So much of this website is in fancy stylings. This page, seems
to desire simplicity.
Obviously, the ability to read the text, is intrinsically important. However,
other than that, please...be creative.
The most important task in submitting something is to make certain you're familiar
with what we've published in the past - not because we're locked in to what we
publish, but because familiarity shows an attention to detail that is of upmost
import - which is exactly what I am looking at in a writer with whom I might want
to work.
This detail is important because in the indie world, you're not just handing a
manuscript off, getting your book back, and waiting for royalties to roll in.
Once the book is in your hands - this is when and where the fun really begins
- the beating of the cobblestones to find stores, shows, and hands to cradle your
child.
When I spent years on the road as a tour manager for a rock band, I saw hundreds
of opening bands, most of which always wanted my opinion afterwards. I was always
encouraging, giving them complements on their fine points and picking out a scuff
or two that could use more than just a tossed-off spit shine - those things which
really needed, heck deserved, a real silver polish. However, the one comment
I often wanted to say, but never did, yet have used many times since I got off
the road, is the following story...
Many bands go on stage and know which of their one or two songs is really the
attention grabber. Usually they open fire and flame and wow the crowd. Four
songs in, the crowd wants the album to take home and is surprised that what they're
hearing isn't half bad. Then, the band keeps playing...six or seven more songs
and each one is less finished, less moving...and the band keeps playing because
they feel as if they have to fill the time that they've been allotted. Yet, by
the time the tenth song is finished, the crowd is bored, drifting, wanting the
band they actually came to see...and has forgotten all about how good the band
was to begin with. Had the band stopped at four songs, the crowd would have been
enamored - instead, they are simply annoyed.
Simply put - do yourself and your work better justice than simply casting hooks
into the water. You and your work deserve both as it is obvious you have skill
and a dedication to your craft. At the end of the day, there is one surefire
guaranteed tried-and-true completely and utterly stereotypical and cliché way
to get your writing noticed - make the writing noticeable. For certain, then,
the people you want to have take notice of your work, will take notice. They
won't be able to turn away.
If you've read through the above, and still want to work with us, please send
your creation to:
Seraphemera Books
Attn: Marc Moorash
P.O. Box 73562
Houston, TX 77273
BACK TO QUIESCENCE CHAPBOOKS