Poets & Writers Magazine - November - December 2019

In this issue

Our November/December issue features essays by eight industry innovators on the future of independent publishing; a conversation with celebrated author Carmen Maria Machado on her new memoir, In the Dream House; Mahogany L. Browne talks to poet Reginald Dwayne Betts about his third collection, Felon; our fourth annual 5 Over 50; the inspiration and insanity of National Novel Writing Month; plus interviews with Washington Post book critic Carlos Lozada and Yale Series of Younger Poets judge Carl Phillips.

Dream House

IN HER NEW BOOK, IN THE DREAM HOUSE, CARMEN MARIA MACHADO REIMAGINES THE MEMOIR FORM BY EXAMINING HER PERSONAL STORY OF DOMESTIC ABUSE USING DIFFERENT NARRATIVE TROPES AND SHINES NEW LIGHT ON THE HISTORY AND REALITY OF ABUSE IN QUEER RELATIONSHIPS.

10+ mins

Name A Song

REGINALD DWAYNE BETTS IN CONVERSATION WITH MAHOGANY L. BROWNE

10+ mins

Distribution And Discoverability

Independence comes at a price. While supply-chain optimization, technological innovation, and shifts in reading and buying habits have lowered operating costs for many in the book business, publishers included, the price of independence is still mostly paid in the form of costs related to diffusion, such as fees paid to third-party sales and distribution companies, without whom it would be logistically impossible for indie presses—at least those like Europa Editions—to deliver books to our retail partners and, through them, to readers.

5 mins

Right In Front Of You + Immersive

MY HOPES for the future of independent publishing involve three major elements: stronger “channels” of interest that drive better visibility for writers, particularly fiction writers; more collaboration among writers to create these channels and gather power; and deeper experimentation with format and delivery.

3 mins

Digital Distribution Models

Distribution. Format. Editorial. In publishing—as with almost all media—these three elements work in tandem to define the business models that allow creatives to be creative for a living.

5 mins

A Call For Change

The future of independent publishing must be innovative.

3 mins

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Poets & Writers Magazine Description:

For more than twenty years, Poets & Writers Magazine has been a trusted companion to writers who take their vocation seriously. Within its pages, our readers find provocative essays on the literary life, practical guidance for getting published and pursuing writing careers, in-depth profiles of poets, fiction writers, and writers of creative nonfiction, and conversation among fellow professionals.