Recent Publicity
Impetus Author Nick Antosca features for the second month in a row on Bookslut with this review of his novel Fires .
Impetus co-publisher Jennifer Banash is featured in a lengthy interview on the blog Conversations in the Book Trade in which she discusses the current state of publishing and literature and the ways in which Impetus is trying to contribute to the massive push for a change being made by small publishers.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
A Rant
WHY CAN'T PEOPLE READ OUR SUBMISSION GUIDELINES BEFORE QUERYING? WHY WHY?
Our guidelines are basically a paragraph long! If you can't be bothered to read a paragraph, or pull up our website and take the 10 minutes it would take to see what it is that we publish, just don't query us. Really, I'm not kidding. Sending mass queries to agents and publishers is not resourceful, its not cool, and generally its a huge goddamn waste of everyone's time.
To be clear: we don't publsih ANY genre fiction. No women's, westerns, adventure, thriller, children's, poetry, or non-fiction. If your novel is a brilliant amalgamation of three different genres, we don't care. We won't publish it. All we publish are works of serious literary fiction with a pop edge that fall in-between the worlds of commercial and experimental publishing-- in style as well as subject matter. That's it.
If you can see your work being published by Random House, we're not the right place for you. In turn, if you can see your novel being published by FC2, we're not the right place for you either. Impetus is a publishing house dedicated to giving those writers who fall into the gray area between the experimental and commercial a place to be heard. So, take the freakin' 10 minutes it takes to read our submisson policies before clogging our inbox--I beg of you.
You'll not only save our time--but your own.
WHY CAN'T PEOPLE READ OUR SUBMISSION GUIDELINES BEFORE QUERYING? WHY WHY?
Our guidelines are basically a paragraph long! If you can't be bothered to read a paragraph, or pull up our website and take the 10 minutes it would take to see what it is that we publish, just don't query us. Really, I'm not kidding. Sending mass queries to agents and publishers is not resourceful, its not cool, and generally its a huge goddamn waste of everyone's time.
To be clear: we don't publsih ANY genre fiction. No women's, westerns, adventure, thriller, children's, poetry, or non-fiction. If your novel is a brilliant amalgamation of three different genres, we don't care. We won't publish it. All we publish are works of serious literary fiction with a pop edge that fall in-between the worlds of commercial and experimental publishing-- in style as well as subject matter. That's it.
If you can see your work being published by Random House, we're not the right place for you. In turn, if you can see your novel being published by FC2, we're not the right place for you either. Impetus is a publishing house dedicated to giving those writers who fall into the gray area between the experimental and commercial a place to be heard. So, take the freakin' 10 minutes it takes to read our submisson policies before clogging our inbox--I beg of you.
You'll not only save our time--but your own.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Impetus Media Sightings
Impetus had a down-right media frenzy the other day, popping up on Galleycat, Bookslut and Largeheartedboy. The links follow.
First, the Galleycat post linking to Jennifer's open letter to Judith Regan. I forwarded the letter and the Galleycat post to the Midwest correspondent at Publisher's Weekly, but they didn't deem it news worthy . . . but they'll soon see the error in their ways--we made Judith an offer she can't refuse.
The other two items both involve Nick Antosca's new book Fires. You can read Nick's thoughts on the writing of Fires, being a young writer and "blowing his load" (or not) in his interview with Ned Vizinni on Bookslut. And on Largeheartedboy you can read about the music that inspired and fueled the writing of Fires.
All-in-all, it as a damn good day--I wish we got that much press every day of the week.
Impetus had a down-right media frenzy the other day, popping up on Galleycat, Bookslut and Largeheartedboy. The links follow.
First, the Galleycat post linking to Jennifer's open letter to Judith Regan. I forwarded the letter and the Galleycat post to the Midwest correspondent at Publisher's Weekly, but they didn't deem it news worthy . . . but they'll soon see the error in their ways--we made Judith an offer she can't refuse.
