After 40 years of shaping the literary landscape of French-speaking Switzerland, Bernard Campiche is stepping down from his namesake publishing house. The founder of Bernard Campiche Éditeur announced Monday that Arthur Billerey, a 35-year-traditional of French origin, will take the reins.
“Continuing the work of 40 years was my priority,” Campiche wrote in a statement Monday. Founded in 1986, his publishing house has develop into a cornerstone of the Romandy literary scene, known for championing both established and emerging voices.
The press has highlighted the house’s long association with prominent authors like Jacques Chessex, Anne Cuneo, Étienne Barilier, Anne-Lise Grobéty, and Max Frisch. The catalog, focused exclusively on literature – novels, stories, theater, and poetry – has significantly contributed to the influence of Romandy literature in Switzerland and throughout the French-speaking world.
Campiche emphasized that this transition is “a carefully considered decision,” driven by “a deep respect for the history, identity, and catalog of the house.”
Nine-Month Co-Leadership Period
To ensure a smooth handover, a co-leadership period is planned from April to December 2026. During these nine months, both publishers will collaborate to maintain the stylistic rigor and fidelity to the authors who have defined the house’s identity.
Billerey, who has been active in the book world for around fifteen years – including co-founding La Veilleuse after stints at Éditions de l’Aire, d’en bas, and Florides Helvètes – intends to balance continuity with new developments. “Taking over Bernard Campiche Éditeur means receiving a unique literary heritage. I hope to both preserve this heritage, continue to publish Swiss literature, and make it known throughout the French-speaking world,” he stated.
A literary committee comprised of book and culture professionals will support the publishing house’s revitalization. One of the first announced changes is the addition of the poetry collection “Le verre ardent” starting in March 2026, coinciding with the publication of “Tarmac” by Eve-Line Berthod. This addition, originating from a project Billerey initiated at Éditions La Veilleuse, reinforces the house’s commitment to contemporary poetry.
Crowdfunding Initiative
A crowdfunding campaign will launch in May to support the acquisition and development of the publishing house. In parallel, Bernard Campiche Éditeur will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026 with a “Readings & Spectacle” event on October 3rd in Fribourg, organized by the Association des Amis de Bernard Campiche Éditeur.
