A Revival of Forgotten Literary Treasures
There's a unique thrill in uncovering a neglected literary gem or securing an out-of-print classic. For instance, in the 2000s, if you wanted to explore Austrian author Thomas Bernhard's sharp misanthropic novel Woodcutters, you’d have to search for a well-worn secondhand copy online. Since its resurgence with a 2010 reissue from Vintage, this 1984 work has solidified its place on the backlist, demonstrating how a demand for previously unavailable titles can revitalize them.
Introducing Outsider Editions
Enter Outsider Editions, a new reissue imprint led by editorial director Thomas Gebremedhin, who also holds a VP and executive editor position at Doubleday. Launched this month, Outsider Editions aims to not only resurrect influential titles but also confront the publishing industry's biases that dictate which books remain accessible. The imprint's inaugural releases include five diverse titles, such as George Lamming’s 1972 speculative historical novel Natives of My Person and Han Ong’s 2001 satire Fixer Chao.
A Bold Release Strategy
Gebremedhin likens the launch's approach to a pop star's album drop, aiming to keep these unique titles on readers' radars since they don’t conform to the typical market trends that support other backlist books. The remaining titles in the launch include Palestinian author Jean Said Makdisi's 1990 war memoir Beirut Fragments, reflecting the day-to-day life amid conflict; Shiva Naipaul’s Journey to Nowhere, a critical examination of revolutionary youth culture post-Jonestown; and Kate Braverman’s Squandering the Blue, celebrated for its immersive prose that contrasts sharply with the minimalism prevalent during its original release.
The Origins of Outsider Editions
The idea for Outsider Editions sprouted in 2024 when Gebremedhin encountered Nettie Jones’s 1984 novel Fish Tales. He passionately advocated for its reissue, as it represents a compelling portrayal of Black life in America. At the time, however, there was no avenue at Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for reissuing titles that had vanished from circulation. Fortunately, Fish Tales ultimately found a welcoming home with Farrar, Straus and Giroux last year, earning positive acclaim.
Industry Enthusiasm and Anticipated Releases
“Some people draw inspiration from sunsets, but for me, institutional hurdles spark creativity,” Gebremedhin shares. After presenting the imprint idea, he received enthusiastic backing from Doubleday's leadership, including publisher Bill Thomas and president Maya Mavjee. His focus quickly shifted to curating a list that included Fixer Chao, a novel about a gay hustler in Times Square who partners with a struggling novelist for a scam targeting the affluent. Despite its initial acclaim, the book struggled to gain traction, which Gebremedhin attributes, at least in part, to its provocative protagonist, a perspective that he believes is often more acceptable for white characters than for characters of color.
Positive Reception from Booksellers
The debut lineup has already captured the attention of booksellers eager for fresh content. Industry veterans like Paul Yamazaki, chief buyer at City Lights in San Francisco, recall the titles fondly, while Stephanie Valdez, owner of Brooklyn’s Community Bookstore, is excited to feature Outsider Editions prominently in her shop. She expressed eagerness about discovering authors she previously only knew by reputation, particularly Lamming.
Future Prospects for Outsider Editions
Upcoming releases include Christine Lincoln’s 2001 story collection Sap Rising, compared by Gebremedhin to Sherwood Anderson’s classic Winesburg, Ohio, and Kim Barnes’s memoir In the Wilderness, a Pulitzer finalist that will feature an introduction by Tara Westover, author of Educated.
The Bigger Picture
“Outsider Editions places these works alongside contemporary literature, revealing that they didn’t exist in a vacuum; they've significantly influenced today’s authors,” notes Gebremedhin. “Whether we recognize it or not, these books have paved the way for current narratives.”