In previous posts I discussed how the specialty press is both good and bad for the collector. I don’t know if I got my point across in terms of how specialty presses make poor decisions in publishing certain authors or books, setting price points higher than they should be, and jumping into the game with absolutely no track record.
Well since my posts there has surfaced a great example of what I was trying to convey.
I do not know anything about Thunderstorm Books. Or its owner. So I really can’t comment on how the product will come out. But I bet I could make a few educated guesses based on his descriptions of his books.
But the most glaring thing that makes me doubt his ability to run a successful specialty press is his choice of authors. I haven’t heard of Brett McBean but I have heard of Bryan Smith and I still cant’ figure out why he has any books published. His one and only book I have read, (or tried to read, I barely made it through half) House of Blood, was filled with cliche, poor writing, poor characters, stereotypes, boring horror tropes, and the most ridiculous character name ever written down. But Thunderstorm Books finds that this poor book is worth giving a limited edition printing and charge $75 dollars for it.
Quality product from a specialty press is essential. But no matter how well made the books are, if the publisher chooses bad authors and crappy work they are really just polishing a turd. And collectors should not add these books to their collection just because they are limited editions. No matter the print run. A print run of 100 crappy books is still 100 crappy books. I don’t care if they are signed and remarked and have upgraded end papers. A crappy book is a crappy book. No matter how much time you put into putting out a well made product.
So not every limited edition is worth buying. This one certainly is not worth buying. The book wasn’t worth buying as a $6.99 paperback. Smith does not carry a collectible name, nor does he have the quality output that would even put him close to “on the list” of collectible authors.
I am not saying that I know all when it comes to collecting. I don’t know a hell of a lot when it comes to collecting horror. I’m still learning. But I do know that House of Blood is not worth a limited edition. Nor is it worthy of a long term horror collection.
Technorati Tags: book collecting, specialty press, small press, limited editions, book collectors
10:04 pm on February 17th, 2008 1
I agree that it is astonishing that specialty presses produce so many poor quality books. I think part of the problem is that it is easier to intend to publish than it is to become so immersed in books and literature that you can recognize good material and feel driven to publish it. Without some reasonably deep exposure to quality writing, would-be publishers likely have little in the way of sophisticated editorial judgement. It does not help that making a quick buck is so important to many publishers. Even though it might seem low on the ambition scale, it seems reasonable to me for someone to become with books and publishing for the long-term satisfaction. The trick is balancing reasonable business decisions with an enthusiasm for making your way in the world of books as a lifestyle.
8:31 am on April 24th, 2008 2
Paul - I believe you are WAY off base here. Smith is an up and coming author. His novels, including HOUSE OF BLOOD, are well received by the horror community. His next novel is looked for, bought and read by many people. ThunderStorm Books is a new small press horror publisher that appears to me to be doing it right. I and many of my friends are excited about ThunderStorm Books and both it’s announced titles. McBean is a popular horor authir from Australia who also is highly respected in the small press horor market and by horror collectors and readers. I think you are a bit out of touch.
10:20 am on April 24th, 2008 3
You might do a little research before condemning a new press, let alone making any “educated guesses”. Brett McBean was published by Biting Dog Press and Necessary Evil Press and has been in numerous magazine publications. His website: http://www.brettmcbean.com. He’s a superb choice for a new publisher.
Your dislike for Smith is your choice but it does not do anyone, including yourself, any great service by blasting his work and resorting to tired similes (”polishing a turd”). Thunderstorm Books, like many presses before it, has chosen a novel that has reached a wide audience through mass market. Such exposure must be considered for a new press. If you do not like the novel, do not buy it. Pretty simple.
4:39 pm on May 8th, 2008 4
A similar but higher quality specialty press for horror is Centipede Press in Colorado.
2:08 pm on May 13th, 2008 5
To Chris and Kresby:
House of Blood as a $75 Limited has to be one of the most ill-conceived notions as of yet in the small press publishers. Did you read it? Did you read any reviews? At best it was a beach book.
SET