The other two items both involve Nick Antosca's new book Fires. You can read Nick's thoughts on the writing of Fires, being a young writer and "blowing his load" (or not) in his interview with Ned Vizinni on Bookslut. And on Largeheartedboy you can read about the music that inspired and fueled the writing of Fires.
All-in-all, it as a damn good day--I wish we got that much press every day of the week.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
AN OPEN LETTER TO JUDITH REGAN
Dear Judith,
I was saddened--and ridiculously entertained, I must admit--to hear of your recent firing, and consequent plans to take over the film industry. However, before you make such a move, I have a proposition that you might not be able to resist. Impetus Press is a small, independent publishing house located in Iowa City, Iowa that publishes serious literary fiction with a pop edge. I can almost see your right eyebrow raising almost imperceptibly as you read those last words--its right up your alley, isn't it? But I digress. Currently, we have a position available for someone of your considerable experience. Judith--and I hope you don't mind that we seem to be on a first name basis already--Iowa City is a virtual haven. Isn't that just what you need right now? There is art and culture, numerous theater performances, fine dining, and practially no jews to speak of! I think you'd be very comfortable in our quaint little college town full of liberals and lefties--along with the occasional right-wing extremist lunatic. And think of how far your housing dollars would go! In Iowa City, you can buy a 5 bedroom Victorian home for under $300,000! Try doing that in Hollywood.
And, I hope it goes without saying that, here at Impetus, you'd have the run of the house. Replace ALL the mezzuzah's with $100 bills! We don't care! Judith, Impetus needs a strong leader, a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. I'm too tired most of the time to really occupy that position to the best of my ability, and, from what I've heard from your former co-workers and assistants, you play the part of a castrating bitch (and I mean that as a compliment) flawlessly. Sure, some people say you're demanding, "a complete nightmare" to work with, but Willy and I would welcome your blast of creative energy--even if it came with a barrage of screaming and insults. In fact, such talk would wash over us like a cool wind off the Pacific ocean. Judith, I want to make it plain that here, your talents would be both appreciated and revered.
In closing, we eagerly await your response. Judith, please consider moving to Iowa City and heading up the soon-to-be-next publishing house to be reckoned with.
We promise you won't be sorry.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Banash and Willy Blackmore
Publishers
Impetus Press
Update
Well, we've been back from our trip for a while now, and it was amazing. That being said, we'll probably never go on vacation again, because we had more to do when we came back than ever. FIRES was inexplicably held up at the border, and when the books finally did arrive, many of them were damaged due to incorrect packing and general laziness on the part of our printer, Transcontinental. So, basically we've been dealing with the nightmare of trying to come to an agreement on reprinting--or a discount. Either way, we'll have to pay Biblio to hand-check all the books currently at the distributer--which is a pain in the ass, to say the least.
I feel like I'm in one of those patches where, no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to go right. It makes me want to hide in my room till it all blows over, and the mess attaches itself to someone elses life. I also feel bad for my friends who were afected by the PGW bankruptcy disaster--like Soft Skull Press. I know how hard it is for us to stay afloat when we get paid, on average, every 4 months or so, and I can't imagine how hard it must be to know that you're not EVER going to get paid what you're owed. Now, more than ever, I'm glad that both PGW AND Consortium turned us down. As for Consortium, I don't want to be part of a monopoly either.
We've pushed Christian TeBordo's novel WE GO LIQUID to September. It will be released with Dave Housley's awesome collection of stories RYAN SEACREST IS FAMOUS. The push was partly forced by the new requirements of our distributers, and partly because WGL is NOT a beach-read, and I don't want it to have to compete with books like the new Harry Potter--as if anything really could. Also, most reading series' shut down in the summer months anyway. So, September it is.
