Notes from a Small Press $5 / month

Notes from a Small Press by Anne Trubek offers insights into the publishing industry, covering historical developments, book production processes, and personal reflections from a publisher's perspective. It addresses topics from editing and typesetting to industry trends and personal anecdotes about academia and reading habits.

Publishing Industry Insights Book Production Processes Reading and Literature Academic Perspectives Editing and Proofreading Publishing History Book Design and Aesthetics

The hottest Substack posts of Notes from a Small Press

And their main takeaways

Agents, Awards, Taylor Swift, The Day Job, and This Very Thing You Are Reading

26 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Awards Cultural Commentary
  1. It’s important for writers to understand the role of agents in the publishing industry. Agents can help negotiate deals and represent a writer's best interests.
  2. Awards can play a big role in a writer's visibility and career. Winning an award can open doors and attract new readers.
  3. It's okay to have other jobs while pursuing writing. Many successful authors started out with a day job before making it big.

Reckoning Season

31 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📚 Literature Publishing Book Sales Market Trends Author insights
  1. It's possible to predict how many copies of a book will sell by looking at past sales data. This can help in planning budgets and marketing strategies.
  2. While some new books may not sell as expected, backlist titles often gain popularity over time and keep a publishing house afloat.
  3. Publishing involves managing expenses for new titles while also hoping that older books will continue to sell well, balancing both sides is key for success.

My Friends Aren't Reading

84 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📚 Literature Publishing Reading Writing Books Culture
  1. Many people aren't reading books as much as they used to. This makes it tough for publishers to find audiences.
  2. Publishers need to think creatively to reach new readers. They might need to change their marketing strategies.
  3. Creating engaging and relevant content could help get more people interested in reading again. Finding fun ways to share stories may attract new fans.

Cleveland's Loss, and Ours

14 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Writing Community Local history
  1. Richey Piiparinen was passionate about Cleveland and its community. He cared about urban development and enjoyed discussing these ideas with others.
  2. The importance of local connections is highlighted, showing how friendships can inspire new projects. Richey and friends worked together to improve their city.
  3. Richey's legacy reminds us of the value of creativity in places that might feel overlooked. His work showed that every city has stories worth sharing.

News and Notes

18 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Books Memoir Nonfiction
  1. A memoir called 'The Minotaur at Calle Lanza' by Zito Madu has been nominated for a prestigious award. It's being celebrated for its unique storytelling and depth.
  2. There's an ongoing discussion about the pressures around platforms like Substack. Writers should focus on their financial needs without feeling judged.
  3. There's a noticeable lack of new, smart nonfiction books available, especially about Japan. It’s important for readers to have access to well-researched overview materials.
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12 Books, 12 Months

16 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Publishing Writing Authors
  1. In 2024, a publishing company released twelve diverse books, covering topics from memoirs to anthologies. They aim to fill gaps in the market with unique stories.
  2. The company became part of a larger publishing group, allowing them to distribute more books effectively. They value collaboration with authors who appreciate their mission.
  3. Their goal is to publish voices and stories that might be overlooked, particularly those related to the Rust Belt. They want to create a community that values different perspectives in literature.

Six Years!

25 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Authors Literary Trends Book Reviews
  1. The newsletter is celebrating six years of sharing content and engaging with readers. It's a big milestone that shows dedication and growth.
  2. Subscriber numbers are growing, but the number of paid subscribers has not changed much recently. This highlights a common challenge in converting free readers to paid ones.
  3. The anniversary post invites readers to suggest topics for future articles. This shows a commitment to community involvement and addressing reader interests.

Turmoil and Hope

16 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Writing Authors Reading
  1. A new used bookstore opened nearby, which is exciting for book lovers. It's great to discover places that share our reading interests.
  2. I found two books by Meyer Levin at the bookstore, which felt like a special connection. Finding rare books can create a sense of kinship among readers.
  3. Supporting local bookstores is important for keeping the love of reading alive. These shops provide unique finds and foster community among fellow readers.

News & Notes

11 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📰 News Current Events Media Politics Employment Local news
  1. Belt is looking to hire new staff as they settle into their integration with Arcadia. This is a good opportunity for those looking for part-time work.
  2. The company is working on improving areas that were previously neglected, indicating a positive change is coming.
  3. There is a reference to political ads affecting the local atmosphere, highlighting the current political climate in Pittsburgh.

Big News!

