Dozens of folks from 71 publishing organizations across Chicagoland gathered at Maxim’s last night during “What’s New and What’s Next,” an event organized by Chicago Cultural Affairs, home to the Chicago Publishers Gallery, which is housed at the Chicago Cultural Center. Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune, Garrett Kiely of University of Chicago Press, and Donna Seaman of Booklist discussed their publishing inspirations, thoughts about the current state of the industry, the death of book reviews, and what makes Chicago publishing unique. Editors, writers, authors, publishers, and other publishing types joined in conversation.
Last night’s event reminded me of how vibrant Chicago publishing really is—if not a little disjointed. There are a lot of us publishing folk out there, but it’s not always easy to get our heads out of the manuscripts, leave the cube, and get out of the office to connect with one another. Here at Chicago Publishing Network, we hope to change all that—at least a little. By sharing news about events, jobs, and people in the industry, we can build bridges to connect each other, regardless of what we’re publishing.
With that, check out the plethora of Chicago publishing events coming up in May—there are plenty of opportunities to get out there. And, these are only the tip of the iceberg. The Chicago Public Library, University of Chicago Press, and area bookstores are hosting numerous author events this month, so be sure to check out those as well. If you have an event you’d like us to post, send the info to us at cpn @ bibliobibuli.com.
As Garrett Kiely said last night, “There’s absolutely no reason that Chicago shouldn’t be a publishing center.” We are a great publishing center, full of great people, great ideas, and great opportunities. For folks looking for new opportunities, check out Chicago Publishing Gigs below for several job openings across Chicagoland. If you know of a job, send us the info at cpn @ bibliobibuli.com.
Finally, check out the CPN Profile of Brad Hentz, manager of manufacturing and product delivery at Sourcebooks in Naperville. Brad has been with Sourcebooks for much of its meteoric rise from a tiny indie to the Midwest’s largest woman-owned independent publisher. He shares unique and interesting insight about Chicago publishing and what makes it special.
Chicago Publishing Events
Friday, May 1–Sunday, May 3
Great Books Chicago 2009: Eye of the Beholder
Doubletree Hotel
300 E. Ohio, Chicago
The three-day event features programs and readings during Great Book Foundation’s annual weekend festival of literature, arts, and music. Chicago-area residents may register for the book discussions ONLY for a registration price of $60. There is no other registration option and it is not possible to register for only some of the cultural events. You must register by phone for this option. For information, visit http://www.greatbooks.org/news/newsfeeddetail/article/great-books-chicago-2009-may-1-3-2009-150/news-browse/1.html.
Saturday, May 2
JAWS Multimedia Training
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Columbia College
600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
The Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) is holding a “I Can Do It!” multimedia workshop in Chicago. Need to move beyond writing? Need to sharpen your skills in video shooting and editing, audio recording and editing, appearing on camera and using social networking sites to produce and promote good yourself, your blog and/or your work? This is your one-day seminar for all things needed to practice the journalism of today and the future. Learn more about the event.
Sunday, May 3
Fifth Wednesday Journal Spring 2009 Issue Release Party
4:30 p.m.
Jaks Tap, 901 W. Jackson, Chicago
Join our guest editors and featured readers as we celebrate another great issue!
No cover charge. Free soft drinks and coffee. Lisle-based Fifth Wednesday Journal is dedicated to supporting editors, contributors, and other literary friends. For information, visit http://fifthwednesdayjournal.com/news/index.shtml.
Tuesday, May 5
Current Advancements in Online Marketing and Social Networking
7–8:30 a.m.
Chicago Marriott Downtown
540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Self-publishing firm Author Solutions hosts a free breakfast meeting for publishers, editors, marketing professionals, authors, and print professionals. Discover how your company can most effectively utilize the current advancements in online marketing and social networking. Learn how Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, Shelfari, and more can benefit your authors and increase book sales.
Wednesday, May 6
MSPC Monthly Meeting
Easy Technology for Running your Business
5–8:30 p.m.
Marcello’s Restaurant
645 W. North Ave., Chicago
Presenters: Tom Long (Solid Oak Consulting) and Bob Salita (Softworks Limited).
The Midwest Society of Professional Consultants hosts a technology event featuring a predinner session that will focus on several technologies that can have a positive impact on your business and will include issues such as teleconferencing, video conferencing, web conferencing, software-as-a-service, email, voice mail and fax management, PDA uses and synchronization, supporting multiple PCs with routers. After dinner, there will be breakout sessions to amplify details on specific technology topics selected by the audience. Register by phone (312-201-0596) or here: www.mspc.org/reservations.html.
