Publishing in Portland

As I was in Powell’s earlier this week, I was pleasantly surprised to see the new Best of Tin House, a collection of the best 27 short stories from the past six years.

Tin House has been a topic of conversation among the publishing community in Portland, and apparently across the country, for several years now, so seeing this massive collection boasting a beautiful bronze cover peer out at me among other featured local books gave me a surge of interest and pride in Portland’s publishing community. The book is available at Powell’s and other bookstores for $18.95.

On another note, Glimmer Train is hosting a Very Short Fiction Contest (less than 2,000 words), but the deadline of July 31 is rapidly approaching. Winners will receive $1,200, publication, and 20 copies of issue featuring their work. Details are at http://www.glimmertrain.com/vershorficaw1.html. Wrap it up and send it in today!

Don't forget to submit your fiction and nonfiction pieces to Indigo's literary contest, either. Fiction can be a short story or novel excerpt, and the nonfiction section is open to essays and creative nonfiction. While all genres are welcome, special interests include multi-cultural themes, travel, feminism, young adult, health and wellness, and the arts. Submissions are limited to 4,000 words, maximum one submission per candidate. Deadline is August 4, 2006.

On a marketing note, Media Bistro has just posted photos from the last networking party. Visit http://www.mediabistro.com/content/party_photos/party_
photos_allmedia_in_portland_33937.asp to view your next client and/or freelancer! While you’re there, take a moment to review the 181 current marketing-related job listings.

Designers and visual artists might be interested to know that Regional Arts & Culture Council for Artists, Organizations & Schools is offering arts grants for Portland artists. Now is the time to develop an art project or event to take place in 2007 and further your artistic career! Visit http://www.news4neighbors.net/article.pl?sid=06/06/15/1446224&
mode=nested&tid=1 for more details.

WiPP is also fostering artistic development this Thursday at the Graphic Design Workshop for skatepark tour group participants at Parkrose High School. Many thanks to Becca, Heidi, and Jen from WiPP as well as to Trevor Todd from SUN Schools and Nate Langer from Northern Alliance for assisting in the planning of this event. We’ll give you a full account of the event’s success next week!

Now is an exciting time to be a publishing professional in Portland. To steal a line from Almost Famous, “It’s all happening!” Do you feel it too?