Guaranteed to Please Indie Bookstores!

November 06, 2024

Introducing the Microcosm Guarantee

Portland, OR — Microcosm Publishing has launched “The Microcosm Guarantee,” for independent bookstores who place direct orders for Microcosm’s publications designed to ensure print resources swiftly and efficiently reach readers who need them most. Through the Microcosm Guarantee, orders from indie bookstores that come through Microcosm’s website, sales reps, or in-house sales team will now be shipped within 2 business days. Microcosm is so confident in the press’s processes, staff, and new custom shipping boxes that founder and CEO Joe Biel will personally apologize to any retailer who receives damaged goods.

Following discussions with independent booksellers at the 2024 Heartland Fall Forum conference, the Microcosm Guarantee was conceived to streamline the ordering and shipping process, get vital texts into readers’ hands, and strengthen partnerships with independent booksellers on the frontlines of their communities’ needs. In a move that hearkens back to a 2011 initiative offering to accept unwanted Kindles in exchange for books while the industry was spelling doom for print, the Microcosm Guarantee is another investment in the publisher’s mission of equipping readers to make positive change in their lives and in the world around them, despite trends or obstacles.

The Microcosm Guarantee is already being applied to direct orders at Microcosm’s Portland and Cleveland warehouse facilities. Learn more about the Microcosm Guarantee in this video, and in the FAQ below!

Elly and Joe discuss the Microcosm Guarantee, plus box technology

FAQ: The Microcosm Guarantee

What is the Microcosm Guarantee?
- It’s simple! Orders placed for our books, zines, and sidelines by independent bookstores through our independent sales reps, our in-house sales reps, or placed on our website will be shipped out within two business days. Stores frequently comment about how well our warehouse workers (some of whom are owners) pack boxes to prevent damages, but if you receive a damaged book, Microcosm CEO Joe Biel will personally apologize for the inconvenience! (What other publishers can say that???)
Why are you doing this?
- Independent Booksellers have different needs than other kinds of retailers and we’re here to help. Besides, we’ve got these awesome, cat-tastic boxes that have proven to be great at keeping orders safe. Plus, our warehouse staff rocks, and we’ve got great systems in place to make sure our bookstore customers can get the books they need, when they need them.
What types of stores and orders does the guarantee apply to?
- Independent bookstores ordering directly through our sales reps or placed on our website.
Who do I contact if I have questions or an order arrives late or damaged?
- If you have a problem with an order, send an email to orders(at)microcosmpublishing.com.
- Want recommendations or title suggestions for your store? Contact sales(at)microcosmpublishing.com.
Who are the cats on the boxes?
- The one with the dapper tie is Arthur, and the tuxedoed gentleman is Walter!

Is Your Distributor Working? | A People’s Guide to Publishing

October 31, 2024

How does a publisher know if a distributor is working for them? Odds are, if you’re asking that question, they probably aren’t!

This week on the pod, Joe and Elly give you a few tips on what numbers and data points to look at, how to tell if a distributor is adding value to your enterprise, and revaluating if your contract is getting in your way.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!

What Publishing Industry Media Should I Read? | A People’s Guide to Publishing

October 24, 2024

There are a lot of publishing industry news blogs, sites, and publications out there. Which ones are worth your time? (Besides us.)

Jane Friedman of The Hot Sheet is back to chat with Joe and Elly about her favorites, and which ones are best for what publishing news you’re interested in.

If you’re looking for the link Jane references to see her follows, you can find it here: https://substack.com/@janefriedman/reads

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
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Chickasaw Press’s most-beloved books

October 18, 2024

For readers of all ages!

We’re excited to be the new distributor of Chickasaw Press, the only publisher in the so-called United States owned and operated by an Indigenous Nation. Based in Ada, Oklahoma, the press offers a literary, scholarly, and accessible outlet for the work of Chickasaw authors, academics, and culture bearers, exercising intellectual sovereignty through ethical and culturally appropriate publication practices. Learn more about them on our site, and check out a few of their most popular titles—for both kids and grown folks—below!

