November 16th, 2009 / 11:25 am
Presses
Justin Taylor
Presses
Black Lawrence Press tries to sell me (i.e. you) “tips for getting published by a small press”
I can’t decide where I think this falls on the lameness scale. On the one hand, it’s cheap to join, you get a book for your trouble, and Black Lawrence (a Dzanc imprint) seems reasonably cool. On the other hand, I am instantly and deeply suspicious of anyone claiming to offer advice to “novice, mid-career and seasoned authors alike.” Especially when their leading examples of this “advice” are “what editors look for in cover letters” and “how to choose which conferences to attend.” At the risk of cutting in on BW’s action, let me save you a lot of time- 1) Editors don’t look for anything in cover letters; they don’t read them until after they’ve looked at the manuscript, and if they don’t love that, they’re not reading the letter. Period. So yes, you do need to have one, but as long as it’s less than a page long, and that page isn’t smeared in feces or syrup, you’re probably fine. 2) I’m not sure what the difference between a “mid-career” and a “seasoned” author is, but I can tell you one thing they have in common– neither takes her career advice from a pay-to-play email newsletter, even a cheap one offered up by seemingly decent people. I don’t want to come off like I hate Black Lawrence. I really don’t. But I do hate that whole “secrets of publishing” sales pitch, and the tone that goes along with it. It just grosses me out. After the break, the full commercial from Black Lawrence. Decide for yourself what you think.
Tips for Getting Published by a Small PressSubscribe for the Newsletter
For over two years Diane Goettel, Black Lawrence Press Executive Editor, has been giving lectures on how to get the attention of small and independent presses. One of the problems with lectures, however, is that they are only available to people within commuting distance. We are solving that problem by putting Diane’s advice into a weekly newsletter.You may already get emails from Black Lawrence Press about contests and recent publications. This will be an entirely separate newsletter that will go out only to those of you that subscribe.The newsletter will include tips for novice, mid-career, and seasoned authors alike. It will have information on what editors look for in cover letters, how to choose which writing conferences to attend, and how to choose the right press for your book. The newsletter will also address frequently asked questions that come in from authors like yourself. Furthermore, it will include case studies of authors who have done things like making a name for themselves with a chapbook, changing genres mid-career, using a second language to deepen their understanding of their craft in English. To summarize, we are going to chock each newsletter full of what we think is the freshest, smartest, most exciting insider information about small and indy publishing and how to get published by small and indy presses.Want to sign up? It will just cost you the price of one Black Lawrence Press title. The choice is yours. (And we’ve got some great chapbooks that are only $9.)Here’s how to sign up:1) Go to www.blacklawrencepress.com2) Click on “Books”3) Browse our selection of titles, pick one that sounds interesting, and purchase it through Paypal.4) Forward your Paypal receipt (it should automatically show up in your email box once you make your purchase) to publishingtips@blacklawrencepress.com with “SUBSCRIBE” in the subject line. You will automatically be subscribed for one year of emails.Our first newsletter will go out this week, so sign up soon!Best,Your Friends and Black Lawrence Press
Tags: black lawrence press
First sentence = cover letter
First sentence = cover letter
This from the editor of a noted and respected small press. I don’t understand why YOU don’t have a newsletter.
This from the editor of a noted and respected small press. I don’t understand why YOU don’t have a newsletter.
I don’t know. I guess because not much happens here. I send out an announcement for a book if it’s coming out and if we have a reading or a party but, truth is, not enough “news” happens at the Tyrant to justify a newsletter.
I don’t know. I guess because not much happens here. I send out an announcement for a book if it’s coming out and if we have a reading or a party but, truth is, not enough “news” happens at the Tyrant to justify a newsletter.
(full disclosure – I went to Sarah Lawrence with Diane Goettel, we have a good mutual friend, and Diane is indeed a very nice person)
Totally understand your distaste for the “secrets of publishing” schtick, but I also think fee-for-service projects are a wise way for non-profits to diversify their funding sources, and if Diane has experiences and advice folks are willing to pay to access…
Seems like a lot of the conversations abt these types of endeavors come down to this tension btwn what’s exploitative of writers vs. what’s fair to ask of folks who wish to participate in this community/communities, or what are wise and ethical ways for organizations like Dzanc/Black Lawrence to leverage whatever skills and resources they’ve got in their mix to build the sustainable anchor institutions a sector needs to flourish.