Wednesday, May 6
Chicago Underground Library
7–9 p.m.
2129 N. Rockwell, Chicago
We meet monthly to catch up on all the goings-on at the Chicago Underground Library and to acquaint new volunteers with the project. This is the perfect way to get up to speed on what we’re working on in our programming, collection development, community outreach, cataloging, and, most importantly, to find out how you can make the CUL your own. All are welcome! For information, visit http://underground-library.org/?page_id=458 or e-mail info@underground-library.org.
Thursday, May 7
Author Event with Jed Fielding
12:15 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center
North Gallery, First Floor, 78 E. Washington Street, Chicago
Jed Fielding, author of Look at me: Photographs from Mexico City, will speak.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Hlywak at 773-702-0376.
Thursday, May 7
35th Annual President’s Night
6 p.m. Registration; 7 p.m. Dinner/Program
Rosewood Restaurant & Banquets
9421 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont
Chicago Book Clinic hosts the 35th Annual President’s Night event. Tickets cost $75 through May 6; $85 on the day of event. For information and reservations, contact Chicago Book Clinic, 310 W. Lake Street, Suite 219, Elmhurst, IL 60126, call 630-833-4220, or e-mail klabounty@apexmanage.com.
Thursday, May 7
Book Signing with Witold Rybczynski
6 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center Authors Room
400 S. State Street, Chicago
Witold Rybczynski, award-winning architecture critic and author of Home and A Clearing in the Distance, will discuss and sign his new book, My Two Polish Grandfathers: And Other Essays on the Imaginative Life. This delightful and enlightening book, part memoir and part family history, is Rybczynski’s personal story of the upheavals of European lives during WWII, his own resulting intellectual development and the universal languages of art, music and architecture. For information, visit http://www.chipublib.org/events/details/id/25544/
Thursday, May 7
Book Signing with Carol Fisher Saller
6 p.m.
57th Street Books
1301 East 57th Street, Chicago
Carol Fisher Saller, author of The Subversive Copy Editor: Advice from Chicago (or, How to Negotiate Good Relationships with Your Writers, Your Colleagues, and Yourself), will sign books. For more information, please contact Laura Anderson at 773-702-0890.
Thursday, May 7
Why Writers Should Blog and How to Do It
7–9 p.m.
Wilmette Public Library
1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette
The Midwest Writers Association is holding a meeting open to the public to hear three experts discuss blogging. Cost is $10 for non-members, $5 for members. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to Jan Guggenheim at guggie1@sbcglobal.net or Ada Kahn at adapkahn@aol.com.
Friday, May 8
Book Signing with Anne Durkin Keating
12:15 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington Street, First Floor, Garland Room, Chicago
and
6:30 p.m.
Hyde Park Art Center
5020 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago
Anne Durkin Keating, author of Chicago Neighborhoods and Suburbs: A Historical Guide, will speak as part of the second annual Great Chicago Places and Spaces “Conversations Within Communities” reading series.
For additional information, call 312-744-3315 or visit www.greatchicagoplaces.us.
Tuesday, May 12
IWOC Monthly Meeting
5 p.m.
How Writers Can Work with PR Agencies
Panelists: Kim Manning, Kate Koziol, and Kim McCullough. Moderator: Jeff Steele
National-Louis University
122 South Michigan Ave., Room 5008, Chicago
Chicago networking and socializing begin at 5 p.m; programs begin promptly at 6 p.m. Admission is free to all IWOC members and $15 for nonmembers. All IWOC programs and seminars are open to nonmembers. Reservations are not necessary for programs. A buy-your-own dinner follows every meeting.
Friday, May 15
Author Event with Joel Greenberg
12:15 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington Street, First Floor, Garland Room, Chicago
and
6:30 p.m.
Kayla’s Ristorante
2554 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago
Joel Greenberg, author of Of Prairie, Woods, and Water: Two Centuries of Chicago Nature Writing, will speak as part of the second annual Great Chicago Places and Spaces “Conversations Within Communities” reading series. For additional information, call 312-744-3315 or visit www.greatchicagoplaces.us.
Wednesday, May 20
An Evening with Andy Austin
6–8:30 p.m.
