This as-told-to essay is a delightful romp through the mind of Tse Hao Guang, a 38-year-old researcher and writer based in Singapore. It has been edited for length and, let’s face it, a hefty dose of clarity. Buckle up!
The Creative Money Pit – Or Not!
So, Tse, the mastermind behind a creative publishing project that aims to highlight emerging writers while avoiding financial ruin, kicks us off. You see, Tse’s early literary adventures were born during those exhilarating holiday trips to suburban Canada, where the excitement of… uh, nothing much happening inspired him to hit the library like it was an amusement park.
Fast forward to 2015, and our hero has penned two books and edited anthologies like a modern-day literary wizard. But let’s not kid ourselves; the chances of surviving solely on book sales are as likely as winning the lottery without buying a ticket. Tse learned that the hard way while juggling freelance writing and workshops—it was like trying to do the tango on a rollercoaster.
Paper Jam – Not Just a Breakfast Mishap
Enter Paper Jam, Tse’s annual publication dedicated to Singaporean writers. Why? Because apparently, emerging writers in Singapore were in desperate need of a platform that didn’t involve performing literary acrobatics to gain visibility. And by “desperate,” we mean seeking a small miracle in a handful of mainstream journals.
With a crippling identity crisis among writers in Singapore, Tse thought, “Why not start a pamphlet publishing venture?” Because, naturally, nothing says “sophisticated literature” like a pamphlet, right? Funded by the very generous Sing Lit Station, he launched this glorious venture in 2024. Spoiler alert: it’s not a zine—at least not in that spontaneous, chaotic way we all know and love.
The Limited Edition Dilemma
Now, get this: only a hundred copies of each pamphlet get produced. That’s not an accidental printing oversight, folks—that’s exclusivity. Tse believes in delivering a fleeting art experience: “Why would you want more than 100 copies of something?” It’s like saying you want to multiply endless joy—and where’s the fun in that?
Each year, the grand selection process involves open calls filled with eager writers ready to conquer the literary world, one 28-page pamphlet at a time. Of course, editing involves what can only be described as a brutal suggestion fest, all to land somewhere in the mystical realm of “compromise.” You know, just casual creative drama.
Break Even, Baby!
Instead of setting money-making dreams as his North Star, Tse had the audacity to demand that his venture shouldn’t resemble a financial sinking ship. “If I can break even, I’m essentially a wizard!” And lo and behold, the first two years were all about just that—breaking even—with moments of glory when they earned a smidge extra. Call it a financial miracle or just smart budgeting.
Pricing wise, they’ve climbed the ladder from SG$16 to SG$18—not like the prices in overpriced cafés, mind you. Currently, production costs hover between SG$2,000 and SG$3,000, and he’s managed to hire an intern to help with the “urgent” tasks, like changing the ink in the printer or making coffee. If this doesn’t scream “success,” what does?
Philosophy or Just Plain Irony?
Tse’s vision for Paper Jam is straightforward: publish the work that would otherwise be left languishing in the dreaded obscurity. Who knew writing could be a way to avoid catastrophe instead of becoming a tangled mess of red ink and broken dreams? So when anyone asks if it’s a vanity project, just smile politely and remind them that not losing money is the new winning.