66 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
💼 Business Acquisition Publishing Subscription
  1. The publishing company Belt has been acquired by Arcadia Publishing.
  2. Despite the acquisition, the publisher, staff, and book releases will remain the same.
  3. Anne Trubek expresses relief and excitement about the acquisition.

Hi, It's Me. I'm Here.

48 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💼 Business Media
  1. The author is running a January sale on annual subscriptions.
  2. There is hesitation due to controversy over Substack.
  3. To keep reading, a 7-day free trial is available for subscribers.

I have a book coming out!

27 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📚 Literature Authors Books Publishing Essays Nonfiction
  1. The book 'Best of the Rust Belt' features personal essays from a region often labeled the Rust Belt, showcasing diverse perspectives and voices.
  2. The book aims to shift the narrative of the Rust Belt region, moving away from stereotypical coverage during election cycles to more nuanced, authentic storytelling.
  3. The creation of the book was a collaborative effort involving multiple editors, writers, and contributors, emphasizing the importance of community and collective storytelling.

Winter Institute

19 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book events
  1. Winter Institute is an important inside-publishing event for independent booksellers organized by the American Booksellers Association.
  2. Last year, 900 independent booksellers attended the Winter Institute event.
  3. Publishers help fund Winter Institute, making it a valuable platform for independent booksellers.

Coming Soon

16 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
  1. The Belt team has quietly been working on publishing titles for the summer, undergoing changes due to acquisition by Arcadia.
  2. Exciting upcoming titles from Belt include books on Hannibal's history, Ferguson's racial tensions, Chicago house music, Midwest skating culture, and Scranton's anthology.
  3. The transition for wholesale book orders following the acquisition is set for May 1st.

A Glossary of Publishing Terms

28 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Publishing jargon has interesting historical origins like 'upper case' and 'lower case'
  2. Learning publishing terms can make you feel knowledgeable and insider-y
  3. Consider subscribing for a 7-day free trial to access more content like this

What I've Been Reading

25 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Books Publishing Social media
  1. The author is discussing the issue of missing aggregators in the publishing industry.
  2. There is a desire for a solution to improve curation and discovery of content in publishing.
  3. Social media used to be more effective for finding published pieces about publishing.

American Literature Flowers, Goes Bankrupt

25 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
📚 Literature Authors Publishing
  1. American Literature Flowers, Goes Bankrupt is a post on notesfromasmallpress.substack.com.
  2. The post is by Anne Trubek and was published on July 10, 2023.
  3. Anne Trubek offers a book proposal course starting August 7 and mentions if the fee is a hurdle, interested individuals can email her.

What I've Been Reading, February Edition

9 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Insightful analysis on the publishing industry and book collecting.
  2. Discussion on controversial book banning issues and the impact on the Ohioana Book Festival.
  3. Exploration of the relationship between AI, copyright laws, and the book industry.

Why I've Been Reading

28 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
📚 Literature Novels Books Reading
  1. The author grew up reading a lot of novels from their parents' bookshelf.
  2. They were influenced by authors like Robertson Davies and Evelyn Waugh.
  3. Readers can subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access more content.

Do Women Dominate Publishing?

27 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
📚 Literature Publishing
  1. Planet Money discussed women dominating the book business.
  2. An individual adores Planet Money as a favorite show/podcast.
  3. The post discusses being flummoxed by the argument presented about women dominating the book business.

Editing, or the lack thereof

23 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
📚 Literature Editing Authors Publishing Feedback Books
  1. Book editors have different styles and expectations based on the type of publishing they work in.
  2. Authors should not expect book editors to provide feedback as they write the book.
  3. Generalizing editors in the publishing industry is unwise; editors have varied roles and approaches.

The Art of Proofreading (from the archives)

22 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
📚 Literature
  1. The post discusses the art of proofreading and references the author's book about publishing.
  2. The author chose not to write about a potentially depressing topic and decided to focus on proofreading instead.
  3. Readers can access the full post by subscribing to Notes from a Small Press with a 7-day free trial.

Book Cover Aesthetics

22 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. The post discusses Book Cover Aesthetics
  2. David Wilson showcases his cover design process on Instagram
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription

The Last Days of Academia

19 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🚌 Education Academia Higher Ed
  1. Attended a retirement party for a dissertation advisor, sparking memories.
  2. Reflecting on academic choices and reasons for leaving academia.
  3. Encourages readers to subscribe for more content and insights.