What is a chapbook? How long are they? How many copies do you print of each title? Why are they collectible or valuable? What type of paper do you use and how are the chapbooks bound? What do you mean by specially commissioned artwork? Can you explain the series' logos and what they mean? What is the boxed gift set? What is a numbered limited edition? What is a lettered edition? Are all your chapbooks done as either lettered or limited editions? Are they all first editions? Can I pre-order your chapbooks? What are your submission guidelines for writers? What are your submission guidelines for artists?

Chapbook FAQ

More questions? Let us know at info (at) wormholebook.com

What is a chapbook?

A collectible chapbook showcases a single short story (or small collection of stories) the way a book showcases a novel. It is a unique way to highlight and enjoy favorite stories of the past and present. Each one has an original color cover commissioned specifically for this edition, an illustrated signature page and an illustrated title page. Most have additional interior artwork. They may or may not contain an afterward or introduction. Our listing for each chapbook offers detailed information on each title. A fine, soft cover chapbook edition usually costs much less than fine, hard cover book. Our chapbooks are priced between $13.00 and $15.00 for the numbered editions. The lettered editions are considerably more. (top)

How long are they?

Most of our chapbooks are between 20 and 50 pages long. They may or may not contain an afterward or introduction. Sometimes they have both. We design each book individually. (top)

How many copies do you print of each title?

Our chapbooks are limited to a maximum 750 signed and numbered copies and 52 lettered copies. A few unnumbered publisher=s copies will also be printed for review purposes. We may or may not chose to do an unlimited, unsigned edition of some of our titles at a future date, but most will printed only once and will not appear in any other form. (top)

Why are they collectible or valuable?

The value of any book or collectible is in the eye of the beholder. We feel the value of our chapbooks is enhanced because each one is a hand-numbered limited edition, autographed by the author, hand sewn or stapled, with specially commissioned artwork, and printed on acid-free papers. Each title in our series also features the Wormhole Contemporary or Vintage Chapbook logo with the volume number printed on the cover. (top)

What type of paper do you use and how are the chapbooks bound?

We use a variety of fine paper for our covers and interiors. We pick out each one individually to showcase each story and its accompanying artwork. All of our covers and interiors are printed on high quality, acid-free papers. The paperback chapbooks are saddle-stitched individually, meaning that they have staples through the center. The hard covers are hand-sewn with cotton thread. They are all printed in-shop and assembled individually by our staff. These books are not mass produced, assembly line productions, which is why it sometimes takes us a long time to produce them. (top)

What do you mean by specially commissioned artwork?

We are particularly proud of the artwork on our covers and feel it is an important part of our chapbooks. Each piece was commissioned for the story it accompanies and created specifically for it. When short stories are printed in anthologies, collections, or magazines (as they usually are), they do not normally receive an individual illustration. We go to great lengths to "bring each story alive" and give each book its own feel and unique design by discussing in depth with each artist exactly the look we want. Several pencil sketches are often presented before the final cover is chosen and committed to an oil, acrylic or water color painting. We consider each story carefully in selecting an artist. You will find the artist's name prominently displayed on the title page. For more information about our artists, see the individual artist's page on our website. (top)

Can you explain the series’ logos and want they mean?

The Wormhole logo was designed by artist Joanna Erbach to represent the four genres we specialize in: horror, mystery, fantasy and science fiction. For the Contemporary series, we use a miniature version of our company logo with the volume number of the edition added to it. Our contemporary series are newer stories by contemporary authors. Most of them were commissioned by Wormhole for our series and appear here for the first time. For the Vintage series, a winding ribbon was added to the logo and it is numbered separately from the Contemporary series. The Vintage stories are all reprints of earlier works that we particularly enjoyed and hope that our readers will, too. They all feature updated information about the stories. Sometimes they have an updated introduction or afterward by the author. Other times, such as in the case of our Edgar Allan Poe collection, they contain an original introduction by a contemporary author/critic and an updated biography and Poe photos. We also use a special edition logo—our contemporary logo with stars added to it. Our special editions usually cost more because we incurred extra costs in the production, such as additional artwork. (top)

What is the boxed gift set?

Unfortunately, due to the time constraints of our staff (we all have other full-time jobs or school commitments), this is a project that is not yet available. We have reserved copies of each of our titles and are hoping to put them together into specially designed sets, but the details have not been completely worked out on these. (top)

What is a numbered limited edition?

It is either a paperback or hardback version of our chapbooks that has been signed by the author and hand numbered by us. We keep track of all our numbers and who the books were sold to. Each number is used only once in each version of the book. The books are limited to a set number of copies (750) that can be printed by arrangement with the author. This number is found on the limitation page of each book. Individuals may sign up for specific numbers of our books and we will do our best to accommodate them. (top)

What is a lettered edition?

Lettered editions are limited to 52 copies. This is another project that is not yet available. We have held back 52 copies of each of our titles and are hoping to put them together into a lettered edition that will contain original material or artifacts not included in any other version of the book. (top)

Are all of your chapbooks done as either lettered or limited editions?

Yes, but for now only the limited editions are available. When the lettered editions become available it will be announced on our website. (top)

Are they all first editions?

They are all first editions from Wormhole, but some of them have been printed elsewhere before the Wormhole production. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the title page with the copyright notice. Most are original to Wormhole.
Are the chapbooks available elsewhere or exclusively through Wormhole Books? We work with several fine dealers and bookstores and would be happy to direct you to one in your area. Contact Chris Dunn or Edward Bryant through our website. (top)

Can I pre-order your chapbooks?

Yes. Most are available on the website ahead of schedule, but we sometimes run into delays in production for various reasons. (top)

What are your submission guidelines for writers?

We are very particular about our stories and not a good market for newer writers. You may contact Chris Dunn at info (at) wormholebook.com for a copy of our guidelines. We always welcome short-shorts from new or established authors for our catalogues. These stories are limited to 500 words or less. (top)

What are your submission guidelines for artists?

We reguarly review artists' portfolios for consideration in future projects. As we consider each new chapbook a work of art, we are interested in matching each of our authors with an artist whose style best complements and enhances their work. We are open to a variety of media, both traditional and digital. Contact our art director Joanna Erbach at joanna (at) wormholebook.com and include a link to your online portfolio. (top)