Writer or Reader: Two Points of View from the Same Eyes
Poetry, Publishing
Because my poetry life is split between being an editor/publisher and being a publishing poet, I think I may have some viewpoints that would be of interest to both sides of the argument.
What is the argument? Depends on whether you are a poet or a publisher. A poet might ask, "Why do I keep getting rejected?" A publisher might ask, "Why can't poets follow the guidelines?" There is no shortage of topics.
I don't pretend to know it all. I still get surprised now and then. Having been both poet and publisher for almost 40 years, however, has forced me to empathize with both positions. So I created this blog in an attempt to present all possible (or all I can think of) viewpoints in the hopes that what you read here will be of benefit in achieving more success as a poet or publisher. In this business, it takes two to tango. The poet has to submit something, and the publisher has to accept or reject something.
I also want to talk about self-publishing, which is not nearly as frowned upon as in the past. New technologies, such as Print on Demand (POD), have made it possible for anyone to publish cheaply and to gain broad distribution through sales channels as well. Times have changed, and both publishers and poets must change with them. While the two sides may never be best friends, they certainly should not be enemies.
I don't want to offend anyone, but neither do I want to be dishonest. I have opinions and will share them bluntly, all in the spirit of helping. I hope you will do the same.
—Robert S. King