Our cover story is a profile of writing couple Robert Wrigley, author of five poetry collections, and memoirist Kim Barnes, whose forthcoming memoir Hungry for the World continues the story of her first book, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in autobiography.
May/June 1999
Features
Writing Their Way Home: An Interview With Kim Barnes and Robert Wrigley
An profile of writers Kim Barnes and Robert Wrigley.
Practitioner of a Dangerous Profession: A Conversation With Frederick Busch
A profile of Frederick Busch.
A Celebration of California Independents
Black Sparrow Press: Bukowski Was Just the First
Black Sparrow Press publisher John Martin publishes only what he likes.
Sun & Moon Press: Dedicated to the Experimental
The projects that Sun & Moon Press owner Douglas Messerli takes on are those that most major publishers run away from.
Papier-Mache Press: One Woman Working So Many Can Speak
A publisher finds surprising success with a series of anthologies.
Small Press Distribution: Getting Books to Readers
On book distribution.
News and Trends
Academy Restructures Its Board of Chancellors
The Academy of American Poets responds to racism charge with restructuring.
Ecco Press to Join HarperCollins
Independent outfit Ecco becomes an imprint of HarperCollins
Incommunicado Press Moves to New York City
A San Diego–based alternative press puts up shop in the Lower East Side.
Two California Imprints Start Up
The formation of two California imprints suggests a subtle challenge to the East Coast's stronghold on American publishing.
The Practical Writer
Getting Some Work Done: Soapstone Writers Retreat for Women
Soapstone affirms that women's writing is of vital importance to our culture.
Amy Holman's Tough-Love Guide to Publishing: Agents and Fees—Now You Know
Information on what a writer's relationship with an agent should be.
The Literary Life
Poet as Private Eye: Confidential Research
A former private detective finds similar work in the making of poems.
Writing Through Rejection: 12 Step Advice for Serial Quitters
In the face of rejection, ambition, pride, and humility are worthless; passion and belief are the steam that can help a writer keep going.