Publishers Earth Alliance

These past few months, I’ve mainly been discussing environmental topics regarding reading and publishing. But today I’d like to diverge a little bit and bring up the issue of terminology in publishing, and the implications of some of the most widely-used terms in the industry. In the typical workday we no doubt use some terms that—although commonly used—may carry negative implications. So, in an effort to create a more amiable environment  for us all, it may be helpful to reconsider some of these terms and try replacing them with more neutral ones.

For instance, when a publisher receives a book idea—or proposal—which they feel may not be suitable for their upcoming needs, a “rejection letter” will typically be sent to the author. Now, let’s face it folks, finding out that a publisher doesn’t want to print your book is enough of a letdown, but to be “rejected” can make the situation even more upsetting for an author. So here at Hatherleigh Press we’ve decided to take on a more friendly tone in these letters and have also started referring to them as “pass letters.”

Similarly, a “slush pile” refers to those unsolicited proposals received by the publisher, as some publishing houses will not accept any submissions that have not come through an agent. The term “slush” inevitably evokes images of grimy, muddy snow…not exactly the kind of picture an author would want to associate with their writing endeavor. So, instead of saying “slush pile” maybe publishers could start referring to such manuscripts simply as “unsolicited submissions.”

Also, the term “kill fee,” which refers to the payment given to an author after the cancellation of a project, can have some obvious negative connotations. When a publisher cancels a project, it’s usually not a very pleasant situation for the publisher or the author. So why use negative-sounding terminology for an already unfavorable circumstance? Instead of referring to such payment as a “kill fee,” consider using a more neutral term like “cancellation fee.”

I hope that, by sharing a bit of our experience at Hatherleigh Press, fellow publishers may be a little more willing to reconsider some of the terms they use on a daily basis. We all know that our words can often carry multiple meanings, so please remember to be aware of the words you choose and the impact those words may have on others…both in the workplace and outside of work.

As an avid reader myself, I am always fascinated by what other people are reading. I’m the person who, while on the subway, will look up from my book to glance at what my fellow passengers are reading. Every once in awhile, I will get to talking with someone on the train and the conversation will inevitably turn to what they’re reading. In my experience, this has actually been one of the best ways to discover new books and find opportunities to swap books with others.

For instance, I was riding the train one morning when I kept noticing that the girl next to me was laughing to herself. After first thinking she was out of her mind, I realized that she was chuckling at whatever was happening in her book. I asked her what she was reading, to which she informed me that David Sedaris was one of the funniest, and most honest, authors of all time and I should read him immediately. So I did. And I loved it…he’s now one of my favorite authors.

It is through situations like these that I have begun to open myself to other readers and have occasionally swapped books with people whom I met in such chance ways. I’m also always lending books to friends and co-workers, which I consider to be one of the best ways to recycle books while also sharing the joys of reading.

For all the readers out there who share my sentiments, I have some exciting news! There’s a website called BookCrossing (www.bookcrossing.com) that acts as a global book club. Fashioned by Ron Hornbaker, partner at the software and internet development company Humankind Systems, BookCrossing was created to be an online community that would make a difference in the world and bring happiness to peoples’ lives. And one of the easiest ways to do this is through their passion for books. How it works is, you sign up for a free membership (or you can select a paid membership and help support the cause!), you register your books on the site, each book is given an ID number and then you release it “into the wild” (in other words, leave the book in a conspicuous spot in the neighborhood) for other people to find. As a member, you can also search for books that have recently been released in your area and then go out and hopefully discover a new favorite. It’s like the ultimate form of book recycling! I’ve just signed up today and am excited to start finding books that people have left in my area (and I’ll be going through my bookshelves to find ones I can release, too)! The other amazing thing about this site is that there are over 600,000 members around the world, making it a truly global experience. Imagine, a single book could travel around the world, just from being passed from one reader to another!

If going out to find books through BookCrossing is not your ‘thing,’ remember that you can start your own book-swap with people you know. Friends, family, and coworkers can all be great resources. And remember:

the life of a book should never end with one reader…keep those books alive and pass it on!

