A Look at AK Press: Anarchist Publishing in a Capitalist World

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" features a conversation with Kristen and Shar from AK Press, an anarchist worker-run publishing and distribution collective. The discussion focuses on how AK Press operates as a non-hierarchical collective, the challenges of existing as an anarchist business within a capitalist system, and AK Press's unique role in promoting radical thought and literature. AK Press: A Collectively Run Publishing House Kristen, a publicist in the publishing department, and Shar, a worker in the distribution department, explain that AK Press is a collectively run and non-hierarchical organization. This means that all members are self-identified anarchists, receive equal pay, and participate in decision-making. All books published by AK Press are chosen through collective discussion and voting, even those on topics or by authors that may not be familiar to the collective. This process involves reading manuscripts, assigning readers, discussing submissions, and engaging in open communication about the work and the direction of the publishing program. Kristen highlights the values that guide AK Press's publishing program, including abolition, Black anarchism, Indigenous anarchism, trans and queer insurrection, mutual aid, transformative justice, and labor organizing. She emphasizes that these values drive the selection of books that not only educate but also challenge readers and potentially "open the minds of people who are not familiar with anarchism". Shar discusses the significance of AK Press's distribution department, which carries thousands of books from smaller presses. This allows AK Press to provide a platform for these smaller publishers and offer a wider variety of radical literature to its readers. Shar emphasizes the value of making these books accessible to people who might not otherwise find them, particularly during times when access to physical bookstores is limited, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Living Anarchist Ideals in a Capitalist System The conversation explores the challenges of living anarchist ideals within a system that inherently contradicts those ideals. The participants acknowledge the inherent contradictions of operating an anarchist business within a capitalist framework. They note that the materials used to produce and distribute their books, such as paper, packaging, and computers, are all products of exploitative labor within the capitalist economy. Despite these contradictions, Kristen and Shar emphasize that AK Press remains committed to its political project of promoting anarchist thought and working towards a more just and equitable world. They believe that the collective decision-making process, shared values, and trust among members are essential for navigating these challenges and maintaining their commitment to their political project. Kristen and Shar argue that the collective work structure at AK Press is more fulfilling and empowering than traditional hierarchical work environments. They describe a sense of shared responsibility and ownership over their work, highlighting the satisfaction that comes from seeing their efforts directly contribute to the success of the collective and the advancement of their political project. They contrast this with the alienation and lack of agency often experienced in traditional workplaces where employees are expected to simply follow orders from superiors. The Impact of the "Post-Truth" Era The discussion also touches upon the unique opportunities presented by the so-called "post-truth" era, characterized by widespread distrust of traditional media and institutions. The participants suggest that this distrust has created a space for alternative viewpoints and sources of information, including radical media like AK Press. They argue that AK Press's long-standing reputation for publishing high-quality radical literature has become even more valuable in a world where information is constantly being questioned and challenged. Kristen and Shar believe that the "post-truth" era has led to an increased interest in alternative perspectives and a willingness to engage with radical ideas. They see this as a positive development, as it allows AK Press to reach a wider audience and potentially influence more people to think critically about the world around them. They also highlight the importance of AK Press continuing to publish and distribute radical literature that can provide tools and knowledge for people seeking alternatives to the dominant narratives and systems of power. Looking Towards the Future Looking towards the future, Kristen and Shar express optimism about the growth of AK Press and the increasing visibility of radical media. They believe that the demand for alternative viewpoints will continue to grow, creating new opportunities for AK Press to reach a wider audience and influence the broader social and political landscape. They emphasize the importance of AK Press remaining responsive to the needs of its community and continuing to publish books that provide valuable insights and tools for social change. Shar highlights the importance of AK Press's "Black Dawn" speculative fiction series as a way to engage with radical ideas through imaginative storytelling. This series, which includes titles like "A Country of Ghosts" by Margaret Killjoy and "Grievers" by adrienne maree brown, explores the possibilities of anarchist societies and provides a different entry point for those who might be intimidated by traditional theoretical texts. Kristen and Shar conclude by discussing AK Press's "Friends of AK" program, a subscription service that provides members with monthly books, discounts, and the option to sponsor books for incarcerated individuals. They also recommend several books that they are particularly excited about, including "After the Revolution" by Robert Evans, "A Profession Without Reason" by Bruce E. Levine, "Overcoming Capitalism" by Tom Wetzel, "Release Weight of Our Stars" by Octavia Alvarez, and "A Country of Ghosts" by Margaret Killjoy. AK Press is one of the oldest worker run, collectively managed publishers and distributors in the US. To order books from them, visit www.akpress.org and find them across social medias! 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