Interview with Joan Schweigardt, Publisher

Tell us how and why GreyCore got started.

I had wanted to start a pub biz for a long time but lacked the money, time (I have a f/t job) and know how. Then, in 1998, I came into a bit of money and immediately called up Julie Mars, whose fine manuscript I had read and admired a few months before, and told her that I was going to become a publisher and that hers would be my first title. A day or two later I came to my senses and remembered that while I now had some money, it wasn't really enough, and I still did not have the time or know how anyway. But having known the joy of having had books published myself (I had three published between 1990-1995 when I was home with my youngest kid) I could not bring myself to tell Julie I'd jumped the gun. And so I became a publisher. Best thing that could have happened. Everything fell into place once I made the decision. Some remarkably talented people jumped on board to help with artwork and layout and design, gratis. And the company I work for very kindly agreed to cut back my hours so I would have more time. I love publishing. With a little bit of luck, GreyCore will live on to publish lots and lots of books over the next several years.

Did you have a mission in mind when you began producing books?

I think the answer above covers this question. But I can add that I am very much aware of how many wonderful books fall through the cracks every year because they are written by first-time authors or they are deemed to be commercial risks--in spite of their literary merit. My mission is to find these gems and find new ways to get them noticed.

In what format are your books published? Print for now. I'm hoping to learn more about e-publishing.

Do you do print-on-demand books?

Not yet; as stated, I don't know enough about it.

How are your books distributed? Do you get help from Ingrams or B and T, or are you on your own?

We have a very wonderful distributor, Alliance House in White Plains, NY. In addition to knowing the ropes, they are totally accessible and return phone calls and emails--and this in spite of the fact that I have had to ask them a good many stupid questions while I was learning the production process.

Tell us how you advertise. How do you alert readers?

We haven't advertised to date. But we have done lots and lots of PR. (Did I mention that my full-time job is with a PR agency?) As our revenues grow, we will begin to advertise.

Who are some of the authors you've contracted with? What releases do you have out or soon out?

Julie's is our first release. Our second, coming out on its heels, is THE QUEEN OF HEARTS: TALES OF MIDDLE-AGE PASSION, by Millie Crace-Brown. QUEEN is not a mystery; it's a different kind of book altogether, but we think it will have a huge audience. Anyone who has ever stumbled through a relationship--especially females on the wrong side of 40--should love it. Next we're doing a regional (NY state) non-fiction. As you can see, our tastes are very eclectic. And next year we're hoping to contract to publish a wonderful love story that takes place in turn-of-the-century (not this most recent one) Africa. (I won't say the name of the book or writer because I don't want anyone to steal it/him before we go to contract.) We're also looking at a few other mysteries.

What is the price range for your releases?

Both our hardcovers are priced at $23.

How can readers purchase your books?

Readers can go to Amazon.com or BN.com, or to their local bookseller.

Do you have a website with more information?

Yes, we have a great website; it just went up. Eventually visitors will be able to get there via www.greycore.com. But anyone who wants to visit now can get there via http://www160.pair.com/tang2u/index.htm.

Talking with Julie Mars, GreyCore Author

What led you to a small press?

When I finished The Secret Keepers, I had high hopes (and, truthfully, high expectations) that it would sell quickly to a big publishing house. I'd already received a grant for it from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and I got a great New York agent almost immediately. And then no one made an offer--though I get "great rejections" with lots of praise and compliments. The book seemd to fall between the cracks--too literary for one company and too commercial for another; too plot-driven for one and too character-driven for the next, etc. I was thoroughly discouraged and gave up writing (...again). So when Joan Schweighardt read it and decided to launch her publishing venture, GreyCore Press, with two books, one of them mine and the other a wonderful collection called The Queen of Hearts by Millie Crace-Brown, I was thrilled--and scared, because I knew that it was Joan, personally, taking the risk, not some megabucks corporation.

Were you previously published by a mainstream house?

I have written commercially for years and have published over sixty gift books--those hardcover minibooks you see in the bookstores, but this is my first novel.

What is it like writing for a small press?

My experience with GreyCore Press has been truly great. Because it's small and new, I've been treated like one of the family. When I was in New York last summer, for instance, Joan threw a big party and unveiled the cover art for The Secret Keepers--a beautiful original oil painting by Valerie Van Inwegen.I met everyone who's involved with GreyCore, and we had a wonderful day. Joan keeps me posted on what's happening with the book on--literally--a daily basis. Professionally, she is tireless and creative, and personally, we've cemented our friendship for life. As for the cons, the small presses go against the tide and, of course, there's stress involved in that for everybody, but there's the thrill of rebellion, too. We have a good distributor, and Joan and the whole GreyCore staff are determined to get the books out there. So far, so very good.

Do you receive advances and royalties?

I did not take an advance, but GreyCore and I have a 50/50 deal on sales.

Tell us about your experiences promoting a small-press release. What role does the Internet play, if any?

Joan has an extensive PR background and she's beating the bushes to get reviews, set up interviews, signings, and readings, and push her first two titles. I basically benefit from her hard work, and I appreciate it. Other, more established writers have been very generous, too. Judith Van Gieson, the author of the Neil Hamel and the new Claire Reynier mysteries, has introduced me to bookstore owners; Sharon Oard Warner invited me to read with her at the University of New Mexico series on April 20th; novelist Julie Shigekuni is throwing a book party. I've had lots of support. As for the internet, right now we have info (reviews, synopsis, first chapter, etc.) on the books on several websites, and there's more to come. I think the internet is crucial for small presses. It's a direct, effective way to reach our potential audience--and the sites are so interesting. Plus, of course, there's amazon.com, where GreyCore books can be pre-ordered.

How can readers get in touch with you?

My e-mail address is JMars50065@aol.com
...and I would love to hear from your readers.

Thank you, Joan and Julie, and best of luck with GreyCore Press! Readers, we have a review of The Secret Keepers here at The Mystery Reader.

May 8, 2000