Author Ian Rogers offers tips & shares his experience with
Toronto's Burning Effiy Press
Photo: Ian Rogers
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Interview w/Ian Rogers - Part 1
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Author Ian Rogers, whose chapbook Temporary Monsters was published in 2009 by Toronto’s Burning Effigy Press, offers an insider’s perspective on working with smaller presses over bigger publishers.
In Part One of my interview, Rogers discussed aspects that he feels some authors may overlook when setting out to pursue their writing careers.
In Part Two, Rogers continues with his unique views on what to look for when seeking out a publisher for your work.
When a writer is deciding whether or not to work with a publisher, they should ask themselves questions like: "Who else has this publisher worked with?" "Are this publisher's books available in actual bookstores, at Amazon.com, etc., or can you only buy them off the publisher's website?" "Does the publisher attend book fairs and conventions?" "Does the publisher promote their books, or is the author expected to do all the work?"
The answers to these questions are usually pretty easy to find. The point is, a writer should research a prospective publisher. Talk to other writers who have worked with them and ask questions about their experience. Take a trip to the publisher's website. That'll tell you a lot right away.
Rogers offers great food for thought for aspiring writers who seek representaion for their work, and he has nothing but rave reviews for the small press who picked up his chapbook.
My experience with Burning Effigy Press has been extremely positive. My publisher, Monica S. Kuebler, responds promptly to e-mails, listens to my feedback on everything from story edits to cover art, and she truly believes in my work and the direction in which I'm taking it. "Temporary Monsters" is a chapbook, and as such isn't for sale in bookstores. Normally this would be a big no-no for me in terms of going with a publisher, but in this case it has nothing to do with the efforts of Burning Effigy.
Bookstores just don't stock chapbooks. "Temporary Monsters" is a novelette. Too long for most magazines and anthology, too short to be published as a book. Stories of this size have always been hard sells, but Burning Effigy has carved a real niche with their horror chapbook line.
"Temporary Monsters" received a huge launch in a Toronto restaurant, an event that featured readings by other BE authors. I read an excerpt from "Temporary Monsters" and did a short q&a with the audience. "Temporary Monsters" has an ISBN number, its available on the publisher's website, as well as Horror Mall, and at various book fairs held in Toronto and the GTA, including Word on the Street and Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear. Really, there's nothing more I could have asked for in terms of this experience. Monica really goes above and beyond in spreading the word about "Temporary Monsters" and all the other excellent chapbooks that Burning Effigy publishes. Would I work with them again? Oh yes. In fact, I already am.
Read Fiction From Ian Rogers
Ian’s new tale, "Cabin D," is in Supernatural Tales #17.
You can also pick up a signed copy of Ian’s chapbook Temporary Monsters from Burning Effigy Press or Horror Mall.
The Bottom Line
Independent publishers and their authors are often the hidden gems of the local literary world.
By supporting both publisher and author at small press events, you help foster the creative community and shine the spotlight on these talents.
If you are in the Toronto area the June, feel free to check out these small press literary events:
The Meet The Presses Indie Literary Market
Clinton's Tavern - 693 Bloor Street West
Saturday, June 5, 2010 - 12pm to 5pm at
Spring 2010 Toronto Small Press Book Fair
The Great Hall - 1087 Queen Street West
Saturday, June 19 -11 am to 5 pm
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