(full disclosure – I went to Sarah Lawrence with Diane Goettel, we have a good mutual friend, and Diane is indeed a very nice person)
Totally understand your distaste for the “secrets of publishing” schtick, but I also think fee-for-service projects are a wise way for non-profits to diversify their funding sources, and if Diane has experiences and advice folks are willing to pay to access…
Seems like a lot of the conversations abt these types of endeavors come down to this tension btwn what’s exploitative of writers vs. what’s fair to ask of folks who wish to participate in this community/communities, or what are wise and ethical ways for organizations like Dzanc/Black Lawrence to leverage whatever skills and resources they’ve got in their mix to build the sustainable anchor institutions a sector needs to flourish.
agreed
agreed
lol a “newsletter” at all is hilarious
lol a “newsletter” at all is hilarious
You know, as somewhat of a newbie to the writing scene, I’ve often wished there was some place where I could ask my stupid questions and get honest answers or opinions. (Although this wasn’t the point, I found Mean Week incredibly helpful for exactly that reason.) There are a million dumb questions I wish I could ask someone. So if this Black Lawrence does that part right, I would gladly join the listserve.
It may be very different for most of you, since you hang with lots of writers and editors who know the invisible rules already–but for those of us who are truly swimming on our own out here, something like this could actually be fairly valuable–advice taken with a grain of salt, of course.
You know, as somewhat of a newbie to the writing scene, I’ve often wished there was some place where I could ask my stupid questions and get honest answers or opinions. (Although this wasn’t the point, I found Mean Week incredibly helpful for exactly that reason.) There are a million dumb questions I wish I could ask someone. So if this Black Lawrence does that part right, I would gladly join the listserve.
It may be very different for most of you, since you hang with lots of writers and editors who know the invisible rules already–but for those of us who are truly swimming on our own out here, something like this could actually be fairly valuable–advice taken with a grain of salt, of course.
Amber, what q’s do you have? Community answers seem better to me than directed ones. Fire away, if you want. No shame in anything.
All fair points, Tim. I don’t know Diane at all, and my general impression of both BW and Dzanc is positive. This just threw me a bit. I don’t think this qualifies as exploitative, exactly, but it’s sort of trending in the direction of the disingenuous– not because the information provided isn’t correct, but because the underlying assumption is that having this information is going to be what gets your work published. That’s simply untrue, and the more time writers spend focusing on letters, etiquette, and all the rest of this frippery, is less time that they’re spending on their work.
On a more general level–and this isn’t about BW now–the whole “learn how to get published” industry is based on this idea that whoever you are and whatever you’re writing, your work is already good enough, and you basically just need a quick trip to finishing school to learn how to distinguish your salad fork from your cover letter. And it’s especially insidious because it’s not the tips-peddler who is telling the aspiring author that. It’s something the author already believes, which is why they are willing to pay for a service that they believe is the “final step,” and the industry–in order to maintain the market for its wares–simply fails to disabuse them of this notion.
Amber, what q’s do you have? Community answers seem better to me than directed ones. Fire away, if you want. No shame in anything.
All fair points, Tim. I don’t know Diane at all, and my general impression of both BW and Dzanc is positive. This just threw me a bit. I don’t think this qualifies as exploitative, exactly, but it’s sort of trending in the direction of the disingenuous– not because the information provided isn’t correct, but because the underlying assumption is that having this information is going to be what gets your work published. That’s simply untrue, and the more time writers spend focusing on letters, etiquette, and all the rest of this frippery, is less time that they’re spending on their work.
