Gatekeepers and Opinion makers
The publishing world has just begun to go digital. Many book lovers worry about what this may mean for the fate of traditional publishing. But, online literati are doing their part to build bookish audiences and, in the meantime, are becoming the new gatekeepers and opinion makers.
Book Bloggers
Chicago’s best known book blog,
Bookslut, links to lit news from around the world and delivers it laced with entertaining commentary. Editor
Jessa Crispin and her wily staff draw attention to good books by independent publishers. With its opinionated, outsider point-of-view, Bookslut has gained an international reputation as a maverick in the book biz.
Samizdat Blog keeps a wry eye on the experimental poetry scene, rumored to be hotter in Chicago than anywhere on the planet.
Keir Graff offers refreshingly frank opinions on new books in
Likely Stories, a blog from
Booklist magazine.
La Bloga features a rotating cast of “blogueros and blogeuras,” blogging on Latino, Latina, Chicano, and Chicano literature; entries include author interviews and reviews of new books. At
Zulkey.com,
Claire Zulkey has built a formidable following with her musings about pop culture and interviews with writers.
Online Publications
These days an online presence is essential for any book publisher, magazine, newspaper or author who wants to get their name out. But some publications make the internet their home base, relying solely on an online audience.
Online literary journals proliferate in Chicago, often using technology to enhance the experience, though with names that stay true to the muse, like
O Sweet Flowery Roses,
Site of Big Shoulders, and
blossombones.
Online news travels fast in the Windy City.
The Huffington Post has recently opened up an all-Chicago outlet.
Third Coast Press is Chicago’s progressive news source online.
Bookslut also produces an online magazine with author interviews and book reviews.
Lit Sites
Chicago’s lit lovers depend on
Publish Chicago for up-to-date info and advice about the city’s literary scene, and
Literago for their extensive listings and coverage of events.
Gapers Block Book Club also recommends new books by Chicago authors and provides news about literary happenings.
PoetryFoundation.org features
Harriet, a blog named after
Poetry Magazine’s founder, Harriet Monroe, as well as journalism about poetry in contemporary culture.
Bad at Sports is a weekly podcast about contemporary art that frequently includes segments about books.
