistic vision. 

as an independent publishing house. Just making it this far is quite an accomplishment; senior editor Chris Fischbach can count on his hand the number of other independent presses that have lasted this long (two of the other top independent literary presses in the nation are based in Minnesota - more on that in a bit). But Coffee House Press has not just survived - it's doing 

Fischbach credits CHP's success in part to technology:

While the financial crash that occurred in the wake of 9/11 has had a lasting effect on publishing houses, CHP has managed to end the last few years in the black, and in this past year has been able to erase its deficit, thanks to a bestseller (Sam Savage's book "

Fischbach says the press is poised to get even stronger in the coming years. It's just received a Bush Foundation grant which will allow it to both revamp its website and work with a distributor to release its books as "e-books" available for download.

Coffee House Press associate publisher Chris Fischbach

Fischbach says the key to Coffee House Press' long term success has been a combination of staying true to its vision (strong design, new voices and compelling stories) while remaining nimble when it comes to new means of doing business.

Coffee House Press founder and publisher Allan Kornblum has been both savvy and pragmatic in his running of his company. While he still prints broadsides (limited edition prints that usually draw from CHP authors or poets), he was quick to embrace computers. And now he's gradually transferring the running of the press to Fischbach.

Coffee House Press publisher Allan Kornblum stands next to a Gem paper cutter, a stack of broadsides in his arms. 

Fischbach says while he doesn't expect e-books to be a significant part of CHP's revenue for years to come, he does imagine that changing reader habits will force the literary industry to evolve. He imagines in decades to come the printed book will become more rare, and as a result, more precious:

Coffee House Press is not the only Minnesota publishing house to celebrate a major anniversary this year. 

 turns 35. The three are co-celebrating their anniversaries with a 

Arts and Culture

State of the Arts Blog

Marianne Combs

Author

In its 25 years, Coffee House Press has gone from hand-printing art books on a letter press to publishing e-books that can be read on a Kindle. But its love of the written word remains the same.

Independent publishing in the modern age

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