I’ve had a few requests to publish other Chapbooks of authors under Written Tales. And I have been considering it for some time now. Is this something as a writer you would be interested in?
What I am thinking, Written Tales would format and edit the content into a Chapbook for the author with cover art included, no charge, no fee. In return, we would make the chapbook available to all paid subscribers, just like the ones we host now.
Now, here is where it’s different. We would use draft2digital to promote the chapbook across several channels and offer the author 60% or 70% of the royalty after draft2digital takes their share. The author would have to sign up for an account on the platform to have royalties sent to them directly. We would not take part in the payment process as draft2digital would take care of the money being deposited directly to the author for the agreed percentage.
What are your thoughts? Is this something you would like as an author?
I just had my chapbook rejected and spent all day trying to find another publisher of chapbooks of 25 pages to submit it to. If you do decide to go this route, I'm interested in submitting mine. It's autobiographical about surviving sexual assault, physical abuse, a suicide attempt and alcoholism, but it does at least end on a positive note.
Are you looking for digital only or digital and print? Digital I can do, still trying to figure out the print piece. But I know the place I will use now offers print, but need to get all the details.
Yes, it is. This chapbook has been rejected by three publishers. I just send it to any publisher whose guidelines it meets (18-25 pages, unpublished). I can't afford a hybrid or vanity publisher. I also cannot afford to pay for editing or cover design. It's just one of the handful of chapbooks I have been having a hard time finding a publisher for. I have considered certain PODs but their minimum is at $2000 and that's not doable for me. I have self-pubbed poetry books but would like to move beyond that because I am having difficulty getting books into print with these methods, as well as formatting and cover issues.
Yes, I’ve pretty much concluded without sending mine out yet that I’ll have to look for a hybrid — but looking for one that does poetry so it’s formatted properly etc - eg no orphan lines, no couplets split apart, etc. Having that discussion with Kevin below. But even if you find such a press, they may charge you a lot for the book and then there’s the quality issue. You cannot be too careful when it comes to publishing. Most poetry chapbooks get published by winning contests - which is one in a million. Good luck.
Draft2digital started offering print as I have been scouring for amazon alternative. If they can do it, then yes it would be both digital and print. I never used them for print before, but there is a first time for everything :). I would have to see if they charge any fees for print. Digital they dont, they just take a percentage and they are not amazon.
I've got some stories lined up. Are you looking for word count, or pages? I don't know how many pages that would be, or how you would go about counting it. My stories tend to hover around 17-19,000 words. The shortest on is 12,700. I'd like both print and digital. Sign me up!
Sep 8, 2023·edited Sep 8, 2023Liked by Written Tales
Although I have no plans for a chapbook in the near future, I like the idea. This will get many poets published. I would say you should go ahead it with, Kevin.
After giving it some thought, Kevin might not like the idea, but I'd definitely prefer Kevin to do the one author chapbooks like he does multi-author chapbooks. He could keep the pittance from selling them. Then it would be much easier for me, and there would be paper books. No paper books from D2D for me.
I could let everyone decide how they would like me to publish. Using Amazon, I do not have a way to give a royalty. That is why I was thinking about Draft2Digital, as it has that option when you set up the book. I will try one paper from them and see how it looks.
