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Mark Fleckenstein's avatar

I think it’s interesting that UPitt defines a first book, as having been published in an edition of 500 copies. I’ve published 5 full- length collections, but none have been in additions of 500 copies. I don’t think any other “first B

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Emily Stoddard's avatar

Yeah, there can be a lot of variation in how a "first book" is defined, which is another reason I avoid for the word "debut" for the purposes of what we're thinking about here in the Poetry Bulletin... it's possible a lot of poets have technically debuted with a book but haven't hit that 500 copies printed.

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Lisa Jensen's avatar

This is such a helpful resource and so generous of you to put it into the world! Thank you.

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Rebecca Olander's avatar

Thank you again for your amazing literary citizenship, Emily! Perugia Press is honored to be highlighted, and your work helps keep us aligned in the ways we intend in terms of transparency, equity, and accessibility. So grateful for this resource! 💞

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Emily Stoddard's avatar

Thanks, Rebecca! It's meant a lot to know that Perugia taking this information to heart -- I don't hear from publishers directly very much, so it's tough to know if the data is really making it out there. Your replies are a helpful signal!

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Heather Hallberg Yanda's avatar

Thank you for all this amazing work; so glad you included your philosophies about some of the “deals.” In a world where so many people think poetry is dead, there sure are many opportunities showing us it isn’t. No matter what that time with the notebook is always worth it.

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Emily Stoddard's avatar

Thanks, Heather!

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Yoda Olinyk's avatar

Thank you so much for this super thoughtful research. Also... these are spreadsheet GOALS!

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Emily Stoddard's avatar

💚 it's the only spreadsheet I love this much, lol

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Janel G's avatar

Thank you for the amazing work you are doing! So in the end, Perugia and Ghost Peach were the most generous and accessible?

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Emily Stoddard's avatar

Thanks, Janel! Of the first book reading periods that charge fees, Perugia and Ghost Beach are most accessible. But overall, Changes is the most accessible on this list and most generous -- they charge nothing and have a $10k price plus other support.

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Kortney Garrison's avatar

Really appreciate this work, Emily and look forward to the Compensation discussion as well. Happy Spring!

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Emily Stoddard's avatar

Thanks, Kortney! 💛

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