I was thinking that, in order to be balanced and more positive, I would show you how a brand new small press has gotten it right. This publisher might not fit into the Horror specialty press but it is a specialty press that features limited edition books and science fiction and horror share the same bedroom, if not the same bed.
Wyrm Publishing started out last year publishing online as Clarkesworld Magazine. From the first few issues you could see the author stable that Wyrm Publishing was offering was going to be outstanding. Look for yourself: Clarkesworld Magazine’s list of published Authors.
Right from the start Wyrm Publishing has a lot going for it. They have quality authors writing quality work. A smart editing team that knows what is going on in the industry as well as the specific genre they are working in. Wyrm Publishing has a clear goal and is working towards that goal to the point that it has now been listed on as a qualifying SFWA pro market and has been listed on several prominent Must Read lists. Their published authors accomplishments include almost every SF genre award available.
What about the books? Well, even though there is no real solid description as to how the books will be constructed, Wyrm Publishing lists an impressive selection of books that are due to be released: Once again take a look at Wyrm Publishing’s Hardcover Books list. Limited editions by fine authors at a reasonable price point. I suspect that as Wyrm Publishing gets its hardcover operation going you will be seeing more impressive original work from well known authors. And I can make an educated guess, based on knowing Neil Clarke,* that they books will be well made.
If I were putting together a Science Fiction literature collection including limited edition specialty press books, Wyrm Publishing would be on my watch list for additions to my collection.
Technorati Tags: limited editions, book collecting, book collectors, specialty press, small press, publishers, science fiction publishers, wyrm publishing, clarkesworld magazine
*Yes, I know Neil. I have bought books from Neil’s now closed Clarkesworld Book Store. This however does not negate the fact that Wyrm Publishing has set itself to be a strong publisher in the specialty SF press.
12:46 am on February 17th, 2008 1
I agree, Paul. Neil is a class act and no doubt his books will be gems, as well.
Best,
Fran
2:32 am on March 3rd, 2008 2
I appreciate your post’s clear emphasis on what features of Wyrm Publishing make it a good example of a small press ‘getting it right’. You mention their existing relationships with writers known for the quality of their work. At the same time you bring up the point that they have clear editorial goals as well as a practical, working business knowledge of the genre the publish in. I agree that all of these factors should be features of successful publishers of quality books, but I think that a publisher also needs to develop the ability to discover and develop new writers. These days, there more need for quality publishing for emerging authors. While publishing fine printings of established authors’ works is important to collectors, the reputation such publishers develop by publishing collectors’ editions should at least contribute to the energy and costs to introduce good emerging writers.
Steven