And for your viewing pleasure, the top photo is the sunset over the Charles Bridge in Prague.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Thank God for Helpful People
Jennifer and I had coffee this afternoon with our new best friend Susan, who is going to be one of those illustrious few who can consider themselves Impetus employees. Currently, that group is a mighty one strong. And I'm so greatful for her help that I wouldn't be suprised if she makes her way into my will--whenever such a document exists.
It's really amazed me how many wonderful people like Susan we've come across since starting this venture. From Richard Nash to the folks at KGB to our authors, we've been blessed to come in contact with people more than willing to offer their help or, in the case of our authors, to work with us on every level and to do so gladly. But strangely enough, this good luck has not crossed over to the professional relationships we have with companies that we actually have to pay rather large sums of money to, like our distributor, for example. It has taken, amazingly enough, 2 whole days and way too many emails (and a few snotty ones) to find out how much we would need to pay them for one of their services. One would think they'd give up such info more freely. But I can't really complain too much as they do sell our books and at the end of the day, that is their primary job. But still . . .
Jennifer and I had coffee this afternoon with our new best friend Susan, who is going to be one of those illustrious few who can consider themselves Impetus employees. Currently, that group is a mighty one strong. And I'm so greatful for her help that I wouldn't be suprised if she makes her way into my will--whenever such a document exists.
It's really amazed me how many wonderful people like Susan we've come across since starting this venture. From Richard Nash to the folks at KGB to our authors, we've been blessed to come in contact with people more than willing to offer their help or, in the case of our authors, to work with us on every level and to do so gladly. But strangely enough, this good luck has not crossed over to the professional relationships we have with companies that we actually have to pay rather large sums of money to, like our distributor, for example. It has taken, amazingly enough, 2 whole days and way too many emails (and a few snotty ones) to find out how much we would need to pay them for one of their services. One would think they'd give up such info more freely. But I can't really complain too much as they do sell our books and at the end of the day, that is their primary job. But still . . .
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Mark Your Damn Calendar
The lovely and talented Nick Antosca will be reading from his debut novel FIRES at Housing Works on Thursday, January 11th at 7 pm. along with the incomporable Kate Hunter. If you missed the recent readings by Kate or Nick at KGB, here's your chance to catch them both together like the dynamic duo they are. Here is the blurb they have on the Housing Works calendar:
A night of debut fiction from Iowa City’s Impetus Press, committed to offering what other small presses don’t, and what commercial publishers can’t – literary fiction with a pop edge. Two of their authors will read, Nick Antosca from his novel Fires and Kate Hunter will read from The Dream Sequence, a novella. The reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing.
Praise for The Dream Sequence: “A complex structure of narratives within narratives. Scary, mesmerizing, sometimes improbably funny, The Dream Sequence is a masterful performance.”—John Ashbery
Praise for Fires: “Fires is fantastic. It s often dark, often startlingly beautiful, and it s crammed with a smoky, foreboding atmosphere that kept pulling me along, thrilled and a little scared, toward the end.” —Scott Heim, author of Mysterious Skin and the forthcoming We Disappear
Kate and Nick are so talented and gracious it isn't even funny. So, please come out and support them-- and independent publishing.
The lovely and talented Nick Antosca will be reading from his debut novel FIRES at Housing Works on Thursday, January 11th at 7 pm. along with the incomporable Kate Hunter. If you missed the recent readings by Kate or Nick at KGB, here's your chance to catch them both together like the dynamic duo they are. Here is the blurb they have on the Housing Works calendar:
A night of debut fiction from Iowa City’s Impetus Press, committed to offering what other small presses don’t, and what commercial publishers can’t – literary fiction with a pop edge. Two of their authors will read, Nick Antosca from his novel Fires and Kate Hunter will read from The Dream Sequence, a novella. The reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing.
