Question about getting a chapbook of poetry published?

Question

Interested in how my own chapbook made. How much do these generally cost? I want one about 50 pages with a nice cover and something that looks professional.

I want to buy in bulk as well....maybe 500 of them....does anyone know a good website where they do professional work cheaply?

Answer 1

There was a guy in the SF Bay Area, Small Poetry Press, who was doing this, but I don't know if he still does.

The other guy who could probably get this done for you is Main Street Rag. He has an imprint for doing these kinds of projects. So you'll have to go to his website. The covers are nice and I think you can get them perfect bound.

50 pages is technically a book, btw. Anything less than 48 pages is considered a chapbook.

PS
It is difficult to get a bookstore to consider your book (even on consignment) if it is not perfect bound with writing on the spine.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You can publish a chapbook yourself. You can find books on this at your local bookstore, or get tips by googling on "chapbooks". 50 pages usually means 14 sheets of paper as chapbooks are normally folded with writing on both sides (4 pages per sheet of paper). So, when you start to talk about "pages", make sure you understand the printer's definition of a "page." Many people find it easier to just print out their "proof" on their home printer, then take it down to Kinko's (or office depot, or staples, etc.) to have copies made. Then they fold over the pages, staple them together with a colored cover (often of heavier, colored bond) and try to find stores that will either buy a batch of them for sale, or allow you to sell them on commission. You can also advertise them on your website. Chapbooks are the most inexpensive way to self-publish, but if you want slick, perfectly bound books, then you need to go to a publisher who will help you put together your own work for a fee.

hope this helps

keep writing

Answer 3

Chapbooks are dead Johnnyboy...