This week, we pretend we’re one of those “hang out and chat about whatever” podcasts, because it’s time for Dr. Faith’s long-awaited return to the pod! Join Dr. Faith, Joe, and Elly while they answer reader questions, talk about Dr. Faith’s upcoming books, surviving the holidays, and more. There are always shenanigans when Dr. Faith comes around, so we hope you have as much fun as we did.
For a lot of publishers, landing a book on the New York Times bestseller list is one of their loftiest goals. How did a small press like Collective Book Studio end up with a title on the most iconic bestseller list in the U.S.? Angela Engel had a chance to hang out with Joe for a few minutes at a recent conference to tell the story.
This week on the podcast, Brooke Warner of She Writes Press and Spark Press talks with Elly and Joe about her experience in hybrid publishing, how to tell if it’s a good idea for your books, recognizing predatory publishers, and misconceptions about that particular branch of the industry.
Starting April 1, 2025, Microcosm Publishing will become the new worldwide distributor (excluding Canada) for Thornapple Press, a Canadian publisher specializing in thoughtful titles about love, sexuality, and relational ethics with integrity. Publisher Eve Rickert founded Thornapple as the successor to Thorntree Press, publisher of popular and award-winning polyamory- and relationship-based books such as Polysecure, More Than Two, and Love’s Not Color Blind.
Microcosm founder and CEO, Joe Biel, says of the new agreement, “I’ve found Thornapple to have an excellent point of view, good publication packaging and design, and thoughtful ideas throughout their existence, so when they approached us to become their distributor, the answer was obvious. Independent presses are stronger together and it’s clear that this tide lifts all boats.”
Rickert and Biel sign their distribution agreement by Andrea Fleck-Nisbet
Rickert adds, “The new arrangement offers a lot of benefits for Thornapple, our books and our authors. Microcosm has a large sales staff throughout the USA, with excellent reach into specialty shops, such as sex shops, that are well-suited for our books. Microcosm is also closely aligned with Thornapple in terms of both brand identity and company culture.”
Microcosm will distribute Thornapple’s full backlist as well as all forthcoming titles, such as Transforming the Shame Triangle: From Shame to Love Using Parts Work by bestselling authors Jessica Fern and David Cooley, scheduled for release in 2025. While Microcosm has always sold Thornapple Press’s catalog, Thornapple titles will be exclusive through Microcosm starting in April 2025.
Excited? Us too! Exclusive distro rights begin in the new year, but you can still browse the Thornapple titles currently available on our site, with more to come!
How does a major election affect publishing sales trends?
Jane Friedman of the Hot Sheet is back to talk with Joe and Elly about how we’re all doing, what’s been selling, and what we think that means for the next few years. Plus, we touch on the differences between the aftermath of the 2016 election vs 2024’s election.
Take a little tour through Microcosm’s Cleveland digs!
What happens at a Microcosm warehouse? Come along for a walkthrough of the Cleveland buildings with us for a behind-the-scenes peek at what running an independent press and distro really looks like.
Pallets of books get delivered to our well-marked dock and are received into our system.
We wait for construction to finish.
We fix leaks using the things we have around.
We put away tons of zines.
We make space for new deliveries…
…and plan ahead for the next several years.
Thanks so much for coming along! As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season sets in and orders are rolling out the door, these spaces and our small crew of dedicated, rad staff in them every day are what keep the books, zines, gifts, and resources flowing. We couldn’t do it without you!
Publisher/author relationships are just like any other relationships— they need care, communication, and understanding. This week on the pod, Chris Vega of Blue Cactus press talks with Joe and Elly about different ways to onboard authors and set expectations, how to resolve disagreements, and more.
Most publishers are most comfortable publishing to their own tastes. And from there, what’s popular but familiar. This week on the pod, we tackle the important but somewhat uncomfortable transition of publishing what you know to things that would resonate with your readers but are unfamiliar to you.
Edelweiss! It’s a valuable tool for publishers, booksellers, and other industry folks. Buyers use it all the time to research and bring in books to their stores and libraries. How does a publisher break through all the noise, make their products stand out, and make sure buyers are able to easily find what they’re looking for?
This week on the pod, we’re sharing a little bit of a presentation marketing manager (and former bookseller) Abby gave this year on how booksellers and buyers use Edelweiss, and some things publishers can keep in mind as they list titles.
Portland, OR — Microcosm Publishing has launched “The Microcosm Guarantee,” for independent bookstores who place direct orders for Microcosm’s publications designed to ensure print resources swiftly and efficiently reach readers who need them most. Through the Microcosm Guarantee, orders from indie bookstores that come through Microcosm’s website, sales reps, or in-house sales team will now be shipped within 2 business days. Microcosm is so confident in the press’s processes, staff, and new custom shipping boxes that founder and CEO Joe Biel will personally apologize to any retailer who receives damaged goods.
Following discussions with independent booksellers at the 2024 Heartland Fall Forum conference, the Microcosm Guarantee was conceived to streamline the ordering and shipping process, get vital texts into readers’ hands, and strengthen partnerships with independent booksellers on the frontlines of their communities’ needs. In a move that hearkens back to a 2011 initiative offering to accept unwanted Kindles in exchange for books while the industry was spelling doom for print, the Microcosm Guarantee is another investment in the publisher’s mission of equipping readers to make positive change in their lives and in the world around them, despite trends or obstacles.
The Microcosm Guarantee is already being applied to direct orders at Microcosm’s Portland and Cleveland warehouse facilities. Learn more about the Microcosm Guarantee in this video, and in the FAQ below!
Elly and Joe discuss the Microcosm Guarantee, plus box technology
FAQ: The Microcosm Guarantee
What is the Microcosm Guarantee?
It’s simple! Orders placed for our books, zines, and sidelines by independent bookstores through our independent sales reps, our in-house sales reps, or placed on our website will be shipped out within two business days. Stores frequently comment about how well our warehouse workers (some of whom are owners) pack boxes to prevent damages, but if you receive a damaged book, Microcosm CEO Joe Biel will personally apologize for the inconvenience! (What other publishers can say that???)
Why are you doing this?
Independent Booksellers have different needs than other kinds of retailers and we’re here to help. Besides, we’ve got these awesome, cat-tastic boxes that have proven to be great at keeping orders safe. Plus, our warehouse staff rocks, and we’ve got great systems in place to make sure our bookstore customers can get the books they need, when they need them.
What types of stores and orders does the guarantee apply to?
Independent bookstores ordering directly through our sales reps or placed on our website.
Who do I contact if I have questions or an order arrives late or damaged?
If you have a problem with an order, send an email to orders(at)microcosmpublishing.com.
Want recommendations or title suggestions for your store? Contact sales(at)microcosmpublishing.com.
Who are the cats on the boxes?
The one with the dapper tie is Arthur, and the tuxedoed gentleman is Walter!
