[Now that I’ve got your attention I might remind you that books are never free, just as they are never singular: they are always collective products with both visible and invisible costs, benefits, and consequences in the world. In other words — support open-access publishing!]
I’ve been meaning to write more about both of these projects, but until I do that, here’s a quick note about two new open-access books recently published by the mad geniuses at Punctum Books. I’m pleased and proud to be part of both, and hope that they find lots of happy readers!
How We Write is a collaborative book edited by U. of Toronto medievalist Suzanne Conklin Akbari. It features thirteen essays by academics of many different stages in the profession, from grad students to senior professors, admitting to the real truths of their writing experiences. It’s not a book of advice but an experiment in shared exposure. Writing is a messy process, and this book shares the mess. 
Oceanic New York, which I edited, started back in October 2013 as a symposium at St. John’s. The book is a collaboration between eighteen writers and artists who think together about the relationship between the Ocean and New York City. It features many wonderful experimental voices and images. I especially love the cover, designed for the book by artist Marina Zurkow, which may or may not represent on some symbolic level my commute to campus
Download both for free, or order inexpensive paperbacks, and while you’re at it support open-access publishing and Punctum Books.
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