 |
 |
This is only a surmise because as a bookseller i haven't been able to get any solid information (such as a catalogue) out of Sun & Moon since 1994. But if they are hanging back on their British programme (is that all there was of a British programme?) it might be something to do with the fact that they no longer have any British distribution, because Password dropped them or vice versa. And yet that too would be odd because Password always refused to distribute the presses publishing those kinds of British authors (such as Reality Street) anyway. Those concerned about poetry in the market place should note that Password has changed its name, and its address, and its telephone numbers etc., and no longer distributes books. It only reps, and all its books are distributed by Littlehampton Book Services. This means that when Carcanet, (for instance) publish a book, it goes through at least five businesses before it gets to the reader: printer, publisher, representation, distributor and shop, each taking a profit from it so it's not surprising that it costs an arm and a leg by the time you buy it. I really have no idea why this multiple machinery is considered necessary. Most books in fact also go through a typesetting firm, a design firm, and maybe also a shrinkwrap applicator or consultancy for protection from the spread of infectious diseases and installation of anti-terrorist devices.. The books would be even more expensive if the publishers and reppers didn't also absorb a lot of public funds in the process. I personally think it would be a lot better if the grants were more evenly distributed across the poetry spectrum and the retailing process simplified. Peter Riley (Books) Catalogue 63 now out: 2nd-hand poetry and some unrepped presses. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%