[Pub] Trism Books

[Wizera]

I searched for these guys and couldn't find a post about them, so starting my own. As always, apologies if I've somehow missed it.

Looking for any information or personal experiences with these folks: https://trismbooks.com/

They seem pretty small and new? I know one of their authors from SCBWI.

 

[mrsmig]

A couple of things that caught my eye:

1) Their "About Us" features only authors. No staff or editors listed. However, author Erica Weisz is listed as the registered agent for the company, which incorporated in 2017. Her LinkedIn bio lists her as the company's founder, but reflects no trade publishing experience. Most of her background and experience is in teaching (ESL and elementary school) and in the self-publishing realm, under the name Mrs. Weisz Books. I am assuming that she is married to fellow author Dr. Sam Weisz.

2) Their covers are amateurish, but that may be a deliberate choice since their target audience is very young children.

3) In the half-dozen years since the press incorporated, they've only produced a handful of books. Given that Mrs. Weisz appears to be the lone staffer, this is understandable.

On the up side, their books have plenty of good reviews on Amazon and appear to be available in all the major online markets (including Target). Mrs. Weisz is active with the local SCBWI (The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and apparently has done a considerable amount of legwork promoting her own titles in local schools. Whether that would translate to the same amount of legwork for other authors in Trism's stable remains to be seen.

 

[Wizera]

I had the chance to speak with Erica Weisz today. She's delightful and answered some questions for me:

-Trism works with the Independent Publishers Group for distribution (yes, their books are in stores like B&N).
-Erica is the main editor on staff for content; then employs a line editor for copy edits.
-Trism interacts with Kirkus, SJL, and other reviewing organizations; then pitches books directly to booksellers.
-Marketing depends heavily on authors and what authors bring to the table. They release digital ARCs according to the networks their authors have.
-They like niche stories. They like being able to sell to specialized markets (like wrestling conventions, dental conventions, etc.).
-The royalty percentages they offer on YA are similar to (or better than) some of the Big 5 numbers I've seen, but without an advance.

Sharing as an FYI, in case anyone is thinking of pitching to them.