Jude Cook, author and publisher of Conduit Books, discusses the launch of his small press, which will initially publish works by male authors to counter the scarcity of new male voices. The response has been largely positive, with significant submissions and support from female authors and industry professionals. However, criticisms about the press's necessity have emerged, alongside attempts to associate it with negative cultural movements. Cook emphasizes the importance of focusing on literature rather than engaging in divisive culture wars, as he seeks to elevate the discourse around representation in publishing.
What I've learned through the process of launching Conduit Books is that initiating a conversation about male representation in publishing has evoked a spectrum of responses, igniting debate.
The decision to focus on male authors for our initial publications was founded not on an exclusionary motive, but as an effort to shine a light on their underrepresentation.
While the backlash has not been severe, the criticism surrounding the need for a male-focused press does raise valid points about representation, inclusion, and the literary landscape.
I opted to decline interviews that could lead our mission astray, as the focus should remain on literature rather than culture wars that seem to pit genders against each other.
Collection
[
|
...
]