For Exposure

What does it take to become a Hugo and Stoker Award-nominated editor and publisher? Follow Jason Sizemore’s unconventional professional path as it winds through a tiny, overheated Baptist church deep within the coal fields of Appalachia, Kentucky, past a busted printer and a self-serving boss that triggered an early mid-life crisis and the epiphany that he should open a magazine spreading the gospel of science fiction to the masses, all the way to WorldCon 2012 and his first Hugo Awards ceremony.


In this collection of semi-true and sometimes humorous essays, Jason exposes the parties, people, and triumphs that shaped him into the Apex Overlord. He also lays bare the hardships and failures that have threatened to take it all away. Meet Thong Girl, heed the warning about the ham, receive rest stop bathroom wisdom, and visit an emergency room straight out of a horror movie in this extraordinary account of life as a publisher and editor.


With rebuttal essays from Maurice Broaddus, Monica Valentinelli, Lesley Conner, and more, For Exposure tells Jason’s story with insight from key players along his road to success. It is a comprehensive and frank look at what Apex and the genre publishing business is about. Take a shot with the publisher, dance the night away, and become a legend. And do it all For Exposure.


Includes first-person rebuttals by Geoffrey Girard, Maurice Broaddus, Janet Harriett, Monica Valentinelli, Sara M. Harvey, Justin Stewart, and Elaine Blose.


Also features a look at Apex ten years in the future by Michael A. Burstein, Jaym Gates, Maggie Slater, and Jettie Necole.


Cover art by Justin Stewart.


TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Prologue: See the Child


Chapter 1: The Risk Master


Chapter 2: The Ham


Chapter 3: A Forgotten Night

A Forgotten Night: Eyewitness Rebuttal by Justin Stewart


Chapter 4: Legends of the Slush Pile


Chapter 5: Death by a Thousand Cuts


Chapter 6: Another Forgotten Night, with Fact-Checking by Maurice Broaddus


Chapter 7: Business Acumen


Chapter 8: Building the Legend of Apex

Building the Legend of Apex: Eyewitness Rebuttal by Elaine Blose


Chapter 9: Stoned and Delirious

Stoned and Delirious: Eyewitness Rebuttal by Sara M. Harvey


Chapter 10: Waterfalls

The Case of the Mysterious Warm Splatter: Eyewitness Rebuttal by Monica Valentinelli


Chapter 11: For Exposure

For Exposure: Eyewitness Rebuttal by Lesley Conner


Chapter 12: Lord Hugo

Lord Hugo: Eyewitness Rebuttal by Janet Harriett


Chapter 13: Parting Shot

“Faithful Reader” by Jettie Necole

“Unless…” by Maggie Slater

“I Remember the Future of Apex Publications” by Michael A. Burstein

“Feed the Beast” by Jaym Gates