Alice Clark-Platts writes our monthly column on self-publishing. Here she discusses the work of the Hong Kong Writers Circle.
The world of self-publishing
can be a tortuous and labyrinthine place to the uninitiated. For the less
well-travelled writer, a comforting path to self-publication is sometimes
offered by joining forces with a writers’ group.
Formed
in 1991, the Hong Kong Writers Circle (HKWC) is one such organisation with writers
of all levels, from all genres. Amongst its members are professional writers as
well as those who work in the publishing industry, journalists and editors.
Many members have themselves published books.
The
Circle exists primarily as a social group with monthly meetings where authors
can critique others’ work, but it also provides opportunities for writers to further
their craft; to network and meet industry professionals; receive feedback on
their work; and to take part in workshops. And once a year, it publishes an
anthology of short stories, non-fiction and poetry.
Yearly elected editors
are responsible for everything to do with the anthology - from theme conception
to marketing the book once it’s been published. The theme of the anthology is chosen
via consultation with a combination of those editors, the organising committee
and the members themselves. The theme tries to be specific, but at the same
time broad enough for members with different styles and interests to want to
contribute. All members of the group are invited to submit to the anthology
with the editors deciding ultimately which pieces are published.
The latest anthology
published by the HKWC has the theme of Another
Hong Kong – delving into an unknown side of the city where the writers live. It explores aspects of the place hidden from the traditions and clichés a reader may expect.
For the past few
years Inkstone Books have printed the anthologies. This means that the group has
had the same copy-editor, designer and printer for most of the anthologies. The
current chair, Melanie Ho, says that because the editors change every year, it
is helpful to have the same partners working with the production of the anthology
year after year.
Melanie describes the
publication process of the anthology as a learning experiences for editors and
authors alike. It is the production of the book which floats their junk, rather
than traipsing around bookstores and actively marketing its sales. Having said
that, some of the writers involved produce blogs documenting the whole process
and carry copies of the books wherever they go - in order to make sure they never
miss a sales opportunity!
Most of the sales of
the anthology are print copies in Hong Kong, although they also use print-on-demand
through Amazon - as well as eBook sales. The group uses print runs conservatively
– usually 200 or 300 copies at a time – although some of the anthologies are
now into their second or third print runs.
The HKWC exists to provide opportunities for writers in the
city to grow and develop their craft. The
yearly anthology is a large part of this and offers a safe launching pad for
authors to experiment in the field.
Another Hong Kong can
be purchased from Amazon or at www.paddyfield.com.