National-Louis University, Room 4012-14
122 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Renowned courtroom artist Andy Austin’s keen eye and quick hand have brought the public into myriad courtroom dramas. Her incisive sketches have unfolded not only the Chicago Seven trial—including the notorious restraint of Bobby Seale—but trials from that of mass murderer John Wayne Gacy in 1980 and the 2007 acquittal of Muhammad Salah of conspiracy to fund Hamas. On May 20, Austin will read from her new book, Rule 53: Capturing Hippies, Spies, Politicians, and Murderers in an American Courtroom (Lake Claremont Press)—a stunning forty-year compilation of verbal and visual sketches reflecting the intense personalities and atmosphere of the American legal system. Austin’s firsthand account of history-in-the-making from 1969 to the present is engaging, witty, and revelatory. As the late Studs Terkel declared, “the truth comes through as vividly as in her sketches.” Books will be on sale at the event, and Ms. Austin will be signing copies after her presentation. Please register for this event by May 18. To register, call 773-508-0351 or send a check payable to CWIP to P.O. Box 268107, Chicago, IL 60626.
June 6–7
Printer’s Row Book Fair
on Dearborn between Polk and Congress
The Midwest’s largest outdoor literary festival features dozens of events, scores of exhibitors, and thousands of books. Related events take place at various venues around the city. Many events are free and do not require tickets, although some do. For information, visit http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/events/printersrow/.
Chicago Publishing Gigs
Acquisitions Editor, Children’s Books
Napeville-based Sourcebooks seeks an acquisitions editor for their children’s group in their New York office or Naperville office. The Acquisitions Editor candidate will be responsible for acquiring, developing, and editing children’s book projects that both enhance and expand our current publishing program. Proven ability to successfully position and title manuscripts for the marketplace a must. Candidates must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, a willingness to develop strong market knowledge through research and field experience and the ability to work independently via strong goal orientation. Requirements include at least three years of relevant book publishing experience, including strong agent relationships, book development skills, negotiation skills, strong interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated record of success. Must be able to negotiate contracts, set schedules, and meet aggressive deadlines. For information, visit http://www.bookjobs.com/viewjob.php?prmJobID=1307077.
Acquisitions Editor, Medical
McGraw-Hill is looking for an acquisitions editor who will be responsible for the management of the annual book, Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, as well as to acquire and develop assigned titles within various markets, including internal medicine, cardiology, radiology, pharmacy, and medical sciences. The position will be located in the Burr Ridge, Illinois, or New York office. Requirements include managing the editorial relationship on Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment; ensuring timely acquisition and publication of each annual edition; acquiring six to eight new and revised titles, as assigned, within cardiology, internal medicine, family medicine, radiology, pharmacy, and medical sciences markets; and ensuring development, management, transmittal, and publication of 10 to 20 books, as assigned, within internal medicine, family medicine, pharmacy, radiology, cardiology, and medical sciences markets. This job is posted on Monster. See also the McGraw-Hill website: http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/cgi-mcgraw/careers/recruitsoft.pl?url=uscan&lang=_en.
Copy Editor/Medical Editor
Hamilton Communications, an independent healthcare communications company located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, seeks an editor to work closely with copywriters and art directors to ensure the quality and accuracy of communications for a wide variety of healthcare marketing and promotional materials, including print advertising, websites, event branding, and internal and external corporate publications. In addition, this individual checks facts and references, proofreads all communications, and prepares medical/regulatory submissions. Requirements include at least three to five years experience as an editor, preferably in medical/pharmaceutical advertising or healthcare/medical communications as well as knowledge of medical (AMA) style, familiarity with medical terms and concepts, and an understanding of federal regulations governing pharmaceutical advertising. For information, visit http://www.creativehotlist.com/index.asp?linkTarget=fullJob.asp&jobID=130785.
Program Manager, Publications
The American Massage Therapy Association, based in Evanston, seeks a Program Manager for their Publications department to oversee the creation and production of AMTA’s quarterly magazine Massage Therapy Journal (MTJ); ensure that quality control standards are met and that each issue is published on time and on budget; see that editorial content supports the strategic direction and messages of AMTA and provides value to members; and manage editorial process, volunteer reviewers, production personnel, and others involved in producing issues of the magazine. Requirements include three to five years managing volunteers and freelance writers for an association magazine with budget responsibility; experience with organizations that have well-developed performance measures preferred; and experience in editorial program planning effectively developing and managing objectives and measures, program activities, and marketing communications plans and budget, including editorial calendars. For information, visit http://careers.associationforum.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3111154.
