National Small Press Month
The following is an annoucement about National Small Press Month, an announcement e-mailed to me to encourage us, as an independent press, to get the word out about a month that celebrates the universe of which we are but a tiny component. We will of course be doing our best, and part of what I thought I'd do is re-write it slightly, as an address to readers of this blog, who I imagine to be a mix of bloggers, writers, perhaps the occasional bookseller and librarian?
March 2006 is the tenth anniversary of National Small Press Month. Co-founded by the Small Press Center and the PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association, National Small Press Month is a yearly celebration of independent publishing, much in the same vein as National Poetry Month. It has taken place each March since 1996, and so far has been somewhat of a quiet effort. In this, the tenth year, we aim to make more of an impact on a nationwide level, promoting independent presses in general and their authors in particular. This year our theme is National Small Press Month: Books Beyond the Obvious.
To help publicize any events that are being organized, Small Press Month posters, which are free of charge, may be requested. This year, Kurt Vonnegut has graciously allowed his self-portrait to be used on the eye-catching, color posters that look great in libraries, stores, schools and local gathering spots.
We are looking to generate enthusiasm and action on all fronts of independent publishing—from the distributors to publishers to bookstores to writers. By involving different segments of the small and independent publishing community, we can make more of a collective effort to raise public awareness of the important work published by small presses.Independent Presses are a key factor in the success of National Small Press Month. We are encouraging you to in turn contact your local bookstores and libraries to schedule readings, arrange for displays of your titles, book ads in area papers, among many other suggestions.
You may go to our website at www.smallpressmonth.org or the Small Press Center website at www.smallpress.org to download 31 Suggestions of What Publishers Can Do for National Small Press Month, plus 10 Things Bookstores and Libraries can do to take part, as well as a Poster Request Form.
Given how many of those if you reading this are fans of, or even indebted to small/independent presses in some fashion, you're probably all alreday doing things to help. But perhaps score a couple of posters and prevail upon your local bookseller and library to put them up, or mention the Month when you're annoucing events you're mentioning on your site or blog, or if you're a freelancer, see if you can pitch an article to your editor?
Together, we can raise awareness in support of the hundreds of publishers and the amazing work they all do. On behalf of Small Press Month coordinating committee, which includes the Small Press Center, PMA, Book Sense and CLMP, [and Soft Skull Press] thank you for your time and consideration.