Art on the Plateau: Black Diamond Author/Publisher Assists New Authors

Publisher Erik Korhel of Black Diamond has been fully engaged in the arts most of his life - as an author, an artist, a poet. This 38-year-old dynamo is a busy guy not only marketing his own works successfully and writing more books, but working with a wide range of authors to get their books in the hands of readers.

“In October of 2010, when I realized that there were more good writers in need of publishing than there were publishers,” says Erik, “I officially established my book distribution company, EDK Distribution, and my publishing company Piecemeal Publishing. The distribution started out with six authors and now distributes a variety of different genres for over seventy authors.”

Erik created his publishing and his book distribution company after his own personal experiences writing and marketing his first children’s book.

In late summer of 2008, Erik began work on what would become his first children's book, My Tooth Fell in My Soup, a book of twenty-one children's poems based on childhood memories.

Erik had published poems off and on, and also had some success exhibiting as an artist painting with oils but he seems to have found a niche that makes him happy. He is following his bliss.

“My ideas for my children’s book came from growing up in the Covington area, or specifically the neighborhood known as Timberlane. My writing is pulled from the care free days of living in a neighborhood full of plenty of things to do and the nostalgia I feel for those days, “says Erik.

After its publication Erik began doing events and readings of his book with elementary schools, public libraries and bookstores like Barnes and Noble and Borders throughout Western Washington. Eventually he was approached by a Kent-based dance and performance studio about turning his book into a full-on performance. This consisted of four actors reciting the poems while being accompanied by original music, a full stage set and props, and it turned out to be quite successful. The show was eventually shot for a DVD by some local filmmakers. In 2010, My Tooth Fell in My Soup was selected by the New York Department of Educations "Must Have" list.

In early 2011, Erik’s second book, The Kid with the Red Juice Mustache, was released. This was also a book of humorous children's poems based on his experiences growing up in Covington. Following the success of the first children's performance, one was created for this book as well, touring elementary schools, local bookstores and public libraries. A DVD is now in post-production after being filmed by a crew of local filmmakers.

In 2012, Erik was voted in as the new President of the Seattle Free Lances, a prestigious writers group with over a ninety year history whose membership requires a proven track record in the publishing world.

Finally, in this interview I asked this innovative author/publishers a few more questions so aspiring authors like myself can understand how he can help me succeed. Here’s what he had to say:

Susan: Is Piecemeal Publishing an opportunity for people to self-publish?

Erik: I am always willing to assist authors on the self-publishing side of things, but Piecemeal Publishing authors are published the traditional route. In March of 2013, Piecemeal Publishing will be releasing the first book of poems by Maple Valley based poet Malorie Spreen.

Susan: What is book distribution vs. book publication?

Erik: Book publication is the creation of a book or final product where distribution is taking that final product and making it available to retailers for placement on their shelves and ultimately in the readers hands.

Susan: How do you attract authors, or is that not a problem? 

Erik: Much of meeting new authors on the distribution side of things is based on both word of mouth and speaking engagement/workshops I do all over the area. The great thing is that publishing a book for many people is rather easy these days. The issue that arises beyond a completed book in the new authors’ hands is how to reach the public other than a website and social media. Proper distribution allows an author the capability of reaching the second part of publishing a book, such as seeing the product of their hard work sit on a bookstore shelf. .. I host writing and distribution workshops all over as well.

To contact by EriK Korhel, email him at: piecemealpublishing@hotmail.com