Queer literature has long been subjected to morality clauses, bans, and pathologizing narrative requirements. For the first time in history, publishers today are facing the expectation that they will have queer titles in their catalogs, lest they lose sales. Even in the face of a rise in book ban attempts, queer readers are being recognized as a valuable and essential market.
Marketing plans are a foundational document that make sure the entire process of publishing a book is cohesive, intentional, and appropriate to the audience and the goals of the book. The marketing plan is referenced in almost every other stage of the publishing process, so we have to be careful and put a lot of thought into the decisions we make because mistakes could cascade throughout the process and cause problems later.
Although I’ve been learning a lot about the different facets of publishing at Ooligan Press and in the Book Publishing Program, I wanted to learn more. So, when I heard the 2023 PubWest Conference was happening in Seattle, I jumped at the chance to attend.
Those NY-averse publishing professionals among us are no strangers to the grind. We are willing to hustle and sacrifice to do the work we love. But how much sacrifice is enough?