Otis W. Leader: The Ideal American Doughboy by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
Amid the growing tensions of WWI, Otis W. Leader—a thirty-five-year-old widower of Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, and Irish descent—left behind three children, his job, and his home in Oklahoma to enlist in the Army. Assigned to the First Division of the American Expeditionary Forces, he was chosen to represent the “Ideal American Doughboy,” and lived up to that title, earning honors like the Croix de Guerre, two Silver Stars, a Congressional Gold Medal, and a Purple Heart. An uplifting story in Leader’s own words of endurance, bravery, and perseverance on the infamous Western Front.

Mission to Space by John Herrington
First American astronaut John Herrington shares his passion for space travel and his Chickasaw heritage as he gives children a glimpse into his training at NASA and his mission to the International Space Station. Learn what it takes to train for space flight, see the tasks he completed in space, and join him on his spacewalk 220 miles above the earth. This unique children’s book is illustrated with photos from Herrington’s training and space travel and includes an English-to-Chickasaw vocabulary list with space-related terms.

Chickasaw Unconquered & Unconquerable by Amanda Cobb, with Jeannie Barbour and David Fitzgerald
The first book published by Chickasaw Press, Chickasaw Unconquered and Unconquerable traces history from our historic Homeland in the Southeast to the thriving nation of today and proves why the Chickasaw people are considered to have one of the most resilient cultures in America. Images by award-winning photographer David G. Fitzgerald and insightful essays by Chickasaw writers Jeannie Barbour, Amanda Cobb-Greetham, and Linda Hogan highlight the incredible story.

Funny Fani’ by Wiley Barnes and Lokosh (Joshua D. Hinson)
In this illustrated children’s book, Funny Fani’ (fuh-NEE’) is a squirrel who loves animals. When she goes on a special trip to the zoo, Fani’ imagines making friends with all of the animals, big and small! Follow Fani’ on a silly rhyming adventure and learn the Chickasaw words for every animal she encounters. For even more animal fun, explore the oversized glossary, discover dozens of interesting animal facts, and learn how certain animals relate to Chickasaw history and culture.

Little Bird by Mary Ruth Barnes
This historical novel follows the journey of Esther McLish, a Choctaw-Cherokee woman, after the tragic death of her Chickasaw husband leaves her a widow, just before the birth of their son. Determined to have her son added to the Dawes Rolls, Esther is forced to relive all of her life’s tragedies, as she must repeatedly testify on his behalf before the men of the Dawes Commission, who hardly seem to believe her. Based on accounts of real people and events from the days of Indian Territory, Little Bird tells the story of one woman’s bravery in the face of heartbreak and misfortune.

Chikasha Chahta okla’at wihat tanó̲wattook (The Migration Story of the Chickasaw and Choctaw People) by Chickasaw Press and Lauren John
Featuring colorful illustrations, readers of all ages will discover the journey of Chiksa’ and Chahta, while learning our sacred Migration Story in both Chickasaw and English. This book introduces The Nannanoli’ (Story) Series, a line of titles that combine the Chickasaw traditions of language and storytelling. Published in a double-sided book style, this series will allow readers to read through a traditional Chickasaw story in English, flip the book upside down, and then read it again in the Chickasaw language.

Anompolichi: The Wordmaster by Phillip Carroll Morgan
When Chickasaw wordmaster Iskifa Ahalopa discovers a shipwrecked Scotsman and his cargo, the king’s goat, washed up on the eastern coast of North America in 1399, he does what any language specialist would do. He sets out in search of someone who can understand the white man’s words. But the trio are quickly plunged into a web of intrigue and danger as they find themselves pitted against a tribal leader intent on dominating the continent. Author Phillip Carroll Morgan takes readers on an adventure in this captivating piece of First American fiction.

C Is For Chickasaw by Wiley Barnes and Aaron K. Long
C Is For Chickasaw walks children through the letters of the alphabet, sharing elements of Chickasaw history, language, and culture along the way. Wiley Barnes crafts rhymes to engage younger children’s imaginations and deeper explanations for older readers. Colorful illustrations by Aaron Long reflect elements of Southeastern Indian art. An activities section provides a springboard for discussion and learning.

