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Just to second Mairead's suggestion. While you may be excluded from competitions etc by self-publishing, not being published at all hardly improves one's chances. Maybe the snootier mags don't review self-published work, but that's their loss. I can think of plenty of mags that wouldn't have a problem. Also, starting a small press doesn't preclude the work being published later by a larger press which might not otherwise have had the opportunity to make contact with the stuff. Though I have found that even publishing something in an edition of 50 deprives it of savour to certain mag editors who only want "new" stuff. (I find it hard not to see this as a kind of consumerism, avarice even, but there you are) One thing though, I'd recommend the desktop route rather than the print shop, for starters anyway. Why have 200 copies making your wardrobe creak, esp. with sections of a long work that might go through all sorts of changes and thus have quite a short half life. One is also in a position to lend a hand with the vast amount of excellent poetry out there that's not being published either. If anyone's interested in starting a press and doesn't want to use staples or spiral binding, I've written a small pamphlet which explains how to sew a booklet. Lotsa pictures. best Randolph Healy PS my spellchecker wants to change Mairead to airhead. I'm getting rid of it forthwith. PPS Mairead, if you do start a press any chance of working BeeGee into the title (Byrne/Gudding)? The Heeby BeeGees maybe? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mairead Byrne" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2001 2:42 PM Subject: Re: self-publication > All of what you say is true but self-publication has a long and valuable > tradition; it also allows you to move forward in your work; and make your > own audience. I was advised against self-publication long ago when I was > young and frustrated. It was bad advice. I never had a lifestyle that > allowed me entry into the culture or society of poetry. I am also > indebted to publishers who still eat and drink initiative. Anyway, the > most important thing is (and others know a lot more about it than I do) > is that self-publication allows you to get the work out to a few at > least, and to move on. > Mairead > > On Tue, 20 Feb 2001, ALI ALIZADEH wrote: > > > >I would strongly advise you to publish your work yourself. I'm sorry I > > didn't do this long ago. > > > > It's looking more like that by the minute. I suppose I'll be running the risk of > > being snobbed by journals and papers as far as having it reviewed goes, and by self- > > publishing I'll be excluded from entering competitions, festivals and having my book > > in most bookshops. But all of that is better than not being published whatsoever. I > > really appriciate your advice. > > > > Ali > > > >