Meaning: This quote by James Laughlin, an American poet and founder of New Directions Publishing, speaks to the complex and often emotional relationship between publishers and writers. Laughlin's words convey a sense of responsibility and care that publishers feel toward the authors they work with, as well as the difficult decisions that sometimes need to be made when an author is not progressing or evolving in their craft.

The quote begins with the acknowledgment that there are occasions when a poet or writer has not grown, indicating that personal and professional growth are essential qualities that publishers hope to see in the authors they support. This growth can encompass a variety of aspects, including the development of their artistic voice, the exploration of new themes and ideas, and the honing of their skills as a writer. When an author fails to demonstrate this growth, it can create a challenging situation for the publisher.

Laughlin's use of the phrase "making headway" suggests that publishers are invested in the success and development of the writers they work with. They are looking for signs of progress, innovation, and a deepening of the author's craft. When an author is not making headway, it can be a source of disappointment for both the publisher and the author themselves. It may indicate a stagnation or lack of creative momentum that can hinder the author's ability to produce work that is compelling and engaging.

The quote then addresses the difficult decision that publishers sometimes have to make in such situations - the decision to "let them go." This phrase carries a sense of finality and separation, indicating that the publisher may need to end their professional relationship with an author who is not progressing as hoped. This decision is not taken lightly, as it involves letting go of an author with whom the publisher likely has a history and a personal investment.

The final part of the quote emphasizes the personal relationship that publishers have with the authors they work with. This personal relationship speaks to the deep connection and understanding that often develops between a publisher and an author. Publishers invest not only in the work of the author but also in the individual themselves, understanding their creative process, their aspirations, and their challenges. This personal investment can make the decision to part ways with an author all the more difficult, as it involves not only a professional separation but also an emotional one.

In summary, James Laughlin's quote captures the nuanced and sometimes bittersweet nature of the relationship between publishers and writers. It highlights the desire for growth and progress in the authors they support, the difficult decisions that may need to be made when this growth is not evident, and the personal connection that underpins the publisher-author relationship. It provides insight into the emotional and professional complexities that publishers navigate as they work to support and nurture the writers they believe in.