CAMRA to change its book publishing model

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is “exploring a different model with a publisher” to help it continue to produce its books for beer fans.

Following rumours that CAMRA Books  would be soon to close and that its managing editor Alan Murphy will no longer continue in the role once his contract comes to an end, CAMRA has reassured it is “not closing its books arm” but admitted that it is “exploring a different model”.

Responding to the concerns, the association told the drinks business that “any current commissions will continue to be published and promoted by CAMRA” and, despite worries circulating among writers wbo have titles that rely on CAMRA Books and its promotional assistance for their livelihood, the association insisted that “these authors will not see any change”.

Speaking to db, CAMRA said: “We will continue to sell our current books in line with contracts in place. We continue to support beer writers through these new proposals and other well-known and respected CAMRA platforms.”

The “well-known and respected CAMRA platforms” that the group has said will still continue to offer advice from beer experts to support the industry include the association’s Learn and Discover arm as well as its longstanding Beer magazine that is circulated to CAMRA members.

The decision to adapt and use an external publisher for its books has not been a decision that sources have said that the writers working with CAMRA Books have been involvement in, but one that sources have insisted has been led by the association.

Many of the UK’s top beer writers have released novels and guides with CAMRA Books and will be keen to find out who the new publishers will be and how things will proceed from hereon in to support and market the titles they have written.

CAMRA commercial director Dean Barrett told db: “CAMRA is exploring developing a partnership with a publisher who will produce books on our behalf” but did not divulge much more other than to state that he was proud of how the books had reached a broader readership more recently.

Barrett explained: “Over recent years our books have reached a much wider audience which I am very proud of. This move will allow us to explore further opportunities as we look at new ways of working and delivery, while supporting valued beer writers.”

A few shifts have already taken place at CAMRA, for instance, last summer, Nik Antona announced that he was stepping down from the role as chairman. He was succeeded by Ash Corbett-Collins who was appointed to head up the group from September 2024.

For anyone looking to add to their beer book collection before any publishing changes take place, CAMRA Books range of current titles can still be accessed and bought online via the association’s webshop.

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