On a more general level–and this isn’t about BW now–the whole “learn how to get published” industry is based on this idea that whoever you are and whatever you’re writing, your work is already good enough, and you basically just need a quick trip to finishing school to learn how to distinguish your salad fork from your cover letter. And it’s especially insidious because it’s not the tips-peddler who is telling the aspiring author that. It’s something the author already believes, which is why they are willing to pay for a service that they believe is the “final step,” and the industry–in order to maintain the market for its wares–simply fails to disabuse them of this notion.
america
america
Amber, for an aspiring writer, Black Lawrence probably does as good a job as anyone, and doubtless better than many. I’ve heard good things about Anis Shivani, so if you’re trying to choose a title for the buy-in, maybe give Anatolia and Other Stories a try. But here is everything you need to know- Work hard as hell, send your work to places that seem like they’ll be receptive to it, follow the guidelines provided by the people you’re approaching, don’t take rejection personally, remain civilized and patient in the face of all instincts to the contrary. That’s it. Those are the rules, at least as far as the small press world is concerned, and the thing about them is that they’re *not* invisible.
Amber, for an aspiring writer, Black Lawrence probably does as good a job as anyone, and doubtless better than many. I’ve heard good things about Anis Shivani, so if you’re trying to choose a title for the buy-in, maybe give Anatolia and Other Stories a try. But here is everything you need to know- Work hard as hell, send your work to places that seem like they’ll be receptive to it, follow the guidelines provided by the people you’re approaching, don’t take rejection personally, remain civilized and patient in the face of all instincts to the contrary. That’s it. Those are the rules, at least as far as the small press world is concerned, and the thing about them is that they’re *not* invisible.
As kind and honest as Diane Goettel might be, and Dzanc is, this sort of service undeniably cheapens their BLP’s image (or their brand name, if we can call it that). Why work so hard to read through unsolicited ms submissions, find cover art for the books, build a reputation/list and audience, etc etc, only to dip your literary enterprise in a bowl of turd? Sure, so they diversify their funding sources, but this kind of thing is just bad business, period. Build a reputation, not just funding sources, and don’t sell that “secrets of publishing” horseshit doing it. Glad you’re pointing that out Justin. This kind of thing always turns my stomach.
As kind and honest as Diane Goettel might be, and Dzanc is, this sort of service undeniably cheapens their BLP’s image (or their brand name, if we can call it that). Why work so hard to read through unsolicited ms submissions, find cover art for the books, build a reputation/list and audience, etc etc, only to dip your literary enterprise in a bowl of turd? Sure, so they diversify their funding sources, but this kind of thing is just bad business, period. Build a reputation, not just funding sources, and don’t sell that “secrets of publishing” horseshit doing it. Glad you’re pointing that out Justin. This kind of thing always turns my stomach.
Thanks, both of you–I guess for me it’s more like, okay, I get the basic submitting rules and etiquette–it’s the other stuff, the craft and promotion stuff that comes after and between. That’s sort of hard for me to get a grip on.
Like for instance: what workshops are ripoffs and sucky and which ones are great? I’ve been looking at a bunch of them, thinking of doing the Zoetrope or Gotham Writers Workshop–but they’re so expensive I want to make sure it’s worth it. Would love to hear about people’s workshop experiences.
Or this one: do I direct people to my blog if I’ve published in a limited number of places? I haven’t before because I felt it always looked kind of silly and self-promoting, but maybe it looks worse if I don’t.
I guess now that I think about it, these aren’t really questions that could probably be answered by a list serve, anyway. A community response probably is better, and more accurate–less one single source claiming to be authoritative when it comes to getting publishing.
Thanks, both of you–I guess for me it’s more like, okay, I get the basic submitting rules and etiquette–it’s the other stuff, the craft and promotion stuff that comes after and between. That’s sort of hard for me to get a grip on.
Like for instance: what workshops are ripoffs and sucky and which ones are great? I’ve been looking at a bunch of them, thinking of doing the Zoetrope or Gotham Writers Workshop–but they’re so expensive I want to make sure it’s worth it. Would love to hear about people’s workshop experiences.
Or this one: do I direct people to my blog if I’ve published in a limited number of places? I haven’t before because I felt it always looked kind of silly and self-promoting, but maybe it looks worse if I don’t.
I guess now that I think about it, these aren’t really questions that could probably be answered by a list serve, anyway. A community response probably is better, and more accurate–less one single source claiming to be authoritative when it comes to getting publishing.
