Anyone here with connections to big publishing houses? NOT about me getting published ...

[OneGrassRoot]

I'm not inquiring about having a book published. I'm posting here since it obviously gets more views than the writing forum.

I have an idea that's been brewing for a while, and the publishing arena has just recently entered my thoughts regarding this overall gameplan.

I haven't done extensive research into whether or not something similar exists, but I'm sure you brilliant people will bring it to my attention if it does. :yourock: I will be doing research this weekend.

I'm trying to find a likely list of "mainstream" publishers (i.e. those with $$) who have the means and resources to start a specialized imprint. This imprint would only publish books which are associated with raising awareness (and thus funds through book sales) for a variety of social/health/educational/environmental issues. It could be fiction or nonfiction, but the messages in the books would lend to a natural partnership to raise awareness through NGOs, etc.

In essence, this imprint would translate into a brand known for such publications.

I have many, many more specific ideas and plans, but hopefully this basic summary will connect me to anyone here who may be able to point me in the right direction. This is really the culmination of a project I started nine years ago, and I never saw it going in this direction previously. But it's a perfect vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[Parisle]

1. Get yourself a resource book

--- That book would be the latest (2007) edition of the Writer's Market, which can usually be obtained at any decent bookstore. Or you can write to F+W Publications, 4700 East Galbraith Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236 for a copy,.... or you can go to WRITERSMARKET.com ....... It's a thick volume, and contains a lengthy section enumerating ALL publishers and, in most cases, detailing the kinds of material they are looking for, or the kinds of projects they would be interested in. That should be a good start.

[OneGrassRoot]

2. I'm replying to thank you and because THIS IS MY 1000th post !! Yeehaaa!!!

FINALLY!!! LOL

Yes, I'm aware of the "Writer's Market." I posted this question mainly because 1) as we know, it's usually who you know, and if any DUers have connections, I would feel comfortable with that; 2) I'm more interested in finding an established publishing house which may want to branch out and do something different than what they currently offer by establishing an imprint out of the norm for their current titles.

Thank you for the response. Much appreciated!

[smoogatz]

3. Be aware that mainstream publishing is VERY corporate and profit-driven

these days. I'd be very surprised if you could find anyone at a major house who'd be interested in using actual profits to finance anything other than their bottom line. The way it typically works is, you take a couple of years out of your life to write a book, then if you're lucky after months of sending out queries you find an agent to represent you, the agent submits your book to several publishers, then after six months if you're VERY lucky a publisher makes you an offer, which includes a $500 advance and grants them all rights to your book for eternity. A year or so later your book comes out, sells a few hundred copies, gets remaindered within the year, and shows up for sale "used" on Amazon for 98 cents, plus $3.95 shipping and handling. Let me know if there's any other info I can help you with.

[OneGrassRoot]

4. LOL - I hear you, and I do understand that's the state of things

I'm simply trying to be optimistic that there is a potential opening out there in the corporate world for such a thing (and the dream that the business climate HOPEFULLY will shift a bit with the new Congress, and anticipating 2008, even if for a short while).

And, if there is such a possibility, there are probably DUers who are aware of it, as it would be this type of gathering place where such optimistic ventures of integrity would be explored.

Call me Pollyanna, but it can't hurt to ask, right?

Thanks for your input. :)

[shimmergal]

5. Smoogatz is right, but I think it's a project

some mid-sized, or largish small press might be interested in picking up on, especially in partnership with an established progressive organization. (Going to them as "just you" is less likely to be effective, no matter how good the ideas you present.) I echo the advice to comb thru the "publishers" section of Writers Market thoroughly, looking for possibilities.

[OneGrassRoot]

6. Thanks!

One of the things I was going to do is research the publishers who've been involved with the various celebrity books raising money for various causes. A quick look shows a multitude of publishers, no real consistency in a cursory search.

That's a great idea about aligning with an organization. I just don't want to limit the idea to one type of cause, so I'd need to find a really all-encompassing organization, or try to align with premiere organizations for each type of cause I listed in the OP.

Again, many thanks!

[mainer]

8. Another suggestion:

Check out your local bookstore. Look at books with similar themes and see who publishes them. Author acknowledgments almost always include thanks to the editor and agent, so that will get you names to query as well.

[mainer]

7. a few suggestions:

Large publishing houses might not go for it. But smaller ones might:

Public Affairs Books (part of the Perseus group). I think their web address is www.publicaffairsbooks.com
Basic Books (also part of the Perseus group)
Rodale Press. They used to focus on gardening and organic farming, but I believe they're branching out to other things.
Nation Books (part of the Avalon Publishing Group)

Also, check regional publishers who share your politics. In the San Francisco Bay Area, for instance.

[OneGrassRoot]

9. Thank you very much! n/t

[OneGrassRoot]

10. kick for evening crowd ... maybe more suggestions/contacts? Thx n/t