FACE OUT: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Basic Information Form (required for application)

FACE OUT: Maximizing the Visibility of Emerging Writers
A Jerome Foundation Regrant and Technical Assistance Program for New York City Small Presses Presented by the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses

Program Description
It is often said that when a writer completes a book, her work has just begun. Authors generally do not realize the potential of their role in the publication process. Most emerging writers—particularly those creating poetry, short fiction, experimental fiction, and creative non-fiction—find publication through small presses that lack the resources to fully promote their authors in today's competitive marketplace. The writer's involvement in tours, local readings, and other marketing programs in partnership with her publisher can mean the difference between a successfully published book (one that actually finds it's way into readers' hands) and one that has merely been printed. FACE OUT actively addresses the potential of the publisher/writer partnership.

Through FACE OUT, CLMP will provide:

1. Four $10,000 regrants (distributed over 2 years, $5,000 per year) to publishers based in the five boroughs of New York City. Publishers will apply with 2 to 4 New York City-based writers with titles forthcoming in 2007 or 2008 (a minimum of one nominated writer must have a book scheduled for publication in 2007). The funds are to be used specifically for emerging author/publisher relationships, including: author advances, author tours, and author-focused marketing initiatives.
2. A series of workshops/roundtables and evaluation sessions for the publishers and emerging writers published through this program. These activities will provide direct technical assistance while building community among the participating publishers and the writers themselves. Sharing of strategies and resources will be encouraged throughout this process.
   
   Specifically (year one):
   
   
   1. Initial meeting with the four funded presses, as a group, to discuss their projects and brainstorm ideas, consider group-sponsored events, etc.
   2. A workshop with a book marketing professional for the granted publishers to focus on book positioning that increases the writers' profiles.
   3. A workshop with a publicity professional where the emerging writers will focus on developing and maximizing their roles in the marketing of their own books and develop positive, lasting relationships with their publishers.
   4. A mid-year confab with grantees—both publishers and writers—updating each other on progress, sharing ideas and strategies.
   5. A year-end confab, as above.
      
      NB: We predict year two to follow a format similar to year one, with new writers published by the selected presses having the same initial meetings, and writers in the second year of funding maintaining their media presence and continuing their relationships with their publishers.

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3. Evaluation and Monograph. In addition to the ongoing evaluation meetings described above, the grantees will be required to report their progress on a regular basis. One-on-one meetings (in-person or by phone) will be scheduled with CLMP staff and consultants as needed as part of this process. A goal by the end of year two will be to gather and edit these evaluations, along with the strategies and techniques developed, into a formal monograph that can benefit all small press publishers and emerging writers.

An important component of this regrant program will be the direct work with emerging writers, together with their publishers, as well as the convening of all grantees toward sharing resources and knowledge as the program develops. We believe that developing genuine community amongst grantees (both writers and publishers) will have a powerful and lasting effect. The program will directly serve the emerging writers being published, the New York City small presses working to support the work of emerging writers, and the greater community of developing writers seeking a relationship with a publisher, as well as readers eager to discover new voices.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicants must be independent literary publishers (at least 50% of your catalog must be literary).
2. Applicants must be located in one of New York City's five boroughs.
3. Both non-profit and for-profit publishers are welcome to apply.
4. Nominated authors must be located in one of New York City's five boroughs.
5. Self-publishers/vanity presses are not eligible.
6. Presses must publish two or more titles per year.
7. Proposed titles must have a minimum print run of 1,000.
8. Preference will be given to presses that have a history of publishing New York City writers and those that publish experimental literature.
9. The second year of funding will be contingent upon continued participation in the program.

Application Materials

1. Brief proposal in the form of a letter expressing what you hope to gain from the program, specific areas of concern, and new strategies you might like to try with this funding opportunity. Applicants may also describe suggestions for group marketing activities possible through this program.
2. Completed Basic Information Form (attached)
3. A letter from each nominated writer indicated for participation during the first year of funding—i.e., those writers slated for publication in 2007—expressing a commitment to participation in the project should funding be awarded. Please note that nominated writers MUST reside in New York City's five boroughs.
4. Bio of each nominated writer, including publication credits.
5. If available, one copy of the manuscript or galley for each nominated title
6. Organization History (one page maximum)
7. One copy of your latest catalogue
8. Sample marketing plan and marketing budget from a past title, plus examples of past marketing materials. If available, include a proposed marketing plan and budget for nominated titles. (Note: specific marketing plans for project titles will be developed/refined as part of this program.)
9. Most recent financial statement or audit.

Calendar
Application Deadline: November 15th, 2006 (postmark deadline)
Grantees Announced: December 15th, 2006
Programming Begins: January 2007