02/09/2024 - 0750
Dear Pressure Plate Family,
February is a great month, and this month, like the previous, we are releasing another 2nd Edition, this time OTW2 (Outside The Wire: a U.S. Marine's Collection of Combat Poems & Short Stories Volume II." This is my second book, published in 2018, two weeks before my son's arrival.
I've had the question posed: "Why are you republishing your books?"
The answer may not be so evident on the surface level to others, but I want uniformity, continuity, and an official publishing house identifier on my books.
Another question is frequently posed: "Why don't you submit your books to a large publishing house such as 'Random House,' 'Penguin Books,' or 'William Morrow?'
Well, to be fair, I've never tried. I have never once sat down and reached out to literary agents or prepped a manuscript for any agent/agency, nor have I made any official attempt to contact any of these publishing houses.
I've never written for others. I never will. I write for myself, and I write because I have a voice, and I want to use it. Poetry/Fiction/Scholarly Research- it doesn't matter where it falls; if I enjoy it, it is for me. If others happen to see the poetry, connect to it, and feel something- thats for them.
I've never searched for anything other than an opportunity to try and make an impact with my words. A chance to read you a poem and share with you some words, if they stick and connect, keep them, go back to them when you need them, and share with others when you see opportunities for the words to help others.
That's what Pressure Plate Publishing House strives to do, find opportunities to help others tell their stories. Stories need to be kept alive; stories need to be told. We will keep striving to tell stories with your support. Without you allowing my voice to exist and be heard, my books wouldn't have continued, my writings would've stopped, and this publishing house wouldn't be here. Thank you for giving sound to my voice.
Stay True
Stay Strong
- Justin Eggen