I couldn’t stop reading this - despite the dogs exuberance over a single rabbit in the yard - I didn’t even holler at them to hush - I just kept reading. So exciting! I definitely want to read whatever GenderWild becomes. No experience in publishing or anything related but here to cheer you on. These are indeed dark times, being a Jewish Lesbian in America is not something I really thought I’d fear being the way fear takes hold these days just doesn’t cease- and extends to my dear and cherished trans friends both blocks away and an ocean away (the UK Supreme Court is doing horrific things at the moment too). Every bit of light and brightness, community and joy I want to grab and never let go. Thanks for adding to that (I did have to finally fuss at the dogs 😬)!!
Maybe your dogs were just tuning in to the excitement too!! I'm so glad this sparked joy for you, Heather. I really do think our stories can make a difference, and we need them now more than ever.
Fantastic step. From outside the US it looks like queer and especially trans stories are being obliterated daily and this is exactly how to respond to this.
Brilliant. Words are spells and I’m so grateful you’re casting yours and breathing life into something so needed for so many of us. Cheering you on far and wide xx
Love this, Robin. Resistance to trans erasure + joy = badassery. I'm here to help however I can (will definitely spread the word). Thanks for being and creating 🩵🩷🤍🏳️⚧️
So excited for you. This is a brilliant idea. I’m supporting you all the way. (Tad distracted this week doom scrolling the horrors of the UK SC decision and at a protest rally tomorrow but all this only makes me want to speak out more so anything I can do to spread the word I’m here for it 🙏🏻)
I don't have many words at the moment, so just to say thank you for your light and commitment, Robin, and I'm sending solidarity as an enby writer based in the UK.
I've actually written a book and submitted it to Arsenal Pulp Press here in Vancouver. Unfortunately, as I've submitted it for publication, I can't ethically submit it to you as of yet.
That's actually how I found out about this site.
And yes, I was incredibly disappointed there were no specific Queer or Transgender related Substacks to engage with. Literature and Culture were my two picks, simply because there was nothing else.
I'm an active transformative social justice advocate as well as a transgender woman.
I never wanted to be the advocate for change, but I've discovered if not me, who?
I'm extremely grateful for your transparency and inclusivity.
Willow, hello! First off, I'm really proud of you for submitting your book already. Way to go! I'm eager to hear how things go, and I'm pulling for you.
And also yes, we really need more spaces for our community to be visible and easily found. I can't believe how hard I had to work just to find other trans people writing on this platform.
I'm overjoyed to find you here, and thank you for being supportive.
Yes I find it rather incredulous that I found this site and our voices through a third party (Arsenal Pulp Press).
When I was first directed here it was through a link to preview a piece on Sonya's Substack. Otherwise I never would have known we have diverse communities here.
Substack really needs to do better to allow us to connect with the collaborators' and voices of the people we identify and support.
I love new small presses!!! Tbh it's a dream of mine to start my own lit mag someday... I have worked behind the scenes for a couple of indie publishers, and have some experience with typesetting/book design/covers. I would love to be a part of this project in some way! Or just cheer from the sidelines. Exciting stuff either way!
Most of my experience comes from the poetry world, even though I'm a fiction writer. I designed the interior and cover for My Hand Holding Tight My Other Hand, the first release from Nine Syllables Press. I've also worked for Perugia press, and continue to read for their contest. I've done some other editorial work for Smith College's poetry center, and have designed a few other chapbook/zine length pieces for other artists' personal projects. In general I'm just really interested in the process of making a book a book, from writing to editing to fiddling with the type on the page. I'm definitely not the most experienced book designer, but I'd be happy to help!
I don't know what I can do to help, but please do tap me as a resource if I can. I'm a ghostwriter of 14 years, with lots of experience in self-publishing my own books. I've written probably north of 30 queer romances at this point. I've been published by a couple of really terrible indie presses as well, so I may have useful horror stories on what to avoid doing 😂 If you need at any point to hire a ghostwriter, editor, or writing coach, I can either be one or recommend others as I'm part of a big ghostwriting network.
Blessings on this. As a retired LGB+TQIA2S person with 3 Masters and a lot of time on my hands I have done alpha,beta,ARC reading for a decade or so .. depends on what you need but at least I support you
I couldn’t stop reading this - despite the dogs exuberance over a single rabbit in the yard - I didn’t even holler at them to hush - I just kept reading. So exciting! I definitely want to read whatever GenderWild becomes. No experience in publishing or anything related but here to cheer you on. These are indeed dark times, being a Jewish Lesbian in America is not something I really thought I’d fear being the way fear takes hold these days just doesn’t cease- and extends to my dear and cherished trans friends both blocks away and an ocean away (the UK Supreme Court is doing horrific things at the moment too). Every bit of light and brightness, community and joy I want to grab and never let go. Thanks for adding to that (I did have to finally fuss at the dogs 😬)!!
Maybe your dogs were just tuning in to the excitement too!! I'm so glad this sparked joy for you, Heather. I really do think our stories can make a difference, and we need them now more than ever.