Happy “greening!”

-Anna

Historically, book publishers have relied on paper catalogs to promote new releases and backlist titles to bookstore buyers and to the reading public.  But times have changed, and publishers no longer need to rely on printed matter to reach their intended audience. In fact, many have opted to post online catalogs instead of, or in addition to, paper copies.  Besides being a highly effective means to reach a wide audience, posting catalogs digitally also relieves a great strain on the environment.

In the event that publishers decide to continue distributing paper catalogs, some careful decisions need to be made; for example, how many paper catalogs need to be printed? In some cases, a print run can be drastically reduced if publishers take the time to get feedback from their buyers: some may prefer to view information online or face-to-face with a digital presentation, in which case they would not need a paper catalog.

Publishers should also consider the means by which paper catalogs are printed. This may entail insisting that their manufacturers print on recycled materials and use soy- or vegetable-based inks, and, if that is not possible, finding a new manufacturer. The resources of our earth are precious, and now is the time for publishers to take action. It may take some time to brainstorm and implement ideas, but these small changes will ultimately sustain the book industry and carry us into a future where, inevitably, all businesses will have to adjust their working habits in order to preserve limited resources.

Quick Tip for Green Readers: Do you get catalogs in the mail that you never read? What about catalogs that you didn’t even ask for? All it takes is a quick call to the company and a request that they no longer send you paper catalogs. If you receive catalogs that you do read and you would like to continue to receive information on their latest products, ask the company if they offer e-mail updates or online catalogs instead.

Many companies provide digital images of paper copies online that you can “flip” through, so it is just like reading a paper catalog. Finding a solution for unwanted paper in your mailbox is just one way to help out the environment—and save you some unwanted hassle, too. So take a few moments to make some lasting changes. Oh, and don’t forget to recycle those unwanted catalogs when you’re done.

Happy “greening!”

-Anna

In an effort to further show that “going green” can indeed be a simple and enjoyable endeavor, I think it might be helpful to give an example of someone who has been able to make a real difference in the Hatherleigh office by implementing small changes in our everyday office procedures.

Wendy, our Special Projects Manager, is a great example of how one can take initiative on an individual level in order to make a difference in the office as a whole. Some changes she has brought about include setting up recycle bins for paper and plastic, reusing promotional materials and packing supplies for various new uses, as well as extending the life of previously used items by posting on websites like www.freecycle.org, where you can bring new life to old items by giving them to people who may have a use for them.

Everything Wendy has done has sparked interest in her co-workers and has thus inspired us all to find new ways to “go green.” If you’re not sure how you can start making changes in your home or office, you might try talking to co-workers, family members, and friends about any ideas you may have. Once you’ve started to talk about change, ideas will begin to flow and real action can start to take place!

Happy “greening”!

            -Anna

Dear Readers, Publishers & Industry Professionals,

I am pleased to introduce to you our initiative to investigate and share discoveries in Earth-friendly, sustainable publishing.

It is appropriate that this is Earth Day, 2008. It was interesting to note that the main story on 1010 WINS, our local 24/7 all-news station was the dramatic spike in gasoline prices across America.

Truly we are at a crossroads in the publishing industry and the low-cost energy we have relied upon to manufacture and distribute books at a meaningful profit margin is no longer an option. From printer to warehouse to retail, the cost of doing business is directly affected by oil. And books are heavy cargo.

This is not to say that we discourage the printing of books. Far from that. We recognize that people love books, in all shapes and sizes. We just need to be attentive to our practices and discover fixes that are sensible, meaningful, and sustainable.

From recycled paper stocks, to Earth-friendly printing, to region of sale manufacturing, to supporting local booksellers, to cause-related publishing: there is much good work that can be done.

And, best of all, it doesn’t take a lot to do a lot of good.

Please register with PEA through this website. We will keep you abreast of our discoveries and share our knowledge freely.

 Andrew Flach