Calgarian Dustin Smith of Recliner Books has received more than 250 submissions from hopeful writers since he started the press in 2009. He says Barb Howard’s book “was the first manuscript I actually ever read — the absolute first one.”

“I think it was on about page four that I was into her manuscript as much as I have been into any book I’ve ever read,” says Smith. “Very few writers have the gift to elicit that kind of response.” Howard’s Notes for Monday was published in November 2009.

Smith says he always loved literature, but comes from a background in environmentalism, starting Calgary Community Recycling in 2006. When the city took over residential recycling, Smith’s business had to rely on corporate clients. This allowed time for Smith to pursue his passion for literature.

An environmental focus has brought a unique angle to this publishing house. Far from feeling threatened by electronic readers and digital text, Smith embraces technology. He receives and reads all submissions digitally to reduce wasting paper and postage, and Notes for Monday will be available as an e-book on May 2. The cost of this version will be significantly lower than that of print.

Print copies of Notes for Monday are $13.95 and are made with 40 per cent recycled paper. They are available at Owl’s Nest, Pages on Kensington and through reclinerbooks.com.