I would want assurance about the layout. The anthology on nature which was just published/ which has a lovely cover - cut my quatrain leaving the first line of a stanza as an orphan line at the bottom of the page. You told me it was Amazon that did this and there wast anything you could do. I believe you, but to me , it was as if my poem was murdered- cutting the stanza instead of having the four lines together on the next page. This interrupted and wrecked the rhyme snd thé rhythm. When I saw the orphan line, it was a sword through my heart. The literary journals seem to use various devices including changing space where poems start, putting in extra spaces at bottom or top where poems start or end, or even between stanzas, or even size of print, to make sure their poetry is formatted so poem is properly presented and stanzas not cut up if possible. this matters less for free verse, of course, but if you have rhyming snd metered poetry it really needs to be done correctly. I am not complaining, just pointing something out that with a new printer other than Amazon, can you/we make sure that doesn’t happen? Eg - with page proofs that show you how it will look printed out? Again, that’s for the hard copy books- which many like to give as gifts. Think this not an issue for online publication . Thanks for asking us. AG
If I know upfront about break lines, as I mentioned, I can set it. Put in a hard break. But without knowing, I do not know. I could have different models. The free version as I stated initially above in the original post, and then a paid version. I could even have a price for which I create the chapbook and then the author can submit it anywhere as it is book ready. And the author has full control. I understand your concerns. Thank you for the input :)
So to “know upfront” about break lines, authors need to know how many lines per page in that particular publication, including white spaces, and then we could tell you where to break the page- say 35 lines (including white spaces, title?) so if a quatrain would get broken, author would indicate after which complete quatrain to have page break so all quatrains or tercets or couplets etc are left intact. Or, free verse writers can end at the line they think best. A single orphan line is never a good look, though possibly unavoidable sometimes. Does that make sense?
I need to work out all the details still. I had a few people email me over the last few months, and I decided I would ask the Written Tales family. I'll keep everyone posted.
I I'm a bit green behind the ears in this area and have never put together a chapbook before. I have gathered the poems I want to use but do I need to add some stories as well?
These will be the author's own content as long as they meet the guidelines. They are solo chapbooks of a single author. I will be getting a submission form up in the next week once I figure out how I will make this all work. This is more of an opportunity to help authors get their work out there where I can help get them published.
The author has full choice, I would only act as a publisher. There are a few things I wouldn't want to publish. I'm open to almost any topic. If I feel a body of work is not suitable, I would let the author know.
I have dealt with D2D and it was a PITA. Nobody is offering my story collection on paper. Submitting to D2D was overly complicated and difficult. Midway through the process a cover picture was required. First, this was unexpected and I've always used Pixabay for illustrations, but D2D required an illustration on my computer. I only wanted paper, but digital input was first. So much more. When I learned that there was more work before I could get any payments, I decided to let them keep the pennys. The only positive that I have from this is that "Vernonia Trilogy" has been published and is available in digital Whoop. It might work for someone, but I have no plans to do anything with D2D again. If Kevin wanted to publish one author chapbooks, sure.
I have been using them for a few years now without issue. But you have to be super clean on the fomat or it is hard. I learned that when I first started. As long as you can get the formatting down, no issue. Now that I have published many chapbooks and even my own personal books, I know what needs to be done. But like you said, when I first started I would pull my hair out. And it was no fun. I also invested in many tool to help, which was not cheap.
I understand. I am still trying to work out all the details. The whole goal here is trying to find a way to help authors get their work out into the world.
I like the idea. And, if 1 author does not have enough to fill the book,then you might think of adding another. Perhaps 3 at the most. That way they would all get exposure.
I would be very interested in this opportunity. I have been working on getting a chapbook of poetry published and this would be perfect for me. Also, I could supply my own cover art as I am also a visual artist.
I think this is a good idea. An inaugural book publication window or a breakthrough for a number of poets. It will not only afford these poets an opportunity to have their small books published but also to be considered and ideally consumed by readers from a diversity of cultures and countries.
I like the idea. I like the idea of having both a hard copy and digital option as well.
I am hoping that is the case with the route I am looking into.
Please keep us posted!
This sounds like an amazing opportunity and I would definitely be interested. How many pages long would it need to be?
Ditto. An amazing opportunity. I also have the same question about the number of pages.
Count me in, sounds like a generous proposal and very cool.
I just had my chapbook rejected and spent all day trying to find another publisher of chapbooks of 25 pages to submit it to. If you do decide to go this route, I'm interested in submitting mine. It's autobiographical about surviving sexual assault, physical abuse, a suicide attempt and alcoholism, but it does at least end on a positive note.
Are you looking for digital only or digital and print? Digital I can do, still trying to figure out the print piece. But I know the place I will use now offers print, but need to get all the details.
