Profile of Paul Dry Books

Paul Dry Books is a small, independent press located in Philadelphia that publishes lively fiction and nonfiction, always with the aim "to awaken, delight, and educate" -- and to spark conversation. They often publish out-of-print titles and, more recently, literature in translation.

Founded in 2000, the press publishes around 10 titles per year, one of which is fiction. Though they do accept unsolicited submissions, the only fiction they've published in the past few years is young adult. The average print run for a fiction title is 3,000.

For examples of books typical of Paul Dry Books, see The Tree of Life by Hugh Nissenson and The Parnas: A Scene from the Holocaust by Silvano Arieti.

The Tree of Life, written as a diary or “day book,” presents the torments and temptations of a lapsed Congregational minister who left New England for the Ohio frontier of 1810. The Parnas is the first book Paul Dry published. Although it is a depiction of an historical event, the author imagined several scenes, created a peripheral character, and invented dialogue in order to give it the resonance of a novel.

Their fiction list is eclectic. What their books have in common is that each vividly creates a sense of place and of the spirit of the times, despite their varied historical and geographical settings.

Thorough editing, attention to detail, and marketing efforts that last well beyond initial publication -- intelligence, enthusiasm, and diligence.

When the author clearly has not taken the time to learn about the types of books they publish. (Visit their website, www.pauldrybooks.com to see what they publish.)

When it fits logically with their list and is unique and well written.

Paul Dry, Publisher
Paul Dry Books, Inc.
1616 Walnut Street, Suite 808
Philadelphia, PA 19103