What are some upcoming trends for the rest of 2016?

Trends can be deceiving. Restless Books began as a digital publisher at a time (late 2013) when everyone seemed to be freaking out about e-books. Since then, many of our paperless cohort have either shut down or adapted, as we have, by shifting to old-fashioned print publishing. So I would advise caution to anyone devising an augmented-reality publishing platform (though I’d like to see them try it).

I am hopeful that the growing volume of conversations about race and identity will be reflected in a demand for a broader spectrum of books and authors outside the American mainstream. Let’s hope that the proliferation of literature in translation that has been noted by booksellers in this interview series is not a trend but a lasting transformation.

Speaking of booksellers, it’s gratifying to see independent bookstores doing so well. For all of our technology, storytelling is a human experience. The most effective avenue to book discovery has always been one person saying to another, “You have to read this.” Long may they prosper.

What book/genre/topic would you like to see cross your transom?

Even before the ominous rise of Donald Trump, we made immigration stories a special focus of our list. This year we awarded our first Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing to a fantastically gifted young writer out of Abu Dhabi named Deepak Unnikrishnan for his novel Temporary People (out in March 2017). Next year we’ll be awarding $10,000 and publication to a nonfiction book by a first-time, first-generation American writer. Submissions open in September; see our prize page for details.

I’m thrilled that soon we’ll be breaking into international books for young readers. Too often when young people of color browse children’s or YA book sections, they don’t see their faces or their stories reflected in what’s on offer. Fostering a healthy global awareness—and book reading!—from an early age can only be a good thing.

What don’t you ever want to see again?

Books titled The _____ Wife or The _____ Daughter. It’s an appalling trend that needs to die.

Also, speaking as a sometime freelance editor: aspiring writers who don’t read enough books. If you’re thinking of writing a book, read as many good books as you can, and pay attention. It’s the most important thing for any writer to do.

What is unique about your corner of the industry?

To someone who has worked for one of the Big Five publishers, the shift to independent publishing has come as a relief. It is an inescapable fact that the vast majority of books, taken individually, are not profitable. Yet the corporate ethos insists on year-over-year growth and profit, which, in addition to generating an atmosphere of fear and dread in-house, results in often regrettable Hail Mary bets and artistic compromises. It’s exciting to be part of a growing cohort of forward-thinking, independent publishers who, either through a nonprofit structure or independent funding, are empowered to prioritize the quality and importance of a work over its potential profitability.

Anything else you’d like to add?

It’s a favorite pastime among book people to fret about the uncertain future of literature. I like to repeat a joke I first heard from [Hachette CEO] Michael Pietsch, who has seen his share of highs and lows: “The second book to be published on the Gutenberg printing press was about the death of publishing.” We’re still here, everyone. Take a breath.

Nathan Rostron is the director of marketing ofRestless Books. Previously, as an online editor, he helped to launch Bookish, an innovative book discovery website for readers. Prior to that, as a book editor at Little, Brown and Company, he edited several award winners and New York Times bestsellers. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Nathan holds a master’s in English and creative writing from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s in English from Pomona College.