Amber, the quality of a writing workshop will depend on the quality of its instructor. I’ve taught for Gotham before– I have some complaints about some aspects of their methodology, but the fact is that a lot of good of writers get their start teaching there. My advice to you when considering whether to take a workshop is to look at who the faculty is, read some of their work, and try to pair yourself with someone you think you’d want to learn something from. If a teacher’s work makes you think to yourself “wow, how did s/he do that?” then put your money down, get in the door, and when you have the opportunity–ask. Nothing is a sure bet of course, and a great writer may be a repellent personality or just not a great teacher, but this is probably the safest course of action.
I think there’s no harm in directing people to your blog. They’ll either go there or they won’t, and they’ll either like it or they won’t. For example, I’m there right now. It seems good. And that’s really rad that you are in The Lumberyard. I shared a table with those people at AWP last year and they were awesome. The book is gorgeous too! You’re in the same issue as my friend, Melinda.
It seems like you’ve got a better handle on this stuff than you give yourself credit for. Just keep at it, and I hope we’ll keep seeing you around here. Cheers!
Amber, the quality of a writing workshop will depend on the quality of its instructor. I’ve taught for Gotham before– I have some complaints about some aspects of their methodology, but the fact is that a lot of good of writers get their start teaching there. My advice to you when considering whether to take a workshop is to look at who the faculty is, read some of their work, and try to pair yourself with someone you think you’d want to learn something from. If a teacher’s work makes you think to yourself “wow, how did s/he do that?” then put your money down, get in the door, and when you have the opportunity–ask. Nothing is a sure bet of course, and a great writer may be a repellent personality or just not a great teacher, but this is probably the safest course of action.
I think there’s no harm in directing people to your blog. They’ll either go there or they won’t, and they’ll either like it or they won’t. For example, I’m there right now. It seems good. And that’s really rad that you are in The Lumberyard. I shared a table with those people at AWP last year and they were awesome. The book is gorgeous too! You’re in the same issue as my friend, Melinda.
It seems like you’ve got a better handle on this stuff than you give yourself credit for. Just keep at it, and I hope we’ll keep seeing you around here. Cheers!
Thanks, Justin. Good advice, all of it.
And I love the Lumberyard, too–they’re doing some amazing stuff with letterpress. I was really excited to be in that one because it was such a piece of artwork.
Thanks, Justin. Good advice, all of it.
And I love the Lumberyard, too–they’re doing some amazing stuff with letterpress. I was really excited to be in that one because it was such a piece of artwork.
I love Dzanc Books, their ethos, and their projects but I got this e-mail this morning and it really bothered me. Time and time again publishers act like there is a holy grail of information out there for writers and that to find this holy grail you have to part with your money. Nine dollars is quite reasonable but it’s also a little silly to think that the kind of information being offered has monetary value.
While there are many intangibles involved in the writing and publishing process, at the end of the day, it is good writing in the hands of the right editor at the kairotic moment that will get you published. The idea that a certain type of cover letter, for example, will get you to the promised land irritates me to no end. No matter what sins you commit in your cover letter, they will be ignored if you are a kick ass writer. There is no such thing as insider information and more than that you shouldn’t have to pay for the type of knowledge that simply comes from experience. If you are a new or young writer and you have questions, just take a chance and ask a writer. Sooner or later, one will help you out. I personally love when new writers e-mail me with questions and I, along with most of the writers I know, are more than happy to offer some assistance to help understand the craziness of getting your work published.
I love Dzanc Books, their ethos, and their projects but I got this e-mail this morning and it really bothered me. Time and time again publishers act like there is a holy grail of information out there for writers and that to find this holy grail you have to part with your money. Nine dollars is quite reasonable but it’s also a little silly to think that the kind of information being offered has monetary value.
While there are many intangibles involved in the writing and publishing process, at the end of the day, it is good writing in the hands of the right editor at the kairotic moment that will get you published. The idea that a certain type of cover letter, for example, will get you to the promised land irritates me to no end. No matter what sins you commit in your cover letter, they will be ignored if you are a kick ass writer. There is no such thing as insider information and more than that you shouldn’t have to pay for the type of knowledge that simply comes from experience. If you are a new or young writer and you have questions, just take a chance and ask a writer. Sooner or later, one will help you out. I personally love when new writers e-mail me with questions and I, along with most of the writers I know, are more than happy to offer some assistance to help understand the craziness of getting your work published.
PREACHback.
PREACHback.
