[Even the kitchen sink could find its way into a Weblog: here's:]
The Job Application (Un)Cover Letter
Right up front I’ll say that my interest in working as publishers’ assistant at Cleis Press is partly sparked by the premise—naïve or not—that I can be openly more myself at a lesbian-run publishing house. A quick review of my résumé will sketch a person with accomplished English language skills who nevertheless has multiple interests. My early passion for powerful condensed language led to a small success in poetry, which I was not able to follow up on due in part to personal shortcomings but also to the emerging content of my work, which was increasingly unabashedly sexual (from a gay male perspective) and political (both eco-feminist and nonsectarian left). Stymied as the only kind of writer I seem able to be, I used transferable skills in diverse occupations and avocations that, if not fulfilling, were full of interest for the range of people met and subjects learned. As the less-focused career path in a relationship, for a decade I was essentially providing a second income.
I’m attracted to the position advertised at Cleis for another reason. Though I seemed finally on a career path as a developmental/line editor with a small Berkeley outdoor-books publisher, after doing some of my best work I was laid off. Though many external factors in the economy contributed to make my job search tougher, this developmental editor of “virtual” hikes couldn’t get very excited about editing software manuals and textbooks. Besides not having quite enough experience to compete in the current market as an acquisitions editor, I wasn’t at all sure I wanted to be a production editor. Editing is hard work and almost always underpaid. While I can do terrific work, I need to
believe in the subject I’m so obsessing with. One of my driving concerns has been the necessity of progressive social change. Another possible illusion of mine is that in producing titles that address the needs and wants of the greater lesbian-gay community (that sell), Cleis is nevertheless making a difference—making our lives better.
Contrary to popular wisdom that I should address only your stated requirements for the publishers’ assistant position, I’ll gamble you’ll recognize that my seven years’ experience in several capacities for a small book publisher—plus extensive experience performing responsible administrative tasks—have prepared me well for the job requirements. As a clever person, what I do not already know about small-book publishing I can learn—efficiently and fast. Instead, I’ll briefly address the (unstated) concern about hiring a gay man for a publisher that is lesbian run.
Hail Gaia! Eight years lived in Madison in serial-monogamist relationships had almost convinced me that I
am a lesbian! Adrienne Rich was a formative poetic influence and Mary Daly impressed me with her daring unassailable thought. (I forgave Daly for once stating, in a small reading, late ‘70s, at the former Jane Adams bookstore in Chicago’s loop, “If there are two men in the audience one will be from the CIA.” Having learned American history viscerally while working for the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, I fully understood Daly’s
thinking this.) But I digress. I’ve worked effectively and well for powerful women in many situations, including my position as administrative manager for Charleen Heidt’s Ithaca-based company, Service Decisions, and my volunteer stint with the women of Holly Near’s company, Redwood Records. Bay Area life has inevitably taught me more about what it means to be a gay man but I haven’t forgotten my roots: a mother’s son I remain connected to the earth—brother to sisters who often lead the continuing struggle for a future that supports life.
Thank you for considering my application. Obviously in an interview I will be prepared to demonstrate specifically what I’ve done, and what I can do for Cleis Press
posted by Paul at 2:48 PM