Publications Manager
The Society of Actuaries, based in Schaumburg, seeks a Publications Manager to Publications Manager ensure the timely, cost effective, and high-quality production and delivery of news, knowledge and information to members, candidates and other key stakeholders through a variety of print and electronic vehicles. This position will manage daily operations for the publication team whose key outputs include a bi-monthly four-color magazine, a peer reviewed journal, a quarterly practitioners journal, special interest newsletters, meeting monographs, an organizational annual report and textbook publication. Requirements include bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related discipline (master’s degree preferred in appropriate discipline) and a minimum of five years experience in management a publications/publishing program and professional team including direct experience with magazines, newsletters, journals, printed books, or electronic/web-based publishing formats in a business, public, or not-for-profit sector. For information, visit http://careers.associationforum.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3105445.
Science Editor, K–8
Quarasan, Inc. in Chicago seeks a science editor to participate in all aspects of the textbook/educational product development process. You will develop and maintain project guidelines, write original manuscript, evaluate and copyedit manuscript, and coordinate the work of in-house and freelance editors and writers. Requirements include Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in science, science education or science journalism; expertise in all science content areas; and minimum 3 years of publishing experience, preferably in educational publishing; science teaching experience in K-8 preferred. For information, visit http://www.bookjobs.com/viewjob.php?prmJobID=1307618.
Senior Science Editor, 9–12
Chicago-based Quarasan, Inc., seeks a senior science editor who will be responsible for generating ideas, developing models, writing, and editing across multiple projects in a deadline-driven team environment. Managing small projects, the Senior Editor works independently, while collaborating with editorial content managers and clients to develop prototypes and finished products. This position is an exciting and rewarding job which requires attention to detail and quality control at all stages of textbook development. Requirements include Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in science, science education or science journalism; expertise in earth sciences, chemistry, astronomy and physics; and minimum five years of publishing experience, preferably in educational publishing; science teaching experience at the middle/high school level preferred. For information, visit http://www.bookjobs.com/viewjob.php?prmJobID=1307617.
Writer/Editor
Human Resources Development Institute, Inc. (HRDI), based in Chicago, seeks a writer/editor to develop and refine HRDI’s communications and publications. The Writer/Editor will report to the Chief Executive Officer and will communicate information regarding technical areas in a non-technical way by researching complex technical data to write and edit documents, such as manuals and procedure reports; proofread documents, as necessary; and enter, compile, organize, and summarize complex data to support the CEO. Requirements include bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, technical writing, or related field preferred; two or more years of technical writing experience; and experience working with desktop publishing, word processing, and online documentation software. This job is posted on CareerBuilder: http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=QHKCV&ff=21&APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=J8F6876PP6DXW75NR04.
CPN Profile
Brad Hentz is Manager of Manufacturing and Product Delivery at Naperville-based Sourcebooks, where he has worked for the past decade or so. Brad also worked as a store manager with Waldenbooks (part of the Borders group) and he’s an avid reader, so he’s seen several sides of publishing: customer, bookseller, and publisher. Brad shares his insight and a unique view of publishing in this brief interview:
How long have you been in publishing?
I’ve been around books for nearly 14 years now. The first 3 were in book retail as a Store Manager for Waldenbooks. Since Waldenbooks, I’ve spent the last 10 ½ years in publishing at Sourcebooks, Inc. in Naperville.
What was your first publishing job, and was it everything you thought or hoped it would be?
I’ve spent my entire publishing career with Sourcebooks. When I started at Sourcebooks, I came on as the Customer Service Manager. At this time, Sourcebooks was just 11 years old and on the cusp of releasing its groundbreaking (and, unbeknownst to us at the time, NYT bestselling) title “We Interrupt This Broadcast.” Over two years ago, I was asked to move to the manufacturing side of the business. Today, I now oversee both the Manufacturing and C.S. departments.
In regard to whether it was everything I thought and hoped it to be, my answer is a resounding “yes.” Having worked for Waldenbooks prior to Sourcebooks, I had already found my love for books and discussing them with fellow readers. What Sourcebooks afforded me was an escape from the retail environment and hours. The transition itself was easy as customer service between the bookseller and end user has many similarities to that of a publisher and its customers. The specifics may be different, but many of the situations are comparable.