Thank you for your response. Either is fine. :)
Hi Dawn, Would you mind emailing me the Word doc of your chapbook? I would like to review it for consideration.
Sure. I will do that tonight. Thank you. :)
How many publishers did you try?? Just curious. Indies? Hybrids? Vanities?
Very hard to get poetry published.
Yes, it is. This chapbook has been rejected by three publishers. I just send it to any publisher whose guidelines it meets (18-25 pages, unpublished). I can't afford a hybrid or vanity publisher. I also cannot afford to pay for editing or cover design. It's just one of the handful of chapbooks I have been having a hard time finding a publisher for. I have considered certain PODs but their minimum is at $2000 and that's not doable for me. I have self-pubbed poetry books but would like to move beyond that because I am having difficulty getting books into print with these methods, as well as formatting and cover issues.
Yes, I’ve pretty much concluded without sending mine out yet that I’ll have to look for a hybrid — but looking for one that does poetry so it’s formatted properly etc - eg no orphan lines, no couplets split apart, etc. Having that discussion with Kevin below. But even if you find such a press, they may charge you a lot for the book and then there’s the quality issue. You cannot be too careful when it comes to publishing. Most poetry chapbooks get published by winning contests - which is one in a million. Good luck.
This sounds very interesting, would the chapbook be available in a print version too? I am old school and love my physical books.
Draft2digital started offering print as I have been scouring for amazon alternative. If they can do it, then yes it would be both digital and print. I never used them for print before, but there is a first time for everything :). I would have to see if they charge any fees for print. Digital they dont, they just take a percentage and they are not amazon.
Love it - so exciting. I would love to sub a manuscript to Written Tales
Count me in. I'd prefer both digital & print. How many pages are you considering. I have a couple ready to go.
Still need to work out the details. This was just an initial question to see the interest. Now, I need to get it lined up.
I've got some stories lined up. Are you looking for word count, or pages? I don't know how many pages that would be, or how you would go about counting it. My stories tend to hover around 17-19,000 words. The shortest on is 12,700. I'd like both print and digital. Sign me up!
Very cool idea! I like it!
This sounds like a good idea.
Absolutely interested in both print and digital!!!!
Although I have no plans for a chapbook in the near future, I like the idea. This will get many poets published. I would say you should go ahead it with, Kevin.
Are you interested in poetry or anthologies? I have a poetry chapbook. I’ve also got short stories.
It would depend on the size. Now that I see all the interest, I will start working out the details.
This sounds really lovely and a great opportunity. Would definitely be interested :)
After giving it some thought, Kevin might not like the idea, but I'd definitely prefer Kevin to do the one author chapbooks like he does multi-author chapbooks. He could keep the pittance from selling them. Then it would be much easier for me, and there would be paper books. No paper books from D2D for me.
I could let everyone decide how they would like me to publish. Using Amazon, I do not have a way to give a royalty. That is why I was thinking about Draft2Digital, as it has that option when you set up the book. I will try one paper from them and see how it looks.
It’s nothing I would be interested in as a publish my own books, but I think it’s a great idea for others. I wish you the best in this!
