THE CHECK IS IN THE MAIL

So I, on behalf of Meritage Press, just sent in the annual check to the state of California to pay California sales tax on books I sell. This fiscal year? My 2008 bill and the state's gain is

                  $54.00

Sadly for California, this contrasts with the 2007 tax bill of $82.00, which was a further reduction from the 2006 bill of $254.00. This doesn't necessarily reflect lower book sales, btw, but primarily how my non-California and/or internet-based customer base seem to be growing disproportionately as a percentage of total customers.

Well, may the $54.00 help ease the burden on Gov. Schwarzenneger as it contributes to easing California's state budget deficit of $30 billion. We poetry publishers, after all, exist to help you pay your bills.