What We Do
(Photo taken at Randy Now’s Mancave by Ken Salerno)
DiWulf Publishing is a fiercely independent publishing house started by authors Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico. It is dedicated to publishing literature that falls outside the confines of conventional publishing. Amy and Steve come from the underground music scenes of the 1980s and specialize in all things counterculture.
Amy and Steve self-published their first book, No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens quite simply because no one else wanted to publish it. Through the help of a Kickstarter fund supported by the members of the punk and new wave community and some very generous and gracious patrons the two authors were able to see their work finally come to fruition. Taking the cues they learned from decades of DIY experience, Amy and Steve refused to allow rejection to stop them and forged along with the publication of their book. Without the support of those who most wanted to see it released, No Slam Dancing would never have seen the light of day. Amy and Steve were told over and over that no one wanted to read or buy such a Jersey-centric book; that it wasn't "sexy" enough (whatever that means), and that no "real" publisher would take a chance on it. They took those rejections to heart and strengthened their resolve. With the attitude of "fuck it, we'll do it ourselves" they forged ahead. It is now their intent to help other authors of like-minded principles and aesthetics. In a world where books are becoming increasingly less valued, for some reason these two thought it would be a good idea to make more books. Sometimes punk rock just doesn't make sense...
(From left: Gibby Haynes, Jon Stewart, Amy, and Steve.)
After a fortuitous online meeting, Amy and Steve embarked upon a journey to tell the story of Trenton's City Gardens club and its notable booker Randy "Now" Ellis. It was a story Amy had been working on for at least 10 years before she met Steve and the project was all but dead before the two decided to collaborate. The result was a massive ode to the club that brought joy to so many people throughout the '80s and '90s, and after many, many rejection notices from publishers of varying size and stature, Steve and Amy decided to do the only thing they could: publish themselves. After navigating the world of self-publishing, and after some extremely generous help and support form many, many people, Amy and Steve decided it was only right to give back. An idea was formed and what started out as just a name to put on the spine of a book became a reality and a plan.
Photo: Jeff Terranova
The idea behind DiWulf Publishing House was a simple one, borne of necessity and a refusal to play the game. Amy and Steve are both lovers of history, especially the kind that goes untold and unheralded. They believe in the power of the written word, even in a time when most thought processes do not extend beyond the 140 character parameters of modern communication. They wanted to provide a haven for authors and readers alike; they wanted to make books that would otherwise go unpublished in a business where the bottom line is everything. They wanted to establish a collective of artists and writers who weren't afraid to tell the stories that didn't necessarily appeal to a mainstream audience and to make sure their voices were heard.
The business model is similar to an indie record label; mostly everything is done in-house. The budgets are microscopic, but the enthusiasm and dedication is beyond measurement. DiWulf works with friends. DiWulf understands the importance of freedom and operates under the DIY ethos that both Amy and Steve were raised on. If no one else wants to do it, do it for yourself, and never mind the doubters. It is with these principles that DiWulf was launched, and it is under these principles that DiWulf operates.