organisation
Vereniging van Zelfstandige Uitgevers
The Vereniging van Zelfstandige Uitgevers (VZU) (Association of Independent Publishers) is a representative organisation consisting of approximately 170 independent publishers that collaborate to promote the quality of their books. The VZU represents the interests of independent, mostly small publishers of high-quality books.
Engaged publishers
The businesses of many small, engaged publishers have come into jeopardy over the past few decades due mainly to the growing commercialization of the publishing industry. There is a growing tendency in the bookselling trade to limit investment in book purchases to the low-risk, bestselling titles; in many instances, this means limiting purchases to translations of American or other bestsellers. This does not only harm specialized editions, but also restricts access to the cultural heritage of mankind and even to what used to be referred to as ‘world literature’.
Activities
- Negotiating discounts at printers.
- Maintaining a website for its members.
- Negotiating discounts at tradeshows through collective participation.
- Collective advertising at reduced prices.
- Some of the members share CB membership and representatives.
- An electronic newsletter.
- Once or twice a year the VZU holds a cocktail party followed by a dinner for its members.
