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Let Every Voice Be Heard!

Annual Small Press Month in Support of America's Independent Small Publishers
March is Small Press Month. The Small Press Center, Publishers Marketing Association (PMA), Book Sense, and Consortium Book Sales & Distribution are joining together to create a month-long celebration and a national "How to Get Published" day. The theme for 2003 is "Let Every Voice Be Heard! Support America's Independent Small Publishers." Other co-sponsors include Small Press Distribution, The Council of Literary Magazines and Presses, Independent Publishers Group, National Book Network, and R.R. Bowker.

Karin Taylor, Executive Director of the Small Press Center, says, "The Small Press Center, in partnership with Publishers Marketing Association, founded Small Press Month in 1997 to highlight the diverse, quality books produced by independent publishers." Jan Nathan, Executive Director of Publishers Marketing Association, added, "Small publishers are not just the little guys, the alternatives, they are the lifeblood of publishing; and March 2003 provides an opportunity to celebrate their work and to feel the real pulse of publishing."

To celebrate, these events will be held in March:

* "How to Get Published Day," Tuesday, March 4, 2003. Across the country, publishers and published small press writers will be speaking at their local book stores and libraries, providing tips on the publishing process. In addition, there will be readings by small press authors and other special events throughout March, in celebration of Small Press Month.

* As part of "How to Get Published Day" on March 4, Judith Appelbaum, Managing Director of Sensible Solutions, and the author of How to Get Happily Published, will lead a session at the Small Press Center in Manhattan on publishing options. She will discuss approaching and working with a large trade publisher, the benefits for writers starting their publishing careers with a small press, and the possibilities offered to those writers looking to self-publish through the many opportunities that have opened up in recent years.

* Free posters celebrating Small Press Month will be available in February through March. Bookstores, libraries, colleges, publishers and individuals can obtain some of these attractively illustrated materials to make Small Press Month a part of their promotions by calling PMA at 310/372-2732, or by contacting Book Sense, Consortium or the Small Press Center. Book Sense will also be contacting independent bookstores to encourage their participation. Among the marketing tools provided by Book Sense to the stores will be a book on publishing entitled Writer's Market FAQs: Fast Answers About Getting Published and the Business of Writing by Peter Rubie, which has been donated by F&W Publications. Barnes & Noble bookstores will also be celebrating the month with in-store promotions.

* The Small Press Book Fair, the country's leading book fair for independent publishers, at the Small Press Center in midtown Manhattan, March 29-30. Over 200 independent book and magazine publishers take part, and special events include literary panels and book arts demonstrations, this year with a special literary focus. Admission is free.

During the fair, thousands are expected to spend the afternoon mingling with representatives of several hundred small presses from across the country. Over 200 independent publishers give new meaning to "consumer choice," with a multi-hued selection of books and magazines on all imaginable subjects. Books on sale range from literary gems to cookbooks, from self-help manuals to hand-bound letter press treasures, from poignant memoirs to humorous tales. This year's Fair will have a literary focus, featuring some of the country's best literary presses. For independent presses who would like to participate, there are still tables available. For more information, please call 212/764-7021.

In addition to four floors of books on sale, special events include: an exhibit and program on Small Press Author of the Year Mark Twain; a literary cafÈ; a co-op bookstore; readings by a selection of small press authors. Also, every year, the Poor Richard's Award is presented to an individual who has contributed greatly to the field of independent publishing. This year's recipient is George Plimpton, publisher of The Paris Review. A special event will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 29, at 2pm, during which he will be interviewed by Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, of The New York Times.

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THE SMALL PRESS CENTER. At the center of the small press movement since its founding in 1984 by Whitney North Seymour Jr., the Small Press Center is located in a literary landmark building at 20 West 44th Street. For over sixteen years, the Small Press Center has served as a resource for independent publishers, writers and other creators, encouraging excellence in publishing. The Center offers educational programs, sponsors the annual Small Press Book Fair, and maintains a reference library at its mid-Manhattan location. The Center is co-founder, with the Publishers Marketing Association (PMA), of Small Press Month. A non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, the Center is an educational program of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York.


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