While in New York City, I was able to make a "sales" call on behalf of Down & Outbound at Printed Matter Inc. the world renowned book art store in the hip neighborhood of Chelsea. When I first published Down and Outbound I mailed a submission of the book for their store-gallery, but unfortunately it was rejected. Although no one likes rejection, I appreciated getting a resp0nse, which does not often happen.
I also admire Printed Matter for their book-as-art mentality. Although many of their offerings do have that made-in-the-garage feel, there is an edgy cleverness to many of the books in their store. Two of my favorites have been The High Line: A Field Guide and Handbook (2015?)and Brian Dillon's book of essays, Objects in This Mirror (2014), which, by the way, has been reviewed on Amazon only by me.
Sales Call
But this time I was not buying, I was selling. I brought in a copy of Down & Outbound and interrupted the clerk who was eating his lunch. I confessed that I had submitted the book before, but this time had traveled from Atlanta -- and like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz -- I had "come a long, long way" to resubmit in person. Instead of calling security, he took the book and thumbed through it after considerately wiping the mayo and shredded kale from his hands.
"Here is the secret of Down & Outbound " I told him. "It fits so nicely in one's hand; Notice how the soft black comb binding doesn't pinch, it massages the sensual area between the thumb and the index finger, which gives the book a soothing pet-like quality." I could see him falling under its spell. I encouraged him to keep the book and enjoy it: "I am always looking for good homes for the book," I added.
He agreed to keep the book (victory!) and allowed me to add the Down and Outbound promotional postcards to their stack of giveaways. So stop by Printed Matter, and pick up one of the postcards to use as a handsome bookmark or send a note to a friend or better yet, present it to the front desk and ask where you could buy this book.
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