You know I have always been a huge admirer of your poetry, and have your earlier books. I couldn't be happier to think I have inspired you to produce a third! (Also I remember seeing many of the poems on your blog as you were creating them.)
I was once, long ago, an independent publisher of Australian poetry, and some of those books won or were placed in major national awards. I seldom had trouble selling 500 copies of a title (in paperback, the only choice back then). Since then I have observed what happens with poets who publish mainstream and others who self-publish. Surveying it all from the position of my octogenarian age, I think it's still true that poetry is very hard to sell, no matter which route one takes to publish it. It's a great shame that most of us won't be as widely read as we deserve. That's no judgment of our value; I know some truly fabulous, brilliant, moving poets whose reputations will probably not last very long after their lifetimes. I don't expect that mine will last, either. But I do think it's great that more people will get the chance to read my, our, YOUR books NOW!
And even though I have read many or perhaps all of the poems already, it will still be a treat to experience them as a whole.
your poems have been wonderful company on some of my rough days, so trust me when I say I’m OVERJOYED to hear this. congratulations and wishing you all the best with your upcoming book. more power to you, my friend 🤍
This is wonderful news, Rajani. Your work so deserves to be in a book and you are right, there is nothing like holding a published book in your hands so your poetry is out there in the world in a physical way, as well as online. I am such a fan. I'm looking forward to this one.
Good luck, Rajani. I still enjoy Water To Water and will buy this one. Coincidence but same thing here - new book shortly. First collection for 17 years, so it's been weird, trawling through things I'd forgotten I'd written!
I'm looking forward to your book--it looks gorgeous.
I'd love to hear more about the process of having someone help with the publishing side, if you don't mind sharing that information here or via private message. I really have a hard time with tech, but would love to self-publish something at some point so my kids have my poems in a physical and well-made format.
That is so true. How special it must feel to hold your own book in your hand, and hopefully you will, soon. Congratulations! Those were wonderful poems and I look forward to seeing them together.
Congratulations, Rajani!
There is no easy way to publish, and I love your work, so I look forward to buying a copy when the order details are available. Please let us know!
Best Wishes - Dave :)
Thanks so much, David. That is so kind. Your support and that of the Substack poetry community means so much.
You know I have always been a huge admirer of your poetry, and have your earlier books. I couldn't be happier to think I have inspired you to produce a third! (Also I remember seeing many of the poems on your blog as you were creating them.)
I was once, long ago, an independent publisher of Australian poetry, and some of those books won or were placed in major national awards. I seldom had trouble selling 500 copies of a title (in paperback, the only choice back then). Since then I have observed what happens with poets who publish mainstream and others who self-publish. Surveying it all from the position of my octogenarian age, I think it's still true that poetry is very hard to sell, no matter which route one takes to publish it. It's a great shame that most of us won't be as widely read as we deserve. That's no judgment of our value; I know some truly fabulous, brilliant, moving poets whose reputations will probably not last very long after their lifetimes. I don't expect that mine will last, either. But I do think it's great that more people will get the chance to read my, our, YOUR books NOW!
And even though I have read many or perhaps all of the poems already, it will still be a treat to experience them as a whole.
You are a moving force!! And what can be better than having you as friend and motivator and guide. Hugs and gratitude for everything. And more.
*Smile.* The same to you!
Congratulations and best wishes.
Thanks so much.
Is it on Amazon?
Will be soon. Will drop an update here. We’re still working through the final proofs!!
your poems have been wonderful company on some of my rough days, so trust me when I say I’m OVERJOYED to hear this. congratulations and wishing you all the best with your upcoming book. more power to you, my friend 🤍
Thanks so much for the kind support. Means a lot. 🙏❤️
This is wonderful news, Rajani. Your work so deserves to be in a book and you are right, there is nothing like holding a published book in your hands so your poetry is out there in the world in a physical way, as well as online. I am such a fan. I'm looking forward to this one.
Thanks so much, Sherry. Owe a lot to the support from you and folks at PU in the early wordpress days. Much gratitude and love.
Congratuations!
Thanks so much, Judith. 🙏
Congratulations on getting a book 'out there', into the world!
My goal is to do so, 'one day'.
Thanks so much, Eileen. And sending a lot of good energy your way - hope you get your book out. ❤️🙏
Good luck, Rajani. I still enjoy Water To Water and will buy this one. Coincidence but same thing here - new book shortly. First collection for 17 years, so it's been weird, trawling through things I'd forgotten I'd written!
I’m so excited to read it Rajani!
I'm looking forward to your book--it looks gorgeous.
I'd love to hear more about the process of having someone help with the publishing side, if you don't mind sharing that information here or via private message. I really have a hard time with tech, but would love to self-publish something at some point so my kids have my poems in a physical and well-made format.
That is so true. How special it must feel to hold your own book in your hand, and hopefully you will, soon. Congratulations! Those were wonderful poems and I look forward to seeing them together.