Poetry Publishing on the Cheap: Chapbooks
October 8, 2007 by John Hewitt
What is a chapbook?
A chapbook is a book that created by folding standard 8 1/2 x 11 (The size varies outside of the United States) paper in half so that you create a shape close to that of a common paperback book. By doing this, a single sheet of paper yields four pages of a book. You then bind the multiple pages together by stapling along the crease of the sheets of paper. A mere eight sheets of paper can create a 32 page chapbook. Because of the limitations of the stapling and folding process, chapbooks tend to run about 32 pages and rarely more than 64 pages. In addition to standard sheets of paper, you may wish to create a cover using thicker (and perhaps glossy) cover-stock paper.
What are the advantages of a chapbook?
The primary advantage of a chapbook is that it can be created cheaply using a computer, a word processing or desktop publishing program and a printer. This means that you can produce as many or as few books as you need. Poetry chapbooks are accepted in the poetry community and many poetry competitions accept chapbooks as entries.
What are the disadvantages of a chapbook?
The primary disadvantage of a chapbook is that most retail bookstores will not sell it. Because chapbooks do not have spine wide enough to print a title on, they cannot easily be found on the bookshelf. Also, if you wish to produce a chapbook yourself, that means you will have to write, edit, design, print, and bind the book yourself. Many people lack the skill or the motivation to do these things themselves. It is possible to have a professional print shop produce the chapbook for you, but that will add to the expense and you will have to order a set run of books.
Once I create a chapbook, what can I do with it?
You can sell it through your web site. You can bring it to sell at poetry readings (even open mike nights). You can enter it in poetry contests and you can produce it so cheaply that you can even give it away if you want to.
Where can I get more information?
- Wikipedia entry for chapbook
- What is a chapbook?
- More chapbook information
- Chapbook template (Microsoft Publisher)
- Instructions for making your own chapbook template in Microsoft Word
Related links
- 30 Poems in 30 Days (1.000)
- 30 Poems in 30 Days: Joining the Community (1.000)
- Weekly Poetry Assignment 1: Compilations and Love Poems (1.000)
- Poetry Writing Tips (0.593)
- What are Metaphor, Simile and Analogy? (0.593)
Contact John Hewitt
Writing Content and Web Consulting
Email: hewitt@poewar.comPhone: (520) 261-6104
LinkedIn: poewar
Twitter: @poewar
Facebook: pwar2
I have to say I love making these things, I didn’t realize it then but ever since I’ve been in elementary school I have been making these. How exciting, now I know something can be done with them. Cool Thanks!!!!!!!!!
I have published my own chapbooks and I’ve got to say they are a great way to earn a small hobby income from your writing. I recommend attending poetry readings and taking a handful of chapbooks with you to sell at the reading. If people like your poetry then they will buy a chapbook for $2 or $3. If you have a larger chapbook (64 pages, for instance) then you can charge more.
Also, many local independent bookstores will have a section for local authors. Ask the store owner if you can put your chapbook in that section on consignment. Many would be happy to do so.
Thank you, I think I’m going to do that, but how will I go about publishing it. Can you point me in the right direction? Who are your publishers?
Rianon,
In this particular case, you are your own publisher. You produce the books yourself and market them yourself. It involves a lot of work, but it the cheapest way to produce a print book.
The only way I have ever used chapbooks is as limited editions of one copy only as presents for people, e.g. a booklet of my love poems for a friend newly engaged. (Which is a nice thing to do, incidentally, and I’m sure I’ll continue.)
I have self-published, but as a “real” book with spine, ISBN number and everything.
I have been thinking that I would like to produce a chapbook for sale next, or a number of them on different themes. I have a question – do chapbooks need ISBN numbers?
Rosemary,
I agree with you, and I am going to if it’s ok with you send you my first chapbook. I feel as you Connie and John has helped me so much I would love to get your opinion on it.
As for the ISBN number I’m not sure that you have to but you can. I think It might have something to do with where you send it to sell it, but I’m not sure. I would love it it we could stay in touch not just in here but if you could email me. I could use some help with my poetry, not just from you but from John as well. Rianon@familyabode.com
I’m sure I put this up many times before but maybe you didn’t see it. Well I hope you have a wonderful day and God Bless
I am a student at the University of Pittsburgh and i major in writing with a poetry track. I would like to know what you would reccomend for getting out there. Ofcourse there are chapbooks and poetry readings, but do you go to a company for chapbooks or create them yourselves?
Hey y’all
I’ve written written and made several different chapbooks containing poetry and
microstories. I have yet to sell any, but do enjoy giving copies to friends and
anybody else interested. I would also consider trading books with other authors.
Drop me a line at my email address if interested.
Hi David!
Don’t forget us little people in ND when you are rich and famous!!
Becky Edwards :~)
Very interesting article. I think the chapbook is a great vehicle to spread a poet’s work. When it comes to sales it is of mutual benefit to the poet and the reader. Great poetry can be made available at a cheap price. I am editor of a micro press in Wilmington, NC called Etched Press and we have a chapbook series. If anyone here has a chapbook length collection they would like to see published (for free of course) I invite you to submit at our website: http://www.etchedpress.com