It is National Poetry Month. I would’ve given a more cheerful greeting, but many poets will not be celebrating this month. The abrupt closing of Small Press Distribution last week has driven a spike into the heart of independent literature. The news broke very shocking to some. If you recall this whistleblower’s claims in 2020, or their massive GoFundMe in 2023, then you are likely not surprised about this fallout. Publishers are scrambling to course-correct, and the possibility of going defunct is now on the table. Authors, too, are frightened that their books are displaced or lost, losing a piece of their lives with it. CLMP is working its hardest to assist with obtaining facts, among other institutions. Check into this Q&A today to get a better idea of where your books may be. Other distributors like Asterism Books and Bookmobile/Itasca Books are opening their doors to orphaned publishers. While there is still much development and backlash to come, this is a massive net negative for all.
What does this mean for Thirty West? Thankfully, not much, at least I hope. I want to assure all of our readers and authors that no TW title is abandoned or disrupted at this time. We were never part of SPD. Our distribution channels (Ingram/LSI, Asterism, and in-house) are not affected. We’ve gone many years with only in-house fulfillment—our chapbooks, for example, are 100% fulfilled this way. We’ve been a client with Ingram since 2019. We’re extremely fortunate to have been an Asterism client since mid-2023. We foresee our partnership as a crucial part of our development and long-term progress as we inch closer to our 10th Anniversary in 2025. I will admit, that the analytics are showing a stark decline year over year from 2023, so the pinch is real as we await quarterly royalties. Tax season doesn’t help, either. The masthead and I are not invincible, but we are human and can show solidarity.
I do extend my condolences to any TW author who may have a book distributed with SPD. Likewise with publisher friends who need more support than ever. My inbox is open if you seek advice or recommendations. Now, I don’t wish to parlay this essay into an ominous warning, but I do, earnestly, want to issue a call to action. What I implore you to do: is purchase books directly from publishers. They are not being paid owed royalties, nor receiving their stock in a timely or economic manner. If you care deeply about the small press ecosystem or wish to see more work from your favorite indie author, do not wait. When I started this press, I thought, “Just wait, the university will help me.” Then, “Oh no big deal, graduate school will help me!” In reality, it is the dozens of authors that took a chance with us and countless readers like yourself. If last week taught us anything, it is that we operate in a fragile business and many of the establishments we’ve assumed to trust and admire are falling apart.
Alas, the show must go on. I do have some upbeat and exciting things to speak of about TW. I will close this portion with a stark quote from the late Maya Angelou’s, “Letter to My Daughter.”
You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
Afterimages is thriving with more fiction and nonfiction this month. There is much more to come, like a returning contributor and our in-house book reviewer.
This Saturday, see Josh at Poet Palooza 2 in Easton, PA. Book signings, poetry readings, some TW freebies, and information will be at our table. Come say hi.
Lastly, enjoy 25% off all single-title poetry books & chaps, as well as any bundle. Use code POEM4U at checkout from now till the 30th at midnight. Enrich your mind and dive into a genre that’s become more accessible over the decades.
The Extra Bits
The Westies Book Club is underway. You can still join us in 2024. The yearly catalog of 10 books and chapbooks is only $100 in one sum or $12 per month in 12 installments. Get your card, swag, and past books immediately mailed to you, from us. Set it and forget it!
Congrats to TW author/editor-at-large Kat Giordano! Her new book, THUMBSUCKER, is out TODAY. Ask her about the online launch and other events she will be reading at.
TW is going outdoors! On 4/13, we will embark on a short hike to a sublime reading space at one of Pennsylvania’s cherished state parks. Register early; slots are limited!
Our 2024 survey is open for one more week. Dozens of you have expressed your anonymous opinion of our press. We’re hoping to evolve and grow as we approach our 10th Anniversary in 2025. Check it out!