strangedaze

As the title implies, has anyone published one, either themselves or through a publisher? Pros? Cons? Monkeys at type-writers?

Before anyone points out the obvious - yes, I'm well aware that chapbooks are far from the most efficient of money making ventures. In fact, I'd venture that a good portion of people LOSE money from them, so I'm quite aware of the financial reality of chapbook publishing, so don't fear for me and naivity.

Anyway...

Let it all hang out - all comments and opinions welcome. I'd especially like to hear from those ubiqitous folks from the publishing thread, since they seem extremely well-informed.

Andy

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Penelope

What is a chapbook?

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strangedaze

allo pen!

to answer your question:

http://www.sc.edu/library/spcoll/bri...ks/cbook1.html

Basically a small soft cover book(let), not too long - very fringey. A lot of poets produce chapbooks, and I know Margaret Atwood did one for her first poetry collection. Like little books.

If you want some contemporary examples, a lot of lit journals are in chapbook format. You could also try googling 'chapbooks'.

Andy

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Manx

A poet friend of mine published a chapbook of his short poems. As far as I'm aware he didn't make any money through it - he gave them away to people as presents for birthdays, etc (I got one!). But, of course, it was publication, it was an experience for him and it got his work seen. I suppose, however you seek publication, the experience you gain and the exposure you get can never be completely diregarded.

But would I consider it? No, but only because I'm really only interested in submitting to print mags and competitions at the moment. I wouldn't consider ezines either, but I certainly don't think chapbooks are a bad thing, so long as you don't go into it with unrealistic expectations.

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Penelope

heh! Sounds like 'penny dreadfuls'! Thanks for the info!

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Penelope

In June, two poems of mine will be published in the Taj Mahal Review because they e-mailed me a request to print a poem of mine they'd read on an e-zine. http://www.lostinthedark.net/ I think that shows e-zines up your visibility and they cost nothing.

In September, one poem of mine will be published by Random House which is the publisher for KnitLit and will be in book stores around the world.

Would I do a chapbook? I'm not going to say no but at least I'll have some print credits to back me up.

Writing is a hobby for me but it's like hitting a home run to get something published in print! YAY!!!

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Poetry Editor @ Sacred Twilight

strangedaze

Congrats on the Taj Mahal review - they are a fantastic venue and I've heard a great deal about their quality! As for Athena's ezine, I'm in there already, in the poetry section of all places! Me, a poet! The site's grown in leaps and bounds, so congrats to the entire staff

Ezines are fun, do 'em all the time. But you're right, print is where it's at ^_^

Manx - print is definately the goal, but I wouldn't be so quick to count ezines out. As Pen said, they give you a lot of exposure and if you operate in a niche market you can score some sweet ezine credits and make connections to publishers. I've seen a few people do it and use connections made through ezine publication to publish novels and collections in print through non-POD and such publishers. But there's nothing wrong with aiming high if you've got the goods to back it up, so keep ripping up the print and contest circuit!

Off hand, the chapbook would not be self-published, and if it does happen, I'll flood this place with blurbs about it Just because I'm that kind of bastard More as it comes, and thanks for the comments!

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His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.

Hodge

Hey now, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was a penny dreadful!

I like chapbooks. They're small but not too small, and some of today's great poets started with chapbooks. And just so you know, not all chapbooks are self published. It is possible to make money off of them, although not a whole lot since you'll generally only sell in the triple figures.

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mammamaia

"Off hand, the chapbook would not be self-published,"

how d'you intend to do it otherwise?... have you hooked a traditional paying publisher?... if so, which one publishes chapbooks from new writers?

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strangedaze

traditional publisher, possibly, and yes, the publisher would consider new work, provided it is up to snuff (they are a small press publisher of fringe, off-the-cuff type writing and the gal with whom I would be collaborating has dealt with them before) aforementioned ezine hookups and local writerly contacts have made this a possibility. nothing serious as of yet, but I'm hoping this will pan out into a fun summer project Of course I'm not holding my breath, I just thought it would be cool to see what other people think of the chapbook business, or lack thereof

Andy

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His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.

Manx

It's not that I think they're bad, I was published in an ezine twice 4 years ago and these are still online, but as far as I'm concerned I'm not published. I don't feel published, and wouldn't unless I had my writing in print. Ezines work for lots of people, just not me.

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"I seem to have left an important part of my brain somewhere in a field in Hampshire." - Pulp, 'Sorted For E's And Wizz'

Penelope

I agree and technically I was published in print in December 2002 when I wrote a Christmas poem for the editor of a community newspaper. I certainly didn't consider this something to boast about because the editor was a friend and was looking for filler - but - I could have trotted it out and declared - I am a published author! I'd like to think I am a bit more honest than that though. The poem I wrote rocked!

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Poetry Editor @ Sacred Twilight

strangedaze

Thanks for the tip, Swtrose! However, I think I've found a publisher (hopefully), but I'll let everyone knows how it turns out.

Andrew

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Mike C

Which Country are you operating in, Andrew? If you're UK based you could do a lot worse than speaking to D at ookami, she publishes the things left right and centre, it would appear, and quite successfully.

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strangedaze

Unfortunately I'm in Canada, but that does sound intriguing none the less. Who is this D? I wish my name was a single letter

Andrew

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His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.