This interview is provided for archival purposes. The listing is not currently active.
Q: Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.
A: Any genre literary
Q: What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?
A: Eibonvale Press, Pendragon Press, Alchemey Press, Sein und Werden, Black Static (TTA Press), Chomu press and Spectral Press
Q: If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?
A: Stephen King, John Steinbeck, Daphne du Maurier, David Rix, Douglas Thompson, John Travis, Sebastian Faulks, Steve Byrne, Ray Bradbury, J G Ballard, Michael Moorcock, Leo Tolstoy, Simon Bestwick, Mark West, Robeert Sheckley, A E vanVogt, Clive Barker, H E Bates, Rosamund Lehmann. Ian Banks, Melvyn Bragg, Ray Cluley
Q: What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?
A: The themed magazine, "Wordland" is not restricted to any genre and likes authors who interprets the themes in the widest and most imaginative sense. It is both free on-line and also available in print and eReader formats for a very small fee. theEXAGGERATEDpress publishes books, mostly collections (but novels are welcome) that sit on the edges of the weird fiction (sf, horror, fantasy) genre. We would love submissions from the edges of any other genre as well. theEXAGGERATEDpress motto is "no genre, just good writing".
Q: What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?
A: Write to me first. Please don't just send a manuscript. I am a friendly publisher, so, by all means, get in touch! On the negative side; I'm not interested in worn-out troupes or straight down the line novels. The world has more then enough hard-bitten detectives, perverted serial killiers, zombies, vampires, sword-wielding fantasy heroes, elite fighting units (contemporary or futuristic) and square-jawed romantic types. If you want to dip into those waters, then fish up a different take on the subject, come at it from a completely different angle. What I love is a "what-if?" type story. A question explored. I like characters who are flawed and unreliable. Oh, and I don't like twist-in-the-tale endings. Best way to find out, read Wordland, it is free and on-line, or take a look at our books.
Q: Describe the ideal submission.
A: By email., well presented, double-spaced, plain Times new Roman with no odd formatting, proof read with minimal typos and grammatical errors. If there is a theme, then the story must deal with the theme, albeit in a very sideways manner. The briefest of introductory text.
Q: What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?
A: Disregarding the theme!
Q: How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?
A: Very little. The story or poem is all. A brief cover note in the email is fine, including a few significant publication credits but if you are new to this and haven't got any, don't worry. It is your words I am interested in.
Q: If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?
A: I usually read the whole submission, but can often tell quite quickly that a piece isn't right. That doesn't necessarily mean that it is a bad story or poem, but that it doesn't fit. For example, a themed publication sch as "Wordland"often develops a life of its own and work either fits or it doesn't and I can't always explain why. I try to be gentle with my rejections. I am well aware how disappointing and frustrating they can be.
Q: What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?
A: Some stories and poems are right and that's it. others may need more readings and thought. There is no formal process for this.
Q: What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?
A: theEXAGGERATEDpress is a small press. I run the press in my spare time. I have a full time job, teaching in a college, and I am a writer in my own right. So, I have to programme in all aspects of my writing and publishing work and concentrate on each in short bursts.
Q: How important do you feel it is for publishers to embrace modern technologies?
A: It is very important. Social media is a good way to publicise your work and make people aware that it is out there. I know the clamour for attention is loud, but every so often someone out there will hear you and be interested enough to read your work. I use on-line and eBook formats as well as print to maximise the reach of our publications. Personally, I love books and am not a great ebook reader, but that is only me. A huge swathe of the reading public now read electronically and we have to acknowledge that and join in.