Despite wanting to work in publishing, I was a publisher's…
“Despite wanting to work in publishing, I was a publisher's worst nightmare: I rarely bought new books. So my goal was to publish the kind of books I would buy, and read. My reading habits have changed since starting the press. The only other "goal", per say, is to continue to experiment. I don't want the press to ever fall into a formula, or to be pigeonholed - "They do great reissues of modernist poets!" - I want to keep pushing, exploring the kind of title we can get away with. And working with authors who challenge the way I think about writing, editing and reading.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He aims to publish books he would personally buy and read, avoiding formulaic publishing and encouraging experimental, challenging works.
In simple terms: Publish what you love, avoid sameness.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize personal taste and innovation.
Themes
publishing
creativity
authenticity
risk
literature
Mood
determined
optimistic
Type
mission statement
creative manifesto
When to use this quote
- starting a press
- selecting titles
- working with authors
- maintaining editorial freedom
- avoiding market pigeonholing
Key Concepts
curatorial vision
author collaboration
genre blending
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance personal taste with market viability?
- What strategies keep a press from becoming formulaic?
A Different Perspective
May limit commercial success if niche focus alienates mainstream readers.