September Theme: PUBKIDELOT—The State of Children’s Publishing by Dia Calhoun

The popular new guidebook, EXTREME TRAVEL, describes Pubkidelot—the State of Children’s Publishing—as follows:

Political System: Fiefdom

Population Demographics:

                Serfs: Authors

                Working Poor: Editors

                Rich: Amazon, Corporate Media

Economic Situation: Most of the population is poor, with a few living in kingly splendor.

History: Pubkidelot was once a glorious country founded to nurture literature and writers, and create enduring works of art. Although occasional glimpses of this legacy can be seen today, at present the country is largely devoted to making money out of garbage.

Geographical Location: Pubkidelot is located between the countries of Greed to the west and Marketing Manipulation to the east.

Climate: Barren desert sprinkled with difficult to locate lush oases.

Major Imports: The blood, sweat, and tears of writers.

Major Exports: Stories

Religion: Worships the great god Bestseller.

Popular Historical Sites: Vampire Monument, Zombie Valley, Disaster Vista, and Titillation Butte.

Culture: The Bottom Line

Heroes: JK Rawling and Stephanie Meyer.

Hazards: The terrain of Pubkidelot is extremely unstable. Be prepared for sudden earthquakes, hurricanes, whirlpools, and volcanic eruptions.

Travel Warnings: Do not enter Pubkidelot unless you have received ALL of the following vaccines:

1.       Vaccine for rejection

2.       Vaccine for endless waiting

3.       Vaccine for criticism

4.       Vaccine for nausea

5.       Vaccine for despair

6.       Vaccine for poverty

Major Reason to Visit: You may stumble upon occasional beautiful vistas.

Getting There: In spite of Pubkidelot’s harsh conditions, many people wish to enter. Visas are extremely difficult to obtain. There is no major route into the country. Most stumble in blindly after years of desperate wandering.

Travel Insurance: Not available. No emergency rescue service.

Overall Recommendation: Enter Pubkidelot at your own risk.