As a student-run press, Ooligan tends to do things a little differently than what a traditional publishing house would. For instance, acquiring a book will not be a decision that the entire press gets to make unlike in Ooligan. In a meeting, the acquisitions team will propose the book to marketing, the publisher, and a project manager. These are the people that assess how much the book will cost to produce, and it is up to the acquisitions manager to convince them that the cost is worth it. Then, once the manuscript has been chosen, it will then be handed off to the project team and editor, and that is that. When Ooligan acquires a book, we give the decision to the entire press—consisting of students and staff. Everybody gets a say in what this press publishes, and everyone gets to vote. Ooligan’s core value is inclusivity and transparency, and this practice is the perfect example of both. 

Pitch days are highly stressful for the acquisitions team as the idea of trying to sell the book to the press is our responsibility. Our presentations cover aspects of comp titles, marketability, the P&L for projected costs, and what the manuscript can bring to the press. We also take a look at the author and what they provide in their bio, contacts, and if they are a debut. All of these items we take and put into a presentation to share with the press on a date appointed by the publisher. 

After the staff is given the information, we have an open discussion where everyone can share their thoughts, opinions, and some possible action items. Giving everyone a voice is incredibly important to us. We want all members to feel like they have been heard and can freely give us feedback without fear of backlash or judgment. The acquisitions managers love every title that they pitch, but it’s never fully up to us. For this, the press votes anonymously and the manuscript can be acquired with an 80 percent majority. Very rarely do we receive “no’s,” but they do happen. 

Ooligan Press is built on a foundation of democracy. Students don’t feel controlled and as staff members, we feel heard and included. Of course not every decision goes through us, but future items, such as acquiring manuscripts that affect the income and reputation of the press, are things everyone should be able to vote on.