Last Monday, September 30, I met up with two of the founders of the new publishing house Les Coins du Cercle. They welcomed me over breakfast to discuss their entrepreneurial gem, their ambitions and literature. The publishing house is made up of three editors: Alice Leblanc, Kenza Zarrouki and Mattéo Kaiser. Driven by their passion, in this interview they return to their project, the aim of which is to promote the community of writers and readers, in two words: creativity and accessibility.
Philippine d’Halleine (PH) : Who are you and what does your publishing project involve?
Kenza Zarrouki (KZ) : It’s been a year since we officially started our business, but the idea existed long before that. Originally, we simply wanted to create a reading circle, a space where enthusiasts and beginners could discuss different works. Then we concluded that we wanted to go further.
Mattéo Kaiser (MK): Our inspiration comes from our desire to make the world of publishing accessible to young people in their twenties and teenagers by offering them consulting services for the publishing of their French-speaking works. Our work consists of a literary rereading, always along the same axis: keeping the essence of the author’s style so that the work of his text remains his own.
PH : Your project has therefore evolved from a reading circle to a publishing house. How did this transition take place?
MK : It all started when Alice wanted to publish her book. Last February we organized a launch party, which proved to be a great success. We then took steps to launch our publishing house. During this evening, I saw something beautiful; the image of literature is far too often that of a reclusive person, who reads alone in his corner. This type of evening allows you to see the more social side of reading.
KZ : At the beginning, after consulting members of our entourage, we wondered if this was not too ambitious a project. Ultimately, only the administrative process could have set us back. I think it’s a very good way for us, as individuals, to learn about the world of entrepreneurship.
PH : How do you manage financing?
KZ : For the moment, we do not meet the criteria to obtain Quebec subsidies because we must have at least two years of existence as well as four publications to our credit, in order to prove our stability, particularly with regard to of our long-term projections. For now, all expenses are at our own expense. We have a website which will be available from next week, on which it will be possible to obtain the books, which will regulate our expenses.
PH : What are your goals for the next few months, or even the next few years?
KZ : In the short to medium term, we are already working on three books which will be published this fall, and a fourth for winter 2025. This is a great first start.
MK : The priority is to receive enough manuscripts so that we can begin providing our services. For a publishing house, the objective is to print books, to see, in front of us, the final product. There is something rewarding in that. It’s fuel.
PH : How does the process of submitting a manuscript work?
KZ : There is first an initial contact where we meet the author, then we discuss his or her ambitions and what he or she wants to share. There is obviously a written contract, which protects our interests and those of the author. We organize bi-monthly meetings – depending on the work required – to discuss the work and its areas for improvement. There are three editors of us involved in correcting the book. This way, everyone can offer their advice constructively. What we expect is that the author is able to accept comments and criticism, whether positive or negative, to ensure the process runs smoothly.
PH : What do you think is the main difference between your publishing house and those that are more established?
MK : We offer accessibility and support to young authors. The objective is to offer them a platform to help them take their first steps in the publishing world, while respecting values such as freedom of expression. We also offer text revision, correction, and creative analysis services, with a view to trying to develop the scenario or story, if necessary.
PH : What advice would you give to young authors?
MK : Creativity is the highest human ability, in my opinion. Truly, it’s what allows us to live and adapt. Without her, we wouldn’t be here. When you start creating, and you dare to follow through, you see how beneficial it is. It is a very fulfilling experience. If you want to feel good: create.
KZ : As Mattéo says, creativity is a cry from the heart that we all have inside of us. It is through expression and appreciation of the arts, that we can find ourselves elevated in all aspects of our lives. I would say: elevate yourself as much as you can.
To find out more about the publishing house Les Coins du Cercle, you can visit their website, accessible now.
Mattéo is publishing his first book this fall. We discussed it first during our interview.
ATOUÇEUKILISENCORE will be released in November, a work that he describes as light, but profound. This collection of personal reflections is quite far from an academic style, but rather an invitation to accessible reflection, which mixes humor and everyday philosophy. It is neither a traditional novel nor a classic essay. Throughout the pages, Mattéo wishes to break the barrier between the author and the reader, by establishing a free and spontaneous dialogue through his writings. He thus encourages everyone to read at their own pace, without the slightest pressure: “My book, you can read it wherever you want, abandon it for a moment and pick it up again later. It’s a free act: do with it what you want. »
The writing ofATOUÇEUKILISENCORE began during the pandemic, a time when writing was an escape from confinement for many. Influenced by the work of Dany Laferrière, the book captures daily thoughts, through a personal, Quebecois and universal style at the same time. The title, a play on words without spaces, emphasizes spontaneity in the face of the strict rules of the language. “The title also represents this sometimes abused language that we use on a daily basis, a nod to our uninhibited relationship with French. But through that, there is substance and care. » In doing so, Mattéo immerses us in his mind, while leaving the reader the freedom to enter or leave it as they wish.
In the same edition
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