Praise for The Dream Sequence: “A complex structure of narratives within narratives. Scary, mesmerizing, sometimes improbably funny, The Dream Sequence is a masterful performance.”—John Ashbery
Praise for Fires: “Fires is fantastic. It s often dark, often startlingly beautiful, and it s crammed with a smoky, foreboding atmosphere that kept pulling me along, thrilled and a little scared, toward the end.” —Scott Heim, author of Mysterious Skin and the forthcoming We Disappear
Kate and Nick are so talented and gracious it isn't even funny. So, please come out and support them-- and independent publishing.
Christmas . . .Vacation
Wow. Its been a long time since I updated the blog. A lot's hapened, and at the same time, not much has changed. I wish I could say that the Holidays were equal amounts peaceful and restful, but, alas, that was not the case. We did, however, manage to ship almost 1000 lbs of books to the new distributor. Don't even ask how much of a nightmare it was.
I spent x-mas with Willy's family, who were lovely, and laid around with my dog for two days, mostly letting him bite my hands (he likes it). We made a ton of food, including my grandmother's lasagna, and I got some very lovely presents form both my own family, and willy's as well. New Years Eve was complete madness, spent in a rented corner of hell called the Moose Lodge, drinking copious amounts of whiskey and champagne in a crowded space, while watching go-go dancers pantomine taking it all off. I love Iowa.
Willy and I didn't spend an awful lot on each other this christmas because . . . WE'RE GOING ON VACATION!
Yes, that's right, you heard me correctly. I used some of my monkey-for-hire earnings (otherwise known as the YA novel I ghostwrote) to buy a trip to Eastern Europe. For the next 12 days I am no longer a publisher. For the next 12 days I am a multinational monkey traveling all over Vienna, Prague, and Budapest, stuffing cake into my face in regular intervals, and pretending the rest of the world does not exist. For the next 12 days there will be no stress, no worrying about release dates, or author's concerns. There will be no obsessive checking of my many email accounts, or making phone calls.
Unfortunately, this break comes right at the release date of FIRES, but we're not anticipating any problems. The books are being printed, and soon they will be resting safely in Biblio's warehouse, quietly snoozing until they are catapulted onto bookstore shelves all over the U.S. And rightfully so. We'll have emai access, in case of any snafus.
That being said, we're taking a much-needed break. We deserve it.
Until January 15th XOX
Wow. Its been a long time since I updated the blog. A lot's hapened, and at the same time, not much has changed. I wish I could say that the Holidays were equal amounts peaceful and restful, but, alas, that was not the case. We did, however, manage to ship almost 1000 lbs of books to the new distributor. Don't even ask how much of a nightmare it was.
I spent x-mas with Willy's family, who were lovely, and laid around with my dog for two days, mostly letting him bite my hands (he likes it). We made a ton of food, including my grandmother's lasagna, and I got some very lovely presents form both my own family, and willy's as well. New Years Eve was complete madness, spent in a rented corner of hell called the Moose Lodge, drinking copious amounts of whiskey and champagne in a crowded space, while watching go-go dancers pantomine taking it all off. I love Iowa.
Willy and I didn't spend an awful lot on each other this christmas because . . . WE'RE GOING ON VACATION!
Yes, that's right, you heard me correctly. I used some of my monkey-for-hire earnings (otherwise known as the YA novel I ghostwrote) to buy a trip to Eastern Europe. For the next 12 days I am no longer a publisher. For the next 12 days I am a multinational monkey traveling all over Vienna, Prague, and Budapest, stuffing cake into my face in regular intervals, and pretending the rest of the world does not exist. For the next 12 days there will be no stress, no worrying about release dates, or author's concerns. There will be no obsessive checking of my many email accounts, or making phone calls.
Unfortunately, this break comes right at the release date of FIRES, but we're not anticipating any problems. The books are being printed, and soon they will be resting safely in Biblio's warehouse, quietly snoozing until they are catapulted onto bookstore shelves all over the U.S. And rightfully so. We'll have emai access, in case of any snafus.
That being said, we're taking a much-needed break. We deserve it.
Until January 15th XOX
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