Stand back, for you are in the presence of greatness

Now, from reading this all this time, you know I am great, wonderful, awe-inspiring, truly a literary giant with few, if any, peers. And, if you have been reading long, you might remember when I talked of my fame as an international poet. But did you know I have been compared to "Emily Dickinson, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and William Wordsworth"
Bow to me, mere mortals. How many of you can say that with your tongue buried in your cheek? Well, in case you don't believe my greatness, let me post for you the entire contents of a missive sent to my address this very day: (I tried to state that in a manner befitting a poet of my stature...after all, as an "International Poet of Merit" and "Editor's Choice Award " winner according to the papers on my wall, I have responsibilities to my adoring public. And also to the rest of you who hate me.) Oh, and, after reading the glowing praise and effusive analogies, if you wish a copy, for less than 49.95 I will write you a personalized poem.


N o b l e H o u s e New York – London – Paris
Noble House New YorkEmpire State BuildingSuite 3304-19QNew York, NY 10118
Office of the PublisherPoetry DivisionLondon, U.K.
21 March, 2006
Dear Drew,
This memo comes to you with a high degree of urgency. As of today, I have not received your Noble House submission. I recently informed you that Noble House, one of the foremost publishers of fiction and nonfiction works, was interested in your poetry. I had the pleasure of reading the poetry you have submitted in the United States, and I want to congratulate you on this grand endeavour. I also wanted to inform you that your talent and vision deserve appropriate international recognition as well.
For this reason, I have posted this letter to respectfully request that you send me your submission as soon as possible since I have reserved extensive space to prominently honour your poetic work in this publication. Songs of Honour is a new poetry edition that is being distributed worldwide by Noble House . . . a collection of poetry that is perhaps unlike any you have ever seen . . . one where each poem is featured on its own page, and one whose quality is reminiscent of the finest 19th century antique poetry books.
Hearken back, if you will, to the days of Emily Dickinson, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and William Wordsworth . . . the age of grand bookmaking. Poetry editions were some of the most highly prized volumes because of their intimate attention to detail – quality typography, fine ivory laid paper, and colourful ornate covers. Drew, for this edition, we've returned to the traditional size, style, and quality of these classic 19th century antique poetry books.

Scheduled for release in Summer 2006, Songs of Honour will surely become one of your most treasured keepsakes. Your publication in this edition will establish you as an international author and afford you the respect and admiration attendant to such an honour. International Copyright notice for your poetic artistry will, of course, be in your name, assuring that you will retain worldwide rights to your work of art.
Best of all, should you decide to obtain a copy of the edition for your personal library, or as a wonderful personalised gift (you are, naturally, under no obligation to purchase a copy - notwithstanding the publication of your work in this edition), as you proudly turn its pages you’ll find it one of the best values on the book market today. At only £26.18 (U.S. $45.55) for a hardbound, 225-page edition printed in two colours on ivory laid vellum, with a highly detailed, finely crafted ornate cover and a single poem to a page, this edition promises to exceed your expectations, and it will enjoy pride of place in your home. In fact, its quality is guaranteed. If for any reason you are dissatisfied, your money will be completely refunded in U.S. dollars with proper dispatch.
Drew, you may also wish to consider giving the public some insight about you and your artistry for this poetic showcase . . . perhaps the meaning behind your poem, or your own philosophical perspective. Because an entire page in the book is devoted to honouring your poetry, we can feature this additional material about you and your poetry (up to 100 words) on the verso leaf opposite your poem . . . you will thus have two full pages devoted to you and your artistry.
Drew, may we have permission to publish your work? Regardless of whether you purchase a copy or not, the international public deserves to see more of your artistic talent. In order to make our publication date, you must submit your new poem as soon as possible! I would hate to see you miss out on this opportunity. To make things easy, you may submit your poem and biographical information, and give us permission, all within the confines of the next page. And if you are inclined to order a copy of Songs of Honour, you may also do so at the same time.
Sincerely,Nigel HillaryPublisher,Poetry DivisionNoble House U.K.+
P.S. For poets who may wish to obtain supplementary copies for gift-giving, to display, or for merchandising, special case pack discounts are available. Please consult the submission and order form for further details.

2 comments:

Riot Kitty said...

hey - seriously?

Unknown said...

Woooooowwwww, did Emily Dickinson, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and William Wordsworth actually get an entire page each!?!? That's incredible! And you can too! In fact you must. The international community deserves to know your greatness!!