If you’d asked me a month ago, I would have told you that publication presses are established companies that publish books. I’d also say that some are more reputable than others. The best are nationally known and have solid and widespread distribution networks.

Right now, the publishing world is imploding. The rise of electronic media has turned the publications world upside down and shook it hard. The coins are falling to the floor, and everyone who has any interest in marketing their own or others’ books are scrambling for them. It’s a veritable piñata.

I of course presumed that in order to be considered a reputable writer, that my books would have to be published by a publisher. This would then lend legitimacy to my writing-related endeavors. The academic world may still think this, and the academic world may be right. We’ll see.

Red Horse Press is Pete and my publishing company. Now another writer might approach us and think the same thing. And, if we are seen as being reputable, then this will lend legitimacy to their writing related endeavors. As Walt Kelly once said “we have met the enemy and he is us.”

Yep, Red Horse Press has come out of the starting gate strong and is on its way down the track. We’ve already gotten a favorable response from our first batch of readers, which are people who know us and Raudi. The circle will soon broaden and we’ll be reaching out to those who have some familiarity with Icelandic horses. The premiere of the Hobbit movie is going to help.

Pete and I haven’t talked about, but are slowly figuring out what our respective roles are. I’m the ideas person. If he nods, it’s a go. If he shakes his head, it’s a no go. We’re both acquisitions editors. I’m also the content editor, publisher/writer go between, and marketing director. Pete’s the technical editor, and as such prepares documents for publication, and works with writers on preparing them for publication.

We’re testing the waters with Raudi’s Story. After, we’ll make my book Road Songs: Essays on Exploring New Zealand by Bicycle available to the general public. I’m also having two other books illustrated – and they’ll eventually go online. I’d also like to put up a book of my dispatches—maybe call it Off the Grid, a Year in the Life. Dunno. The technical editor can only do so much. And he certainly is not going to give up his day job.

I’d also like to write and publish a book about Manure Management for Horse Owners, and also a quasi-scholarly treatise on being horse crazy.

There’s been some interest in our publishing a narrative guide to the area horse trails. This will alert the public to the fact these trails do exist, and that they are of value to the area community.

We’re also considering publishing a book of Chris Romano’s horse cartoons. This is currently under negotiation. I would like to see Red Horse Press continue to publish works promoting the Icelandic horse. I also have a strong interest in memoir writing, particularly as this relates to animals.

This, for Pete and I, is a huge venture. I have to say that Raudi opened doors for us in a very indirection fashion. It’s that causal relation thing. If it wasn’t for her, Raudi’s Story would not exist. And if Raudi’s Story didn’t exist, there would be no Red Horse Press. And if there was no Red Horse Press, I’d right now be sending out query letters to reputable publishers, hoping against hope that someone like me might take an interest in their work.

Next: 358. 12/4/12: What’s in a Name?