Some boys’ love news snippets today with submission closures, convention schedules and an undead publisher still looking to make a return:
Yaoi Press has recently updated their info page to inform propestive creators that their submissions are currently closed. This is a uncommon state for Yaoi Press which has spent the majority of its time open to new stories by writers and artists. The page does however offer up an honest and open look at why their submissions are currently closed and assurance that they still have previously submitted works on file.
Word has been circulating for a while about Digital Manga’s big yaoi title announcement, promising many happy fans, and that they’ll be making said-announcement at the upcoming Yaoi Con. Today Digital Manga has posted their Yaoi Con schedule including their industry panel and signing times for special guest, Makoto Tateno (see art above).
Digital Manga has also sent out a press release about signed and framed Makoto Tateno artwork which will be available for sale both at Yaoi Con and on their online shop, Akadot.
And lastly, in an odder turn of events, DramaQueen has updated its online shop to showcase what they’re calling a “Rebirth Sale”, offering up several of their back issue books for cheaper prices along with a message that suggests they’re still working on the comeback that they’ve promised for so long. Hmm… sounds sort of familiar.
I won’t beat the proverbial horse on this one but suffice to say DramaQueen hasn’t done anything to win readers’ sympathy or support in the past two years but I suppose it’ll still be interesting to see if they ever do release another book. Still, as much as I’m all for supporting the industry, it’s my honest opinion that shoppers should stay away from ordering through DramaQueen’s online website. The risk is simply too high that prospective buyers will only join the line of people still waiting for DQ to pay their dues.
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1,200 submissions? Jeebus. I'd want a break too. :)
In regards to Yaoi Press, I hope this ultimately frees up the time and manpower to help them get through the rough economy. I like that it's an honest approach to the situation and I hope they make it, as I believe the industry is better off with smaller publisher being able to do more independent works.
I wish I could go to Yaoi-con, but I guess looking at the schedule, perhaps the annoucement is one of Tateno-sensei's titles? Yellow 2 is kind of already out of the bag so I'm not sure what else would be on the list.
Finally, thanks for the heads up on the DQ website. I find it curious that they are becoming more active at this particular point in the economic downturn – I wish we knew what changed and why. I'm going to go along with your advice and stick to buying any DQ titles from trusted retailers until we learn more.
I have the same thoughts towards Yaoi Press regarding this change. I really admire YP for running as it does and I have personally purchased (and enjoyed) the majority of their titles. While some creators will be disappointed that Yaoi Press isn't currently taking new submissions, I think this will ultimately put them in a better position to look at new material when the time comes that they're able to again.
In regards to Yaoi Con, I originally thought their big announcement would've been a Makoto Tateno title as well, since she's their guest, but the early announcement of Yellow 2 felt like the largest news they could've had from her. Still, with over 30 series under her belt, they still have a large assortment of new books to announce, albeit I don't think they'll be "the big one".