Something exists called the 2009 Australian Publishers Association Members Directory. A copy arrived for me the other week because I am a member of the APA, and I turned to my page:
There I am with Murdoch Books and Museum Victoria. I can assure you most other major players and well-respected publishers are in there as well.
(Yes, Tweetdeck is open in the background. Look you can just see Bettina!)
Staring at the page, I should’ve been proud. I mean, there’s no reason for me NOT to be there, technically. I am a paid-up member (ka- ching!) and business-wise I suppose I tick all the boxes. I have a book and I’ve had happy readers. I have nationwide distribution (which is a really big deal to some people as it turns out, although I know of plenty who don’t and seem to get by).
I guess I’m wondering what happens next? What do I want to do?
The honest truth is I don’t know.
Do I want to publish another book?
Yes, I would. If the right one came along.
{Incidentally, how’s this for an idea: there’s the best Australian essays, short stories, etc published each year. What about something representing the Australian blogging community? A ‘best of’ from that world? I’d ask Darren to write a forward. Hmm?}
So, when?
I was talking to a poet last year and he said, “I know I’m ready to publish more poetry again once I’ve saved up enough money I’d be willing to lose.”
I suppose with poetry, arguably the most non-commercial type of writing, you might have to be that prudent, that hard-nosed, about the whole process. And I can’t help but feel in the same boat.
To make matters more complicated, last weekend at the Emerging Writers’ Festival I got lots of questions relating to the above matters. I will be honest and say it can be a lot of fun. I will also say that it is hard work. I also got a lot more of an insight as to how other small-press people operate, and they do so with a lot more people on hand to help, or know who to call upon. I am still a novice and am shy about asking too many questions.
To continue the nautical metaphor from before, I feel like I’m sitting on a becalmed ocean, waiting for the wind to pick up and drift me in the direction destiny wants.
Whether that is in the WRITING direction or the PUBLISHING direction remains to be seen. This year, 2009, I know where I want to go.
The writing.
I think.
Gah! I’m terrible at making decisions…
