What Makes a Hybrid Publisher a Good Value Chain? w/ Brooke Warner | A People’s Guide to Publishing

December 05, 2024

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.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
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How does an election impact publishing? (with Jane Friedman) | A People’s Guide to Publishing

November 27, 2024

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.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
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Warehouse Walkthrough

November 26, 2024

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!

—Your friends at Cleveland MCP

How do you manage author expectations? w/ Chris Vega of Blue Cactus | A People’s Guide to Publishing

November 21, 2024

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.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!

How Can a Publisher Expand Their List Outside Personal Interests? | A People’s Guide to Publishing

November 14, 2024

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.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!

How Can Edelweiss Digital Cataloging and Community Help Publishers? | A People’s Guide to Publishing

November 07, 2024

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.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
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Guaranteed to Please Indie Bookstores!

November 06, 2024

Introducing the Microcosm Guarantee

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!

Is Your Distributor Working? | A People’s Guide to Publishing

October 31, 2024

How does a publisher know if a distributor is working for them? Odds are, if you’re asking that question, they probably aren’t!

This week on the pod, Joe and Elly give you a few tips on what numbers and data points to look at, how to tell if a distributor is adding value to your enterprise, and revaluating if your contract is getting in your way.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!

What Publishing Industry Media Should I Read? | A People’s Guide to Publishing

October 24, 2024

There are a lot of publishing industry news blogs, sites, and publications out there. Which ones are worth your time? (Besides us.)

Jane Friedman of The Hot Sheet is back to chat with Joe and Elly about her favorites, and which ones are best for what publishing news you’re interested in.

If you’re looking for the link Jane references to see her follows, you can find it here: https://substack.com/@janefriedman/reads

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!

Chickasaw Press’s most-beloved books

October 18, 2024

For readers of all ages!

We’re excited to be the new distributor of Chickasaw Press, the only publisher in the so-called United States owned and operated by an Indigenous Nation. Based in Ada, Oklahoma, the press offers a literary, scholarly, and accessible outlet for the work of Chickasaw authors, academics, and culture bearers, exercising intellectual sovereignty through ethical and culturally appropriate publication practices. Learn more about them on our site, and check out a few of their most popular titles—for both kids and grown folks—below!

Otis W. Leader: The Ideal American Doughboy by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
Amid the growing tensions of WWI, Otis W. Leader—a thirty-five-year-old widower of Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, and Irish descent—left behind three children, his job, and his home in Oklahoma to enlist in the Army. Assigned to the First Division of the American Expeditionary Forces, he was chosen to represent the “Ideal American Doughboy,” and lived up to that title, earning honors like the Croix de Guerre, two Silver Stars, a Congressional Gold Medal, and a Purple Heart. An uplifting story in Leader’s own words of endurance, bravery, and perseverance on the infamous Western Front.

Mission to Space by John Herrington
First American astronaut John Herrington shares his passion for space travel and his Chickasaw heritage as he gives children a glimpse into his training at NASA and his mission to the International Space Station. Learn what it takes to train for space flight, see the tasks he completed in space, and join him on his spacewalk 220 miles above the earth. This unique children’s book is illustrated with photos from Herrington’s training and space travel and includes an English-to-Chickasaw vocabulary list with space-related terms.

Chickasaw Unconquered & Unconquerable by Amanda Cobb, with Jeannie Barbour and David Fitzgerald
The first book published by Chickasaw Press, Chickasaw Unconquered and Unconquerable traces history from our historic Homeland in the Southeast to the thriving nation of today and proves why the Chickasaw people are considered to have one of the most resilient cultures in America. Images by award-winning photographer David G. Fitzgerald and insightful essays by Chickasaw writers Jeannie Barbour, Amanda Cobb-Greetham, and Linda Hogan highlight the incredible story.

Funny Fani’ by Wiley Barnes and Lokosh (Joshua D. Hinson)
In this illustrated children’s book, Funny Fani’ (fuh-NEE’) is a squirrel who loves animals. When she goes on a special trip to the zoo, Fani’ imagines making friends with all of the animals, big and small! Follow Fani’ on a silly rhyming adventure and learn the Chickasaw words for every animal she encounters. For even more animal fun, explore the oversized glossary, discover dozens of interesting animal facts, and learn how certain animals relate to Chickasaw history and culture.

Little Bird by Mary Ruth Barnes
This historical novel follows the journey of Esther McLish, a Choctaw-Cherokee woman, after the tragic death of her Chickasaw husband leaves her a widow, just before the birth of their son. Determined to have her son added to the Dawes Rolls, Esther is forced to relive all of her life’s tragedies, as she must repeatedly testify on his behalf before the men of the Dawes Commission, who hardly seem to believe her. Based on accounts of real people and events from the days of Indian Territory, Little Bird tells the story of one woman’s bravery in the face of heartbreak and misfortune.

Chikasha Chahta okla’at wihat tanó̲wattook (The Migration Story of the Chickasaw and Choctaw People) by Chickasaw Press and Lauren John
Featuring colorful illustrations, readers of all ages will discover the journey of Chiksa’ and Chahta, while learning our sacred Migration Story in both Chickasaw and English. This book introduces The Nannanoli’ (Story) Series, a line of titles that combine the Chickasaw traditions of language and storytelling. Published in a double-sided book style, this series will allow readers to read through a traditional Chickasaw story in English, flip the book upside down, and then read it again in the Chickasaw language.

Anompolichi: The Wordmaster by Phillip Carroll Morgan
When Chickasaw wordmaster Iskifa Ahalopa discovers a shipwrecked Scotsman and his cargo, the king’s goat, washed up on the eastern coast of North America in 1399, he does what any language specialist would do. He sets out in search of someone who can understand the white man’s words. But the trio are quickly plunged into a web of intrigue and danger as they find themselves pitted against a tribal leader intent on dominating the continent. Author Phillip Carroll Morgan takes readers on an adventure in this captivating piece of First American fiction.

C Is For Chickasaw by Wiley Barnes and Aaron K. Long
C Is For Chickasaw walks children through the letters of the alphabet, sharing elements of Chickasaw history, language, and culture along the way. Wiley Barnes crafts rhymes to engage younger children’s imaginations and deeper explanations for older readers. Colorful illustrations by Aaron Long reflect elements of Southeastern Indian art. An activities section provides a springboard for discussion and learning.

Want to read more books that preserve, perpetuate, and provide an awareness of Chickasaw history and culture? Explore the full catalog of Chickasaw Press titles distributed by Microcosm!