PJ Library might be a resource or model, when it comes to publishing small quantities of Jewish books.
From: Hasafran [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Aileen Grossberg Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2015 8:37 AM To: Yoel Sheridan Cc: <[email protected]>; Hasafran Subject: Re: [ha-Safran] Why not add, or switch to, reviewing manuscripts? - attn. Heidi Estrin Yoel, I am chairperson of the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award Competition. This annual competition is open to authors-unpublished in the genre of literary fiction for ages 8-13. We evaluate manuscripts that are submitted to the committee. These manuscripts must adhere to a set of criteria that include literary excellence and Judaic relevance. As part of the prize for winning the competition, the winning manuscript is submitted to an experienced literary agent (a member of AJL) for an evaluation. Many of the submitted manuscripts have been published. While there is no requirement on subject, many of the manuscripts deal with unique aspects of the Holocaust: people , settings, or experiences that have not been treated in books for children. However, most of the submissions are either only tangentially connected to or have nothing to do with the Holocaust or what I call the sacred H of Jewish children's books: heroes, holidays and Holocaust. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a market for many if these worthy potential books. I question if AJL can financially support a publishing program although the idea is certainly worthy. Aileen Grossberg On Dec 8, 2015, at 8:09 AM, Yoel Sheridan <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Dear Heidi Since writing to you about your podcast ‘Enough with the Holocaust Books’, when I suggested that AJL could by-pass mainstream channels and offer reviews of independently published books in subjects of their choice, I have had an additional thought that I would like to share with you. As you know only too well, the fast development of the digital age is forcing libraries to face difficult decisions as to their future function in society and sadly some libraries are even facing extinction. Libraries rely on mainstream publishers who determine which book to publish, primarily by its commercial value, and then determine its popularity by the extent of their promotional activity. In these matters libraries exert little or no influence. I venture to suggest that an organization of libraries such as AJL, could exert its collective latent purchasing power on the publishing industry by focusing on independent authors who are currently being wooed by the print-on-demand and other publishers, who print, but often do not effectively promote, the books they publish. AJL could commission, and/or offer to review, manuscripts on subjects of AJL’s choosing, giving a guarantee to purchase after publication (at a discounted price) a pre-determined number of books (a reasonable print run?), that meet pre-determined standards. Authors who will have that guarantee can then either approach mainstream or other publishers with a guarantee of your backing, or self-publish with extra confidence. At the moment AJL provides a service of reviewing books and awarding authors that have already been published. Why not add, or switch to, reviewing manuscripts and so influence the nature and quality of the books on library shelves? Income can be generated by charging authors a reasonable review fee. Libraries and authors are today, the two weakest links in the publishing world. Joined together, the links will be exponentially stronger. Just a thought! Shalom and best wishes Yoel Sheridan Israel [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> www.tenterbooks.com<http://www.tenterbooks.com/> [https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/logo-avast-v1.png]<https://www.avast.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient> This email has been sent from a virus-free computer protected by Avast. www.avast.com<https://www.avast.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient> __ Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) ================================== Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> To join Ha-Safran, update or change your subscription, etc. - click here: https://lists.service.ohio-state.edu/mailman/listinfo/hasafran Questions, problems, complaints, compliments send to: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.service.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html Earlier Listserver: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org -- Hasafran mailing list [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> https://lists.osu.edu/mailman/listinfo/hasafran
__ Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) ================================== Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: [email protected] To join Ha-Safran, update or change your subscription, etc. - click here: https://lists.service.ohio-state.edu/mailman/listinfo/hasafran Questions, problems, complaints, compliments send to: [email protected] Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.service.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html Earlier Listserver: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org -- Hasafran mailing list [email protected] https://lists.osu.edu/mailman/listinfo/hasafran