I have an update on the Author opportunity. You can read it here:
https://writtentales.substack.com/p/author-chapbooks-update
I would want assurance about the layout. The anthology on nature which was just published/ which has a lovely cover - cut my quatrain leaving the first line of a stanza as an orphan line at the bottom of the page. You told me it was Amazon that did this and there wast anything you could do. I believe you, but to me , it was as if my poem was murdered- cutting the stanza instead of having the four lines together on the next page. This interrupted and wrecked the rhyme snd thé rhythm. When I saw the orphan line, it was a sword through my heart. The literary journals seem to use various devices including changing space where poems start, putting in extra spaces at bottom or top where poems start or end, or even between stanzas, or even size of print, to make sure their poetry is formatted so poem is properly presented and stanzas not cut up if possible. this matters less for free verse, of course, but if you have rhyming snd metered poetry it really needs to be done correctly. I am not complaining, just pointing something out that with a new printer other than Amazon, can you/we make sure that doesn’t happen? Eg - with page proofs that show you how it will look printed out? Again, that’s for the hard copy books- which many like to give as gifts. Think this not an issue for online publication . Thanks for asking us. AG
If I know upfront about break lines, as I mentioned, I can set it. Put in a hard break. But without knowing, I do not know. I could have different models. The free version as I stated initially above in the original post, and then a paid version. I could even have a price for which I create the chapbook and then the author can submit it anywhere as it is book ready. And the author has full control. I understand your concerns. Thank you for the input :)
So to “know upfront” about break lines, authors need to know how many lines per page in that particular publication, including white spaces, and then we could tell you where to break the page- say 35 lines (including white spaces, title?) so if a quatrain would get broken, author would indicate after which complete quatrain to have page break so all quatrains or tercets or couplets etc are left intact. Or, free verse writers can end at the line they think best. A single orphan line is never a good look, though possibly unavoidable sometimes. Does that make sense?
Murdered the poem. It’s true they are delicate pieces to be honoured
Yes, very interested.
And also print copies.
Thanks!
I like it. Do you have a format that you want the author to follow?
I need to work out all the details still. I had a few people email me over the last few months, and I decided I would ask the Written Tales family. I'll keep everyone posted.
I I'm a bit green behind the ears in this area and have never put together a chapbook before. I have gathered the poems I want to use but do I need to add some stories as well?
Also, do the authors have choice on content?
These will be the author's own content as long as they meet the guidelines. They are solo chapbooks of a single author. I will be getting a submission form up in the next week once I figure out how I will make this all work. This is more of an opportunity to help authors get their work out there where I can help get them published.
I should have been more specific. I was wondering about absolute choice as opposed to editorial suggestions/direction.
The author has full choice, I would only act as a publisher. There are a few things I wouldn't want to publish. I'm open to almost any topic. If I feel a body of work is not suitable, I would let the author know.
I have dealt with D2D and it was a PITA. Nobody is offering my story collection on paper. Submitting to D2D was overly complicated and difficult. Midway through the process a cover picture was required. First, this was unexpected and I've always used Pixabay for illustrations, but D2D required an illustration on my computer. I only wanted paper, but digital input was first. So much more. When I learned that there was more work before I could get any payments, I decided to let them keep the pennys. The only positive that I have from this is that "Vernonia Trilogy" has been published and is available in digital Whoop. It might work for someone, but I have no plans to do anything with D2D again. If Kevin wanted to publish one author chapbooks, sure.
I have been using them for a few years now without issue. But you have to be super clean on the fomat or it is hard. I learned that when I first started. As long as you can get the formatting down, no issue. Now that I have published many chapbooks and even my own personal books, I know what needs to be done. But like you said, when I first started I would pull my hair out. And it was no fun. I also invested in many tool to help, which was not cheap.
Aside from the difficulty of input, publication without available paper copies does not interest me. It might work for someone else.
I understand. I am still trying to work out all the details. The whole goal here is trying to find a way to help authors get their work out into the world.
This sounds interesting. Am in and print copies too would make more meaning. Keep me posted.
I like the idea. And, if 1 author does not have enough to fill the book,then you might think of adding another. Perhaps 3 at the most. That way they would all get exposure.
Sounds great
This is a great idea, Kevin. I can't imagine any poet that would be less than thrilled to have their work published. I'm in!
I'm in! It's a great idea.
I would be very interested in this opportunity. I have been working on getting a chapbook of poetry published and this would be perfect for me. Also, I could supply my own cover art as I am also a visual artist.
Love this idea! Can’t wait to submit!
This sounds really cool, and like the first step in a big journey forward!!
Yes! I love this idea!
I think this is a good idea. An inaugural book publication window or a breakthrough for a number of poets. It will not only afford these poets an opportunity to have their small books published but also to be considered and ideally consumed by readers from a diversity of cultures and countries.