For the record, she’s not bullshitting. I emailed Roxane out of the blue a few months ago just to tell her how much I liked her writing, and instead of either politely ignoring me or taking out a restraining order against me, she very kindly offered to help a new writer out in any way she could. This seriously gave me all kinds of courage to reach out a little more to the writing community.
For the record, she’s not bullshitting. I emailed Roxane out of the blue a few months ago just to tell her how much I liked her writing, and instead of either politely ignoring me or taking out a restraining order against me, she very kindly offered to help a new writer out in any way she could. This seriously gave me all kinds of courage to reach out a little more to the writing community.
Amen. And thank you for the shoutout. If I could blush in html, I would.
Amen. And thank you for the shoutout. If I could blush in html, I would.
And the more I think about this, you would engender more goodwill and willingness to buy your products by offering this kind of information for FREE.
And the more I think about this, you would engender more goodwill and willingness to buy your products by offering this kind of information for FREE.
I remember your e-mail! I am now making the connection that you are that very same Amber. I’m glad I didn’t do something obnoxious!
I remember your e-mail! I am now making the connection that you are that very same Amber. I’m glad I didn’t do something obnoxious!
I love this post, actually, because all know all.
I am going to give a 2 out of 10. So Lame.
(oh, full disclosure: BLP chapbook something finalist me, whatever…)
It would actually be cool id HTML got into this work, but maybe falling onto their own sword??
I meant if but id is cooler.
I love this post, actually, because all know all.
I am going to give a 2 out of 10. So Lame.
(oh, full disclosure: BLP chapbook something finalist me, whatever…)
It would actually be cool id HTML got into this work, but maybe falling onto their own sword??
I meant if but id is cooler.
i heart cool id
i heart cool id
Yeah I second that – if you want to know anything flick me an email – that goes for anyone. And you don’t have to buy a book first (though Blake’s prob far more qualified than me)
Yeah I second that – if you want to know anything flick me an email – that goes for anyone. And you don’t have to buy a book first (though Blake’s prob far more qualified than me)
anything that asks you to paypal $ originates from tao lin
anything that asks you to paypal $ originates from tao lin
I don’t know much about this press, but they’ve lost my respect. First, I paid to enter their contest, with absolutely no confirmation of receipt emailed to me. I emailed the editors to make sure they received and were able to view my document, with no reply. I tried to add them on Facebook, but kept getting rejected while others were being added (their page was not private, so I was able to see this). Then, I sent a quick message on Facebook to find out what the issue was, and that went ignored as well. The thing that pisses me off about all this is that I gave them my money to enter the contest and I wish I hadn’t. This is pure unprofessionalism and I think people should be wary of ever paying to submit to this press or to utilize any of their ‘services.’
Jamee
I don’t know much about this press, but they’ve lost my respect. First, I paid to enter their contest, with absolutely no confirmation of receipt emailed to me. I emailed the editors to make sure they received and were able to view my document, with no reply. I tried to add them on Facebook, but kept getting rejected while others were being added (their page was not private, so I was able to see this). Then, I sent a quick message on Facebook to find out what the issue was, and that went ignored as well. The thing that pisses me off about all this is that I gave them my money to enter the contest and I wish I hadn’t. This is pure unprofessionalism and I think people should be wary of ever paying to submit to this press or to utilize any of their ‘services.’
Jamee
I’m suspicious of any press that tries to get money from writers. Black Lawrence Press runs two or three “contest” for small fees of $25 or less. Given how many writers may submit to any publisher, and then how many will pay, less the “prize ” leaves a fair amount left to the publisher. Now these contestants get preferntial treatmewnt as to when their manuscripts are read, thus pay to get read. I wonder how many BLB are published that are only from the contsestant group versus from the main slush pile. If it were found the former, then this seems this publisher replies on writer pay.
I am concerned when one submits a manuscript and after ten months all one gets is an inundation of pitches to subscribe to this or attend that. It concerns me even more whne this publishers has contest, with entry fees and then the only books that seem to gert accepted are from that pile. MErely read the titles and see who was ion the finalist listing. It concerns me because I think only those who in some manner pay have their works considered. Alone, not necessariy a deliberate scam but any money paid by writers to publishers becomes suspiscious