Tertium Éditions, an independent publishing house in Cajarc, is successfully navigating a financial recovery following a period of judicial restructuring. Driven by publisher Régis Blanchard and supported by a loyal roster of authors, the firm is launching the “Tertium Renaissance” crowdfunding campaign on Ulule to manage growth-related cash flow needs and fund a robust 2026 publishing schedule.
How did Tertium Éditions survive a near-bankruptcy?
The path to recovery for Tertium Éditions began two years ago when a distributor failure left the company in a precarious position. Rather than closing the doors, publisher Régis Blanchard opted for a judicial restructuring process (redressement judiciaire).
Blanchard, who describes himself as an “ouvrier du livre” (a book worker), has managed to navigate this complex period through personal dedication and the support of his authors. According to Blanchard, the house has already successfully repaid its first year of restructuring, even turning a small profit.
Key authors such as Alain Le Blanc, Eric Herbette, and Gilles Lades played a vital role in this stabilization. Their continued partnership helped the independent house maintain its presence in the literary landscape during its most difficult years.
In the independent publishing world, many directors operate as “worker-publishers.” This means they personally handle every stage of production, from reading initial manuscripts to managing layout, cover design, and even direct sales at local markets.
Why is a growing publisher facing cash flow shortages?
It may seem counterintuitive, but Tertium Éditions is facing a liquidity crunch precisely because it is growing. As the company’s turnover increases, so does its “encours client” (client receivables). Essentially, the business is selling more books, which requires more capital to print and reprint existing titles.
This creates a significant hurdle for a company currently under judicial restructuring. Because of their legal status, Blanchard noted that obtaining traditional bank financing for cash flow is currently not an option. To bridge this gap, the house has turned to the community through the “Tertium Renaissance” campaign on Ulule.
The crowdfunding initiative is structured in three tiers. The primary goal is to validate the collection and launch a project focused on the valuation and recycling of the publisher’s historical stock.
What are the upcoming literary trends for the region?
The publishing outlook for Tertium Éditions is shifting from survival to expansion. While the house only released two books in 2025, Blanchard has six titles scheduled for 2026. This growth is fueled by a strategic focus on regional identity, specifically targeting the Lot, Cantal, and Aveyron areas.
Recent successes highlight the quality of their catalog:
- Eric Herbette: His 2025 release, “Joseph, un ami plat,” was a contender for the Goncourt de printemps.
- Pierre Le Coz: His work, “Le commencement du terrible,” earned an invitation to a special roundtable at a Paris book salon regarding the absurdity of war.
Looking ahead, readers can expect highly anticipated regional works, including Alain Le Blanc’s upcoming novel “La forteresse rouge” and René Franchet’s “Causses.”
If your work focuses on local history, regional geography, or specific cultural heritage, independent publishers with strong local roots—like Tertium Éditions—are often more aligned with your target audience than large, national conglomerates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I support the Tertium Renaissance campaign?
You can participate in the crowdfunding efforts by visiting the official campaign page on Ulule at https://fr.ulule.com/tertium/.
What kind of books does Tertium Éditions publish?
The publisher focuses on novels and essays, with a strong emphasis on regional themes, history, and local stories from the Lot, Cantal, and Aveyron regions.
Where can I buy Tertium Éditions books?
Books are available through bookstores, at various literary salons, and directly from Régis Blanchard at the Cajarc market on Saturday afternoons.
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