You’ve worked in bookstores and in trade publishing. How have these experiences helped you in your career?
They’ve helped in more ways than I could possibly recount here. With bookstore experience, you learn the very basic terminology needed for publishing. I often laughed at myself when I’d train new people and use terms like ISBN, trade paperback, mass market paperback, or deckled pages. These are terms I took for granted that non-bookstore or non-publishing people don’t automatically know without explanation!
On a deeper level, however, bookstore experience was valuable to me as it helped familiarize me with the industry (regional and national wholesalers, publishers, competitive retailers, BISACs or book categories, authors, paid placement/co-op money, etc.). Seeing what works and doesn’t work in the marketplace, from a content, design, and promotion perspective, is seen first hand as a bookseller and is tremendously valuable first hand knowledge in any editorial, manufacturing, prod/design, sales, or marketing function.
Lastly, bookstore experience really showed me the passion that customers, publishing industry, and bookselling community all share for books. It’s true that those who work for publishers and bookstores spend their lives in the business. It’s true that readers are more intelligent and vocal about their likes and dislikes in literature. To a passionate reader, meeting their favorite author is every bit the same, emotionally, as a fanatic meeting their favorite athlete, rock star, or movie star.
How do you think publishing has changed in the past five years? 10 years?
Like Ann Poole mentioned in a previous CPN profile, technology is unquestionably one of the largest change in publishing. These days, more files are transmitted between parties via FTP sites and emails. Files can be pre-flighted almost instantaneously and preliminary feedback can be provided within minutes of uploading files to printers’ FTP sites. With the correct technology, proofing can be done entirely through color-calibrated monitors with no physical Epson or digital dylux proofs being generated. Corrections can be made on screen and can be proofed by multiple users. The technology can get rather pricey, but printers seem to be pushing this agenda at publishers’ request due to the costs to generate and ship physical proofs.
Ebook technology seems to be picking up speed and finally looks like it is here to stay. Personally, I’m so impressed by the progress of ebooks that I wonder if or how ebook technology will affect print-on-demand or short run digital printing.
Perhaps of equal significance are the changes in the bookselling marketplace. Whereas years ago, publishers thought primarily about how books will work on a bookstore shelf, now they must think about online retailers as well as “super store” chains like Target, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, Costco and the like. Even at the retail bookstore level, indies are disappearing and the chains are changing their strategy by carrying less SKUs/ISBNs. What this means for publishing is that publishers must look even more thoroughly at content and packaging because the competition for space/visibility is more fierce than ever. Both content and packaging must be consistently “top tier.” Designers, editors, and print buyers are charged with creating eye-catching, innovative, and cost efficient packaging in order to get “sell in” from stores, point of purchase sales, and be able to be profitable with the deep discounts required by such retailers as mentioned above.
What do you think is unique about Chicago-area publishing?
From where I sit, what makes Chicago-are publishing unique is that we aren’t bound to the trends and attitudes of the East and West coast publishers. Publishing is very much “follow the leader,” but being in the Mid-West we are “insulated” from this and can more easily be innovative. We don’t spend our time trying to keep up with our coastal competitors, but rather can focus our own goals and strategies. Put another way, from my experience, Chicago-area publishing is removed or more isolated from the “the sky is falling” attitude that seems to permeate East coast publishing. Being away from the negativism is unique in and of itself.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start out or advance in Chicago-area publishing?
This is more a statement about publishing than Chicago-area publishing, but anyone entering publishing needs to understand that the publishing landscape is dramatically changing despite the industry’s best efforts to keep it the same. While “paper and board” never entirely go away, there are now ebooks, Iphone apps, online website and subscription services, etc. In short, people staring out in publishing need to understand that to survive, they need to think outside of a physical book. Publishing is becoming more and more about content delivery and how to reach readers and make profits beyond the traditional book format. Those who can envision this future have a leg up on those whose sole perspective is grounded in paper, printing, and binding.
Speaking specifically to Chicago-area publishing, one must know that competition for jobs is tough. A large majority of publishing jobs are on the coasts and if one isn’t interested in relocating to either coast, the choices in publishing are limited. Also, with demand for publishing jobs so high and supply of these jobs low, the competition for jobs is stiff. College graduates are competing for non-paying internships just to get their foot in the door! And once anyone gets into a publishing house, they quickly realize that this is a job that is done largely for the love of literature, not for pay.
