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, with additional funding from The New York Community Trust

Program Description
It is often said that when a writer completes a book, her work has just begun. Authors often do not realize the potential of their role in the publication process. Many 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, online social networking, 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.

To find out more, read the monograph "Maximizing the Visibility of Emerging Writers: Strategies and Lessons Learned from FACE OUT," produced as part of the pilot program: http://www.clmp.org/about/monographs.html

Through FACE OUT, CLMP will provide:

1. Five $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 a NYC (five boroughs)-based writer** with a book scheduled to be published in 2010. The funds are to be used specifically for emerging author/publisher relationships, including author tours and author-focused marketing initiatives. At least $500 must be paid directly to the author.
   
   * Note: This program is fully funded for Year 1. Continuation of the program for Year 2 is pending funding.
   
   ** It is required that participating authors agree to attend all TA sessions, and to complete a final report. When choosing an author to apply with, please be sure that your s/he will be in the NYC area and available to participate in program activities.
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.
   
   Specific Activities (year one):
   
   
   1. Initial meeting with the funded presses and authors, as a group, to discuss their projects and brainstorm ideas, consider group-sponsored events, etc.
   2. Two Technical Assistance workshop sessions with publishing professionals, focused on pre-pub budgeting and planning. For instance: A workshop with a book marketing professional to focus on book positioning that increases the writers' profiles; a workshop with a publicity professional where the emerging writers will focus on how to effectively marketing of their own books and develop positive, lasting relationships with their publishers. TA sessions will be planned in accordance with the needs of grantees.
   3. Mid-session and year-end confabs with grantees—both publishers and writers—updating each other on progress, sharing ideas and strategies.
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 the program will be to gather and edit these evaluations, along with the strategies and techniques developed, into a formal monograph in the form of case studies that can benefit all small press publishers and emerging writers.

An important component of this 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 nominated writer indicated for participation 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. NOTE: Publication will ideally be planned for Spring 2010, though books scheduled for slightly earlier or later will also be considered.
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: June 30th, 2009 (postmark deadline)
Programming Begins: September 2009