Hello! Seems like ages since I've posted here. Hope 2020 is starting out well for you. Here's an update on what we've been up to. Also, I have a story for you (it's at the end).
Cyber Smut
The title of our next anthology has transformed into Cyber Smut. We're really excited about this and hope you are too. The theme remains the same - we want to know how the internet has impacted your life. Fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Closing date for submissions: 29 February. Details on our submissions page: gutspublishing.com/submissions
Ebook & Audiobook
Stories About Penises ebook is now available! You can buy a copy from Amazon, or get a free copy when you order a paperback from Guts Publishing. A perfectly outrageous way to say Happy Valentine's Day. For shipping details, take a look here.
We are currently recording an audiobook of Stories About Penises and are over-the-moon thrilled. Can't wait to share this with you. Aiming for March/April 2020 release.
Reading
Molly McLellan (Stories About Penises contributor) will be reading from her short story 'Field' — the life a penis might have lived — on 12 February at Owl's Nest Books in Calgary, Canada. 6:30 - 8:30pm. (Britannia Shopping Plaza, 815a 49 Ave SW, Calgary)
Here's my story...
In my ongoing quest for more distribution outlets, I spend a fair amount of time visiting bookshops. It's always a challenge for a new publisher, but having a title like Stories About Penises makes it twice as challenging. So today, I went to a bookshop (large chain bookshop, won't mention name), and started with my pitch:
'Hi, I'm a new publisher in London, Guts Publishing. I really love your bookshop (smile, head tilt). We released our first book in November and a friend recommended your bookshop, so I thought I'd stop by.'
'What's the title?'
'Well, I have a copy with me, would you like to take a look?'
'Sure.'
'Fair warning, it's a bit racy,' I say and hand her the book.
She takes a look, and there's a giggle-gasp as she stares at the cover.
'Well I can see how this would do well in independent bookshops or a gay bookshops, but we're kind of a family bookshop.'
It was kind of annoying, but that's how it went. A family bookshop. As if independent bookshops and gay bookshops somehow exclude families? As if parents and children might faint or their minds might become tainted or they might think they've strolled into a porn shop if they saw a book with a banana on the cover and the word penis. Family bookshop.
The thing is, I have faith in people, even those who might be considered 'conservative'. Because they don't dress wild. Or they don't talk the talk. Because you never know what anyone is going to think about anything. And why should a bookshop manager be the one who decides what you can or cannot read? I understand where she was coming from, but I also think she underestimates her customers. So I guess that might be something to think about the next time you're in one of those 'big' bookshops. And all the more reason to buy your books from an independent bookshop!
Wishing you all the best. Happy Valentine's Day, and remember we've got free ebooks for you!
Julianne
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