Deerbrook Editions has now become a member of the Council of Literary Magazines & Presses, or clmp. There logo with a link is now on our pages. The clmp web site has limited access to the public, but enough information is available to learn something about what they are all about.
I believe that there are many more talented, deserving writers and artists in the world than ever find a publisher or gallery that will present their work. So far my catchy phrase that makes an introduction sound bite for Deerbrook Editions is:
DESERVING AUTHORS • GOOD BOOKS
This is not meant as a judgment of exclusion but as a dream to include, that by making good books, even beautiful books of little known or emerging authors of poetry and prose, we are making a difference in the lives of writers and in the experience of readers.
I think I might add:
In ordinary places you can find extraordinary things.
We want to expand our editorial scope and find innovative, experimental, as well as more traditional forms of literature. By providing books of works that seem relevant and stimulating, books that are often first books for the authors, we hope to enable and empower the authors to continue working and growing, by giving them a greater audience, and hopefully give readers a new experience through literature.
After operating for eight years publishing mostly poetry, and essentially at little or no profit, it seems apparent that growth is necessary, and making more books is part of that growth. My hope is that CLMP can help guide at least by being informational. Currently the plan is to apply for non-profit status to improve the opportunities of finding foundation grants or fellowships. With increased operating capital, more marketing and promotion can be done for a growing list of titles.
Increased earning power means being able to find qualified volunteers or staff and advisers to share the work load, find and implement new ideas and ways of being successful presenting the kind of books we do now, and expand into new areas such as limited editions of fine press books. Such help would allow us to include an educational outreach program. This program could include facilitating workshops in writing, book arts, the importance of libraries, as well as finding venues for authors to read and present their work and experience. I do some of this now, in a team effort with all authors, but this is the vision for growth beyond what one or even two individuals might be able to do. The work, more work, begins every day, now, and tomorrow. I really hope that clmp and their information and listserves will make it easier to focus and direct the press moving forward.
In some upcoming posts; new projects will be discussed, and hopefully some interesting articles about design and the internet.
