Transition of Nomadic Press Books to Black Lawrence Press
Nomadic Press, a small nonprofit book publisher based in Oakland, closed its doors in March. However, readers can still access its vast collection of over a hundred titles. J.K. Fowler, the founder of Nomadic, recently announced that starting June 1, all of these works will be published under the esteemed Black Lawrence Press.
Black Lawrence Press: A New Home for Nomadic Titles
Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing house from upstate New York, will also be bringing forth more than ten new titles planned by Nomadic for this year. The closure of Nomadic Press will not hinder the authors from receiving royalties, as their works will be transferred for free to Black Lawrence Press, ensuring continuity in their publishing journey.
The Synergy Between Presses
Fowler expressed enthusiasm about the transition, noting Black Lawrence’s solid reputation and commitment to authors. After researching and engaging with Black Lawrence’s Executive Editor Diane Goettel, he felt reassured that they genuinely care about their writers, a crucial quality in today’s publishing landscape.
A Family Connection in Publishing
Goettel described the relationship between the two presses as akin to a familial bond. Both Nomadic and Black Lawrence have published works by authors who resonate with similar themes. She aims to maintain the community-oriented spirit Nomadic fostered by connecting each Nomadic writer with a Black Lawrence counterpart for collaborative initiatives such as podcasts and readings.
Support for Writers Amid Changing Presses
Authors often face uncertainties when small presses go under, including concerns about their rights and remaining book copies. Goettel aims to mitigate these challenges, ensuring that Nomadic’s writers are supported and their works continue to flourish. She values the detailed assistance Fowler provided during the transition, making the process seamless.
Future Aspirations with Nomadic Foundation
As the transition unfolds, Nomadic will evolve into the Nomadic Foundation, focusing on supporting emerging small presses that uplift marginalized voices. Fowler envisions the foundation playing a pivotal role in awarding literary grants and assisting new publishers in their growth.
Continued Community and Literary Kinship
Nomadic authors express excitement over the transition, with many recognizing Black Lawrence’s commitment to diverse storytelling. As they continue to foster kinship within the writing community, the foundation seeks to empower new publishers and amplify the voices of underrepresented writers.
Nomadic Press Finds New Home with Black Lawrence Press
In March, the Oakland-based nonprofit publisher, Nomadic Press, ceased operations, yet its rich catalog of over one hundred titles will continue to be accessible. J.K. Fowler, the founder of Nomadic, announced that starting June 1, these books will be transferred to Black Lawrence Press, a reputable independent publisher headquartered in upstate New York.
New Beginnings for Nomadic Authors
Fowler expressed his optimism regarding this transition, stating, “It’s hard to think of a better ending to this, especially given their reputation.” Black Lawrence Press is not only adopting existing titles but also plans to publish more than ten new works initially set for release by Nomadic this year.
Focus on Author Care and Engagement
After interacting with Black Lawrence’s team, including Executive Editor Diane Goettel, Fowler remarked on their commitment to authors. “They really care about their authors and are in this for the long haul,” he said. Black Lawrence has published over 300 titles since its inception in 2004, focusing primarily on poetry, alongside fiction and nonfiction.
A Collaborative Literary Community
Goettel identified the kinship between Black Lawrence and Nomadic, referring to her press as a “slightly older East Coast sister” to Nomadic. The two publishers have collaborated with several overlapping authors, fostering a community spirit in the literary scene. To maintain this connection, she plans to establish partnerships between Nomadic authors and Black Lawrence writers.
Support for Authors in Transition
Goettel aims to mitigate the common challenges authors face when small presses close. “Often, it can be very hard for the author to get basic information,” she explained. By ensuring a seamless transition for Nomadic’s authors, she aims to prevent any disruption to their publishing journeys.
A New Nonprofit Focused on Empowering Publishers
As Nomadic Press evolves into the Nomadic Foundation in August, it will shift its focus from publishing to supporting new presses that empower marginalized writers. Fowler outlined the foundation’s mission: “The focus is on helping other publishers do what we did, but in their own way.”
Embracing a Vibrant Literary Community
As the literary landscape continues to evolve, authors like Daniel B. Summerhill express relief and excitement about the transition. “It was exciting because it was one less thing I had to stress about,” he said. The bond among writers remains strong, ensuring that the connections fostered by Nomadic continue to thrive in the broader literary community.
With this transition, Black Lawrence Press not only revitalizes the works of Nomadic authors but also enhances the support system for marginalized voices in literature. The future looks promising as these two presses join forces in their commitment to inclusive storytelling.
