Stephan Carlsson started to work with nonfiction literature in the mid-80s and has since then had leading functions in several academic publishing houses. Twenty years ago, he started the company eddy.se ab that is specialised in the production and distribution of academic literature. The functions are carried out at the Swedish Baltic island of Gotland and has today an editorial staff of nine persons.

What was the last book you read?

I just started reading Château Vadå – a book partially dealing with hidden sugar additives in wines – by the food journalist Mats-Eric Nilsson who previously has written very good and important works about the widespread cheating in the food industry.

How did you buy it?

I found it in the “Wessman & Pettersson” bookstore here in Visby, Gotland. This bookstore is run by an enthusiast who through attentiveness, events and engagement is working as a counterpower to the boring mainstream bookstore trends.

And what did you read it on?

In the printed book, I still haven’t been able to complete reading a whole book on the screen.

What’s next on the reading list?

I will just start to read a manuscript that is a translation of a book treating the “Gotlandic Edda”. It will be fantastic to participate in the publishing and spreading of the stories about VIII century Gotlandic picture stones.

You´re stranded on a desert island. What three books would you want with you?

Since I’m suffering from my professional damage, there will be three nonfiction books about how to survive on a desert island.

What is the single biggest challenge facing the publishing industry right now?
For us working with nonfiction, it will probably be to find the right market places.

The bookstores get less and less resources to provide nonfiction.

What is your prediction for the year ahead in the publishing industry?

Continued concern, I would think.

What do you like about your job?

Primarily the contacts with the authors. I have the fantastic privilege of meeting many people who are digging in rather narrow areas, calling them nerds if you want, and they always have interesting things to tell.

What do you love about The London Book Fair?

It is a spring breather full of inspiration.

What piece of advice would you give first-timers at the Fair?

To really take time to walk around the fair between all meetings. The fair is really a source of new ideas regarding design, book formats and new topics.

eddy.se ab is a Swedish Academic publisher exhibiting in The Club at The Ivy at The London Book Fair 2019.