Tell us how and why you got into publishing. Did you have a specific mission in mind?

How and why we got started is what we suppose you could call our mission. When we first starting selling mysteries 30 years ago, writers like Charlotte Murray Russell and the Little sisters had been out of print less than 20 years. Mystery readers knew who they were and actively sought out their books.

Today that isn't so much the case. There is an alarming lack of information and knowledge about most of the mystery writers who were very popular in that period between the two world wars known as The Golden Age. Few modern readers, for example, know that the cozy and women writers were very popular in those days and that many, many male writers published very cozy mysteries in those days. This isn't to say that our press is limited to cozy mysteries, but for the most part they are traditional because that it was the type of book that was being published during that period.

In what format are your books published?

Our books are published in trade format, mostly with full color covers, and printed on quality paper. They are designed to last for years.

Any ventures into print-on-demand?

We do not do print-on-demand books.

How have you handled the challenge of book distribution for Rue Morgue books?

We distribute our own books but they are also available from the major wholesalers like Ingram or Baker & Taylor where we are considered a full publishing house. Our books are available in mystery bookstores and in many other stores across the country.

Tell us how Rue Morgue books are promoted.

Advertising dollars are divided between promoting books to new generations of readers as well as to older readers who are looking for the writers of their youth.

Describe your catalog of releases for us.

We have 10 books out so far, doing about one title every other month. Upcoming books include Murder is a Serious Business by Elizabeth Dean, Our First Murder by Torrey Chanslor, as well as more books by Charlotte Murray Russell, the Littles, Glyn Carr, Joanna Cannan, Norbert Davis, Juanita Sheridan and so forth.

What's the average cost of a Rue Morgue book? And how can they be purchased?

Books are usually around $14. Books can be purchased direct from us or from most mystery bookstores but since we have national distribution they can be ordered by any bookstore.

Do you have a website with more information?

Our website is under construction.

Tom and Enid, thanks for the information, and best of luck! Readers, we recently reviewed Cook Up a Crime by Charlotte Murray Russell, a Rue Morgue reprint originally appearing in 1951.

June 14, 1999