Diary of a Mad Editor

There are basically two distinct groups of small press writers: those who believe that writing for purely commercial gain is beneath their divine calling to the writing arts and those who are all about the money, who even believe that bestsellerdom and international fame are just a chapbook away.

The second group may have unrealistic expectations, but at least they are honest about what they want. The first group is being dishonest — lying to themselves and lying to others about their true desires. While it’s true that no real artist does what they do purely for mercenary reasons, it’s also true that no sane person would turn-down a nice fat monetary reward if it was in their reach.

Yet, the small press has largely become a warehouse for both groups of writers. There are hundreds of the delusional “I’m going to be the next big thing” writers. Self-important, self-absorbed pipe-dreamers who act as if their literary molehills of failure are mountains of success.

And there are hundreds of the whiny, equally delusional “commercial success is beneath my art, but the reason why I’m misunderstood and unknown is because the big publishing houses publish crap and are conspiring against me” writers.

I can’t help but roll my eyes. Sure, big media is more interested in the almighty dollar and synergy and all that crap. And sure, they publish more mediocre garbage than literature of genuine merit. Gone forever are the days when editors at the big publishing houses took young writers under their wing and cultivated their talent and helped them build a career. But those whiny bitch writers who spend their days shaking their fists at big media will never find a sizable audience for their art in the small press that a big publishing house could provide them. It ain’t going to happen. And that’s not because of some secret conspiracy perpetrated by Random House or HarperCollins. It’s because the small press is small and the writing for the most part is not mainstream — at least not to the point where it would appeal to most readers. Another thing: how many small press writers actively support the small press? How many of them have a personal library made up solely of small press books. Most of those writers only support their own little clique so the small press never really grows or changes much and the writers never reach out beyond their own circle. The small press and its devotees are just as narrow in their view as the big press is, albeit for different reasons. And that’s kind of sad because there are some good writers and good quality publishing outfits within the small press community.

The bottomline is that none of us, regardless of what we say to the contrary, would pass up real tangible success if we could achieve it. So, as small press writers let’s be honest, shall we? Be happy with your lowly status or do something real to change it. Otherwise, shut the fuck up.