Manolis Aligizakis of Libros Libertad describes his passion for “the music of words”
Manolis Aligizakis
After working as an iron worker, train laborer, taxi driver and stock broker, Manolis Aligizakis achieved his dream by founding Libros Libertad, an unorthodox publishing company in British Columbia, Canada. He has written three novels, various articles, short stories and several collections of poetry in his mother tongue of Greek as well as in English. Manolis tells us about the pleasures, and pains, of running a truly independent publishing company.
What motivated you to found Libros Libertad?
I used to work as a stockbroker but when I began to develop an interest in writing I wanted to get published without spending years trailing from publisher to publisher and begging them to look at my work. I founded Libros Libertad in November 2006. I now work with six to eight people, on a freelance basis, but I run the show, finance it, and do whatever is needed.
What does the company name mean?
Freedom Books or books free of unnecessary scrutiny. I chose it because my wife is Spanish and I like the music of the words.
What makes Libros Libertad different to other publishing houses?
It has a unique perspective and gives a voice to local writers in the community and all across the world.
Because we’re free from corporate pressures, from interference from the suits in accounting, from marketing gurus, from the agendas of arts bureaucrats and their funding criteria, we can take risks with new or unfashionable talents, voices from across the whole range of world culture – be they avant garde or traditional. Genres and genders don’t matter to us – vision and voice do.
What kind of books does Libros Libertad publish?
Literary fiction, biography, poetry, children’s books and more. Anything that catches my attention.
What happens to a submission once it reaches your office?
I read all submissions and pick out the ones that catch my attention and make me want to read on. Once I’m certain I want to publish it, the freelance designers, editors and printer take charge.
What do you look for in a submission?
Books that may make readers think.
How can a new author get past the slush pile?
I don’t choose between a new and an established author; I just put them on a pile. That said, recommendations always help, as with Paul A. Green’s The Qliphoth.
Once you have accepted a manuscript for publication, how do you prepare it for publication?
I send it to designers, editors, printers, in that sequence.
What is your favourite part of this process?
The whole process is enjoyable, but it’s wonderful to see the final product for the first time. I also love the fact that I am free to publish what I like.
What is the most challenging part of it?
Having too many books on the pile and producing only eight to ten per year. Much as I would like to, it would be impossible to increase the number of books I publish without expanding the company.
Whose writing has excited you recently?
Any poetry by Ilya Tourtidis. His poetry touches me deeply.
What would you say the main challenges are for an aspiring author?
To find acceptance and understanding from the publishing industry. This can be difficult if you’re writing literary works as so many companies are only interested in the money a book will make.
What advice would you offer an aspiring writer?
Keep on writing and keep on sending your work out.
For more please visit www.libroslibertad.ca
Other publishing houses and imprints interviewed for this series include Parthian Books,Tonto Books, Dedalus Books, Alcemi Books, Gomer Press, Trapdoor Books, Seren Books,The Friday Project, Chicken House, Wild Wolf Publishing, Anderson Press, Biscuit Publishing and Tangent Books
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