I heard very sad news yesterday. Raincoast Books, a Canadian publisher here in Vancouver, has closed its publishing department and laid off several staff members. Raincoast is continuing its distribution and wholesale services.

For a small industry, it is really disappointing to lose a Canadian-owned and operated program and my heart goes out to the staff laid off and to those still working in the company.

I wish Raincoast better finances for 2008, and I wish personal happiness and good fortunes to those incredible people let go.