PM Press: The Evolution of a Radical Publishing House
Founded in 2007 in Oakland, California, PM Press emerged as a bold venture into the world of radical literature. Established by Ramsey Kanaan and Craig O'Hara—both former associates of AK Press—the organization was designed to broaden the scope of political publishing. While AK Press focused exclusively on anarchist literature, PM Press was envisioned as a more inclusive platform for a wide array of radical topics, utilizing both traditional print and emerging digital media.
The name "PM" reflects the humble beginnings of the operation, as the initial staff worked on the press at night as a second job. This grassroots spirit defined the early years, with the company starting as an all-volunteer effort and operating out of unconventional spaces, including Kanaan's apartment and a garden shed owned by shipper Dan Federenko.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2007 in Oakland, California, by Ramsey Kanaan and Craig O'Hara.
- Core Mission: Publishing radical topics across print, ebooks, and new media.
- Growth: Expanded from a volunteer-run operation to a profitable company with a catalog of 600 books.
- Key Acquisitions: Purchased Autumn Leaves bookstore (2023) and Just World Books (2025).
- Innovation: First publisher to bundle a free ebook with a paperback purchase via the "Paperbacks Plus" program.
Growth and Strategic Expansion
Within its first three years, PM Press grew its catalog to over 100 items. The publisher adopted a strategy of producing print runs between 1,000 and 3,000 copies, sourcing titles through an open submission process. To reach its audience, the press focused on direct sales at hundreds of annual gatherings and partnerships with left-leaning bookstores, including imprints with establishments like Busboys and Poets.
Distribution was heavily supported by the Independent Publishers Group, which accounted for 40% of the press's income and two-thirds of its unit sales. As the company scaled, it transitioned from volunteer labor to hiring its first non-volunteer employee around 2013.
Digital Innovation and Infrastructure
PM Press positioned itself as an early adopter of technology. In 2013, it launched Paperbacks Plus, a pioneering program that provided a free ebook with every paperback purchase. The press also utilized Briet, a service providing perpetual ebook licenses to libraries, and offered certain items, such as zines (small, independently produced magazines), exclusively in digital formats.
By 2017, the press moved into a 3,000-square-foot rented warehouse in Oakland. While this provided necessary space, the high cost of living in the area created challenges for employee residency.
Navigating Crisis and Achieving Stability
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic presented significant hurdles, but PM Press survived through a combination of Paycheck Protection Program loans and a surge in its "Friends of PM" mail-order subscription program, which saw subscribers triple. Ramsey Kanaan noted that the rise in political consciousness following the 2020 George Floyd protests played a critical role in the survival of the publishing house.
During this period, PM Press became a founding member of the Radical Publishers' Alliance. This global network of politically oriented publishers and magazines used virtual meetings to navigate economic instability and launched #RadicalMay, a virtual book fair featuring 50 different publishers.
By 2022, the company achieved paper profitability for the first time. This financial stability allowed them to secure a bank mortgage for a new 17,000-square-foot headquarters in Binghamton, New York, featuring loading docks and event spaces. At this stage, the press employed 13 people, generated approximately $1.5 million in revenue, and managed a catalog of 600 books with 40 new titles added annually.
Recent Acquisitions and Current Status
In 2023, PM Press expanded into retail by purchasing Autumn Leaves, a long-standing independent bookstore in Ithaca, New York, that had been operated by Joseph Wetmore for 30 years. PM Press enhanced the store's offerings by increasing its selection of scholarly works and new titles.
The press further expanded its influence in 2025 by acquiring Just World Books, an independent press founded in 2010 by Helena Cobban focusing on war and peace issues, particularly in the Middle East. Following this acquisition, Just World Books moved its operations to join PM Press at its headquarters in Ithaca, New York.
| Period/Year | Key Milestone | Location/Scale |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Founded by Kanaan and O'Hara | Oakland, CA (Apartment/Shed) |
| 2013 | Launched Paperbacks Plus | First non-volunteer employee hired |
| 2017 | Moved to 3,000 sq ft warehouse | Oakland, CA |
| 2022 | Achieved profitability | Binghamton, NY (17,000 sq ft) |
| 2023 | Acquired Autumn Leaves | Ithaca, NY |
| 2025 | Acquired Just World Books | Ithaca, NY |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was PM Press founded?
It was founded to cover radical topics more broadly than AK Press, which focused exclusively on anarchist literature, and to incorporate new media and ebook formats.
What is the "Paperbacks Plus" program?
Launched in 2013, it was a first-of-its-kind initiative that bundled a free ebook with the purchase of a physical paperback book.
How did PM Press survive the COVID-19 pandemic?
The press utilized Paycheck Protection Program loans and benefited from a tripling of its "Friends of PM" mail-order subscribers, alongside a general increase in political consciousness in 2020.
What is the Radical Publishers' Alliance?
It is a global group of politically oriented book publishers and magazines, co-founded by PM Press, designed to support independent radical publishing through collaboration and initiatives like the #RadicalMay virtual book fair.
Which businesses has PM Press acquired recently?
PM Press acquired the Autumn Leaves bookstore in Ithaca, New York, in 2023 and the peace-and-war focused publisher Just World Books in 2025.