canadian ~ twenty-first century literature since 1999


Junction Books

Web site: http://www.junctionbooks.com


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Interview with Carleton Wilson

When did you start publishing? Why did you start publishing? 

I started Junction Books in the Spring of 1999, and the first three chapbooks were launched in the Fall of 1999. I started the small press for the simple fact that it seemed necessary. I quickly realised, after fellow writers from a workshop and I began submitting to journals, just how difficult it was to break into the established market. 

Also, it seemed to me that many of the writers I knew, who were mostly young and in university at the time, were writing different kinds of things that didn't seem to fit what was being published in the journals; it was great stuff, just not what publications were open to looking at and publishing. so I decided I'd start my own small press to publish chapbooks and help out those beginning writers whose writing I really enjoyed and thought was good. 

Briefly describe the type of work you publish. 

Junction Books publishes what we consider 'literature', though who knows, that might be a loaded term these days. Anyway, yeah, literature, meaning poetry, short fiction, short plays, that kind of thing. It has to have some kind of intelligence to it, either an intelligence of form or content, though hopefully both these things are present in each book. Basically, we publish what we consider good writing, though that's kind of a dumb answer because I'm sure that's what every publisher feels they publish. Anyhow, yeah. 

Do you accept unsolicited submissions? How do you decide what to publish? 

No, Junction Books does not accept unsolicited submissions. This may change at some time in the future though. Presently, I've only published writers whose work I already know, either through workshops or hearing them at readings. 

This has worked well so far seeing as I have always known more writers with good work worthy of publishing than I can publish at any given time. Even with all of the chapbook publishers that have seemed to pop up over the last few years, I still think there are room for more. 

How many chapbooks have you published? (both number of books & volume of books) 

Since the Fall of 1999 I've published 19 chapbooks. Generally the chapbooks have had print runs of between 125 and 150 copies, out of which, 50 copies are given to the writer as payment. But I'm having a difficult time continuing at that pace so the print runs are going down to 75 copies, 40 of which the author will get to keep. 

Any advice for people thinking of starting a small press? 

My only advice would just be to do it. It takes a lot of time and energy and doesn't pay at all, in fact it'll cost you. But if you're thinking of starting a small press, that says to me you love books, you love writing, it says that these things are necessary for you. If that's the case then there's nothing better than creating a book for someone. It makes you happy, it makes them happy, and it's just plain fun. And that's all I have to say about that. 

Additional comments? 

Junction Books will soon be venturing into the big waters of perfect bound, full book publishing; the first title will be out in the Fall of 2002. Please watch for it and come out and support us, because we won't make it without you! But don't worry, the chapbook publishing will still continue. :) 

 
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