Oh wow! This is amazing, and similar to what I was planning to do this year…and I’d love to help in whatever ways I’m able!
(I was a publicist, have worked in bookstores on and off for 20 years, and just an absurdly excited about there being a queer press!)
Can I message you to see if I can help? 🫶
Wake, YES! I would love to connect with you on this, and thank you for sharing in the excitement with me.
I already enjoy your writing, Robin. Glad to hear that you are trying something new. You can do it and I'm behind you all the way.
Your support and friendship always make such a difference for me!
Love this vision, Robin. Love your presence. Love all of this.
Thanks, River. Ditto. I'm so glad you're here.
Fantastic step. From outside the US it looks like queer and especially trans stories are being obliterated daily and this is exactly how to respond to this.
This is it. We can't let our voices be silent.
Brilliant. Words are spells and I’m so grateful you’re casting yours and breathing life into something so needed for so many of us. Cheering you on far and wide xx
Thank you, Ava. You sound so confident! I could definitely use some of that today.
Love this, Robin. Resistance to trans erasure + joy = badassery. I'm here to help however I can (will definitely spread the word). Thanks for being and creating 🩵🩷🤍🏳️⚧️
Keith, I'm so grateful for you here. Thanks, friend.
So excited for you. This is a brilliant idea. I’m supporting you all the way. (Tad distracted this week doom scrolling the horrors of the UK SC decision and at a protest rally tomorrow but all this only makes me want to speak out more so anything I can do to spread the word I’m here for it 🙏🏻)
Oh yes, Jacqui, things in the UK are really tough for trans families right now. Big hugs for you, and I'm so grateful for all your love and caring.
You’re welcome. Likewise. We have to stick together.
I don't have many words at the moment, so just to say thank you for your light and commitment, Robin, and I'm sending solidarity as an enby writer based in the UK.
Thanks, Jessi! I'm so happy to have you here. Solidarity makes an enormous difference.
I've actually written a book and submitted it to Arsenal Pulp Press here in Vancouver. Unfortunately, as I've submitted it for publication, I can't ethically submit it to you as of yet.
That's actually how I found out about this site.
And yes, I was incredibly disappointed there were no specific Queer or Transgender related Substacks to engage with. Literature and Culture were my two picks, simply because there was nothing else.
I'm an active transformative social justice advocate as well as a transgender woman.
I never wanted to be the advocate for change, but I've discovered if not me, who?
I'm extremely grateful for your transparency and inclusivity.
I'll do what I can, when I can
All my relations, Willow
Willow, hello! First off, I'm really proud of you for submitting your book already. Way to go! I'm eager to hear how things go, and I'm pulling for you.
And also yes, we really need more spaces for our community to be visible and easily found. I can't believe how hard I had to work just to find other trans people writing on this platform.
I'm overjoyed to find you here, and thank you for being supportive.
Thank you.
Yes I find it rather incredulous that I found this site and our voices through a third party (Arsenal Pulp Press).
When I was first directed here it was through a link to preview a piece on Sonya's Substack. Otherwise I never would have known we have diverse communities here.
Substack really needs to do better to allow us to connect with the collaborators' and voices of the people we identify and support.
I love new small presses!!! Tbh it's a dream of mine to start my own lit mag someday... I have worked behind the scenes for a couple of indie publishers, and have some experience with typesetting/book design/covers. I would love to be a part of this project in some way! Or just cheer from the sidelines. Exciting stuff either way!
Brilliant, Amelia! I'd love to hear more about your experience.
Most of my experience comes from the poetry world, even though I'm a fiction writer. I designed the interior and cover for My Hand Holding Tight My Other Hand, the first release from Nine Syllables Press. I've also worked for Perugia press, and continue to read for their contest. I've done some other editorial work for Smith College's poetry center, and have designed a few other chapbook/zine length pieces for other artists' personal projects. In general I'm just really interested in the process of making a book a book, from writing to editing to fiddling with the type on the page. I'm definitely not the most experienced book designer, but I'd be happy to help!
😭😭😭 I’m not crying, you’re crying! Oof. Thank you, Robin!!!
Happy to be a resource to answer questions about publishing. I've been indie publishing for six years this June.
I can also connect you with people that have a lot more experience than I, if I don't know the answer.
Wow, that's actually incredibly helpful for me. Can I DM you?
Of course.
I don't know what I can do to help, but please do tap me as a resource if I can. I'm a ghostwriter of 14 years, with lots of experience in self-publishing my own books. I've written probably north of 30 queer romances at this point. I've been published by a couple of really terrible indie presses as well, so I may have useful horror stories on what to avoid doing 😂 If you need at any point to hire a ghostwriter, editor, or writing coach, I can either be one or recommend others as I'm part of a big ghostwriting network.
Blessings on this. As a retired LGB+TQIA2S person with 3 Masters and a lot of time on my hands I have done alpha,beta,ARC reading for a decade or so .. depends on what you need but at least I support you
Just wow! Holy cow, this is big news Robin!!! 💜💜💜 Wishing you all the best!
Thanks, Troy! 😁