The chapbook, etc. commences.

Last week in Publication Studies, the students began planning for the publication of the second annual chapbook competition winner's manuscript. I have to say, it was kind of exciting to begin that conversation. This time, though, there was a difference, because it had been done before. That is, I had done it before.

So many hard parts will, I think, be easier. We have a basic template in InDesign. We won't be printing each and every copy (!) on the hardest working duplex printer in show biz--we'll outsource that business to Print Services. And I have a stronger sense of what it will take to move through the process--from layout and design to production, from press releases to publicizing to documenting, to the debut.

It was nice to be able to show this year's students last year's documentary. If it was just a little bit daunting, it was also inspiring. So tomorrow, we'll be looking at historical and contemporary literary chapbooks. We'll be bringing in some public information professionals to talk to the publicizing/marketing/documentary team. And we'll be interviewing the author, getting her feedback on cover concepts. It is on. Stay tuned.