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Ciara Totton's avatar

You are always right on the money and the money is spewing! I’ve waffled on the idea of traditional vs self publishing and you have violently tore my misgivings on self publishing to shreds! Bravo! I have a friend who is a published (traditional and self) poet, taught poetry at a college and is widely known and prolific within spokane’s poetry community and he also strongly recommends self publishing for many of the same reasons you mention here.

With the preponderance of AI generated content, algorithms, Jeff Bezos’ shriveled manhood hijacking real bookstores, and the over saturation of industry plugs in our writing world, the need for authentic writing is stronger and stronger (and maybe a little desperate)

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

I do understand why people seek out traditional publishers, though mostly just because of the marketing aspect. Usually a publisher will have greater reach and a new audience you can be introduced to, but otherwise, I don't know that I necessarily trust many people with my writing enough to let them make decisions about how it is presented. I think there definitely needs to be more independent and smaller presses publishing work that wouldn't necessarily be picked up by a larger publisher, so the whole poetry scene can diversify and move forward too.

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morgan 🗡's avatar

this ignited something in me that i didn't even know had burnt out.

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

That's wonderful. The re-ignition, not the burnout. I hope it's inspired you to find your own path and decide for yourself what is right for you, moving forward with your creativity and your writing.

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Wildwood Writer's avatar

I’m in love. Thank you for this—I’ve needed to hear your words for a long-ass time!

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

You’re welcome! Go forth and self-publish!! 💜

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pixiewithpens's avatar

i’m pretty dead set on self pubbing because i’m a control freak and impatient, but i would consider a poet chaotique press if it existed

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

I completely get that! I'm the same. A Press Chaotique would be truly something, maybe one day something like that will exist!

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Maia Brown-Jackson's avatar

I want you to publish my third poetry collection. I feel like it would be the most epic creation of all time.

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

Wow, wouldn't that be something?! Maybe a "Press Chaotique" is the way forward after all... 👀

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Maia Brown-Jackson's avatar

Do ittttt

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

I'm very tempted!!

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Maia Brown-Jackson's avatar

Give into your inner Oscar Wilde

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

Ah fuck. Well, that's me officially sold. You found my weak spot. Oscar Wilde?! You're an evil genius. 😂 (with nothing else to declare!)

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Maia Brown-Jackson's avatar

First thought that popped in my head. That’s gotta be fucking kismet then.

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Erica Wheadon's avatar

Okay I kind of love this.

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Libby Walkup's avatar

I may be open to designing said books. sharing some resources on chapbook sewing. I’m not sure yet how it looks, but i’ve taken on a client or two with my book arts skills.

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

Ooooh very interesting proposal. Maybe a Press Chaotique isn't such a crazy idea after all! Chapbook sewing sounds complex. I'd be very interested to find out more about that. I've thought a lot about hand making smaller collections, taking more of a zine approach to my poetry. My last collection was just too chonky to be handmade.

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sebastian valentine's avatar

needed to hear this right now …

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

💜

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Ciara Totton's avatar

Ummm a poetic chaotique printing press?? TAKE MY MONEY

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Ryan Stephen Thornton's avatar

😂 maybe one day!!

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