Want to read more books that preserve, perpetuate, and provide an awareness of Chickasaw history and culture? Explore the full catalog of Chickasaw Press titles distributed by Microcosm!

What is Vertical Integration? | A People’s Guide to Publishing

October 17, 2024

Vertical integration. It sounds like a fancy business term, but in reality, it means keeping things in-house as much as possible to keep costs low.

This week, Joe and Elly (and special guest Bernie!) take a few minutes talk about vertical integration, why we say Microcosm is vertically integrated, and how to decide if it’s right for you.

And for a fun added bonus, watch as Joe slowly drifts further and further out of frame.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!

How To Design a Book Cover | A People’s Guide to Publishing

October 10, 2024

Can you judge a book by its cover?

We’re revisiting another classic episode this week! Joe and Elly talk about cover design, how to make a book cover stand out, and how a cover communicates to its audience.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!

What is book editing (and how do I do it right)? | A People’s Guide to Publishing

October 03, 2024

Book editing! Surely it’s easy, right? Especially if you’re someone who has read like, a lot of books. Nope! This week Joe and Elly talk book editing, why it’s a technical skill, and how to do it right.

(This is a re-broadcast of an episode from 2019, if you’re like “why are Joe and Elly talking about their outfits from last week? That’s not what they wore last week.”)

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!

Why Are So Many Books So Mediocre? | A People’s Guide to Publishing

September 26, 2024

A reader asks a very straightforward question— why are so many books so mediocre? Is it a new trend? How do we measure quality?

Jane Friedman of the Hot Sheet joins us again this week to find the answers!

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!

Disabled Witchcraft Q&A

September 23, 2024

A conversation with author Kandi Zeller

What inspired you to write your book?

As a disabled person, I wanted to create a resource that could serve as an accessible, adaptable grimoire for other witchy spoonies, drawing from my own experiences. Disabled Witchcraft is really more about starting the conversation rather than being the end of it.

What was it like to publish with Microcosm?

It was a great experience. Everyone was communicative and committed to making the book the best it could be, and it’s always been a dream of mine to publish a book. I’m really honored to have had this opportunity to work with the team to create a resource so close to my heart.

What was the submission/query process like for you?

I really appreciated how detailed the submissions guidelines were. That helped me figure out how to create an outline from my idea and set a good foundation for the book.

What else have you written?

I have a weekly Substack newsletter called All The Threads, which is a place where I write about random, whimsical practices at the intersections of spirituality, creativity, and justice.

What are you currently reading?

A lot of graphic novels and zines. My TBR is always ridiculously long. I recently finished Fangs by Sarah Andersen and Kim Reaper: Grim Beginnings by Sarah Graley, and both were adorable.

What’s the best book you read in the last year?

So hard to choose, but my favorite was probably Batcat by Meggie Ramm. Such a sweet adventure story with queer overtones and just a dash of spooky vibes.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a little horror poetry zine about my experience of growing up in a high-control religious environment, using the lens of monster myth. It’s just the kind of nerdiness I enjoy in my spare time!

Want to keep reading? Check out Disabled Witchcraft: 90 Rituals for Limited-Spoon Practitioners by Kandi Zeller, out now!

How does being an editor make you a better author? w/ Kandi Zeller | A People’s Guide to Publishing

September 19, 2024

Being a book editor and an author can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have unique insight into how a book is developed before you even get started. On the other hand, you can end up getting in your own way trying to make it “perfect”. And if you’re an editor for the publisher of your own book, how do you balance that?

We sat down with Disabled Witchcraft author (and Microcosm editor!) Kandi Zeller to talk writing, disability, witchcraft, cookies, and a really cool bookstore.

Get your copy of Disabled Witchcraft here.

Prefer an audio experience? Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app.
Get the People’s Guide to Publishing here, and the workbook here!
Want to stay up to date on new podcast episodes and happenings at Microcosm? Subscribe to our newsletter!