Flatmancrooked, the innovative indie publisher of novellas, is shutting down. We were big fans of the work Flatmancrooked published (we interviewed Emma Straub and Edan Lepucki, who were both published by the press, and are big fans of FMC authors Alyssa Knickerbocker and Shya Scanlon, as well) and their business model: Flatmancrooked “launched” writers, by asking their readers make donations, a la Kickstarter, to help cover publication costs and effectively “invest in the future of an emerging author.” Flatmancrooked’s founder, Elijah Jenkins, made the announcement yesterday, explaining that he made the decision to shut down “in order to focus on family and health.”
The news isn’t all bad, though. Senior Editor Deena Drewis has founded Nouvella Books, which we are very, very excited about. According to Jenkins, “Nouvella Books press much in keeping with LAUNCH and the novellas we put out at FMC.” Associate Editor Steve Owen will be “starting a journal and press called Mixer, which promises all the whimsy and brains of a mixed-genre, experimental endeavor” which is a little vague but also awesome. We’re sad, but very, very excited to see what Deena and Steve do next. Good luck!
Here’s Jenkins’ Farewell Address:
Dearest Readers,
You’ve might’ve heard the rumors by now and, unfortunately, the rumors are true. Flatmancrooked is closing its doors. The reasons for this are varied but are largely due to my decision to leave publishing in order to focus on my family and health. Various editors, including our illustrious Senior Editor Deena Drewis and Associate Editor Steve Owen shall remain in the game, producing good work with new entities. Deena will be continuing with a novella press much in keeping with LAUNCH and the novellas we put out at FMC–stay tuned here: nouvellabooks.com; Steve is starting a journal and press called Mixer, which promises all the whimsy and brains of a mixed-genre, experimental endeavor; details TBA, so keep your eyes peeled.
Starting today, April 4th, 2011, all remaining stock of FMC titles in house are deeply discounted and priced to move. Go to the store link for an opportunity to get your copies while they are still available. As of May 1st, we will close our doors permanently.
The FMC Poetry contest entries will be refunded in mid-April, so fret not all you poets, and thank you for your participation.
On a personal note, Deena and I, along with the many folks that helped make Flatmancrooked what it was, would like to thank you for all your support over the last three years; it was an incredible and unforgettable experience.
Sincerely,
Elijah
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