Dear editor,

I understand the budget constraints placed upon small publishers possessing lofty goals of releasing an art book or magazine. The physical quality demanded of art publications are higher than an ordinary publication and often cost prohibitive. Artists and art lovers everywhere appreciate the efforts you go to in order to accomplish your goal.

However, when approaching an artist or photographer, such as myself, it would be appreciated if you would simply choose to be honest. I know, it's a difficult choice for a soulless person such as yourself but please try. Just as politicians need their constituency to be elected, you need us to publish your book.

Start by telling us that you believe our work will add value to the book or magazine. I think this is obvious, but state it nonetheless so it is clear why you want to acquire our work. Then explain that you are a small publisher and your funds preclude paying artists either up front or deferred. Yes, you will lose the interest of many of the photographers you approach but you will also gain the respect of others like me because you took a chance at being honest.

I am approached by at least one editor by e-mail or phone every month. They always start by telling me that they want to give me "the opportunity to be published".

Golly gee, really? You like me? You really really like me?

Some of you editors go about the next phase in various ways but what it boils down to is trying to get an artist to give you their work for free. As I mentioned earlier, if you are honest with me, I will respect you and most likely have no problem providing my work free. I give my writing / photos to talented people at zines all the time. I used to run a zine so I know how hard it can be acquiring quality material for your audience. The two most common tactics you employ is to tell me that you I don't have to pay you for inclusion in the book. At this point in the conversation I lose all composure and laugh hysterically at you. The other tactic involves deftly avoiding the issue of compensation and jumping right in to how to provide photos.

Oh and my absolute favourite part of the conversation is when I ask for the licensing agreement. I have yet to encounter one of you so-called "editors" that provided me with one. This is usually when YOU hang up or don't e-mail back.

This approach to acquiring material to publish reminds me of the old Who is Who Encyclopedia scam. You call someone up, usually somebody who feels they have accomplished something and tell them that you are publishing an Encyclopedia of important people in the world and want to include them. The catch is that they have to pre-purchase the Encyclopedia which is usually an exorbitant cost. Granted, you aren't asking me to buy your publication, but you ARE attempting to cheat me in to eating the cost of producing my work so that you can profit from it. It's almost the same thing.

So to all future editors that contact me with similar propositions and approaches - go fuck yourself.

If you want to act like a real human being that is part of a legitimate small publishing operation, then talk to me. Be honest, don't pitch me a hard sell about how you are doing ME a favor and definitely do not continue to act as a con artist hustling a mark.

Yours truly,
Kiran Patil