Small Press Magazines

John Hirst, a survivor poet from the West Midlands, has successfully published poems in various poetry magazines and anthologies. Here he provides a guide to the small press industry in the UK and offers some tried and tested advice on the art of getting work published.

The life blood of today’s poetry scene is not the handful of ‘select’ publishing houses or the ‘eye-brow’ periodicals, but the thriving small press scene. At the last count there were over 700 publishers listed as active in the UK. Publications range from the perfectly-bound, well-marketed title with a healthy circulation to the ‘single-sheet’ enthusiast appearing when they have enough stamps and can afford a new print cartridge. Many are specialist and elitist, only publishing ‘established names’; many more only publish the work of subscribers. Then you have the failed writers turned editors with their own agendas. Some publications are vehicles for more commercial ventures, i.e. expensive catch-all anthologies. I could go on. My advice is to buy and try. Trust your own taste.

Try to sample and read a range of small press publications before submitting work. Beg, borrow, send for cheap back issues, share subscriptions with friends etc. I have compiled a short list of magazines that are accessible, reader/writer-friendly, g(x)d value for money and offer a wide range of quality poetry.

Many of the publications regularly include reviews of current magazines. I have found that once you start to receive and read these titles regularly, you easily keep in touch with developments within the small press scene. They all carry their submission requirements and often feature guidelines and advice on how to get published.

House style is also a consideration. A few publications are still dedicated to rhyming verse. Some are thematic, with all poems linked to a central message, Most feature free verse with the editor’s choice being the only criterion. If you want continuity and a regular supply of your poetic fix, you need to consider both your budget and the frequency of publication. Many small press titles are published half-yearly or

quarterly, however a small selection are available every month. It can help to build a common bond between writer and publisher if you contribute to or support a fledgling publication. Along with the pleasure of having your work accepted, you may be able to shape the magazine’s future direction.

Nothing prepares you for that dreaded ‘rejection letter’, except knowing that it is often helpful to receive constructive criticism from a dedicated editor who also happens to be a practising poet. Some editors will point out why your poems were rejected this time and what to do about reversing the trend in the future.

The following list is intended as a starting point, painting a general picture of the range of small press publications in the UK. I’ve enjoyed being part of many of these publications over the last three years. I still subscribe to most, SO sample copies are available. Good luck!

A4 Size Publications:

Voice & Verse*. Quarterly. Approx. 28pp. £3.00. Poetry, competitmns, market news, articles, reviews, advert.s. Editor; Ruth Booth, 7 Pincott Place, London, SE4 2ER.

Never Bury Poetry. Quarterly. Approx. 44pp. £2.50. Thematic poetry / editonal. Editor; Jean Tarry, Bracken Clock, Troutbeck Close, Hawkshaw, Bury, BUS 4LJ.

Poetry Now Magazine. Quarterly. Approx. 46pp. £12.00 per year. Poetry, Ie~itures, articles, workshops, featured poet, thematic poetry page, writers’ group listings, competition listings. Part of the larger Forward Press literary publishing house. Editor; Heather Killingray, Remus House, C)ltstx)t Drive, \X’aodston, Peterborough, PE2 9JX.

A5 Size Publications:

Reach.* Monthly, approx. 4⁸pp. £2.50 per issue. Poetry, comment, competitions, reviews, adverts. Editor; Shelagh Nugent (part of Cherryhite Publications) Linden Qttage, 45 Burton Road, Little Nest n Cheshire, CH64 4AE.

First Time. Every six months. Approx. 96 pp. £7.50 per year. Poetry by new ‘first time’ published poets / editorial. Editor; Josephine Austin, The Snoring Cat, 136 Harold Road, East Sussex, TN35 5NN.

Poetry Monthly*. Monthly. Approx. 28pp.. £2 per issue. £14 per year.. Poetry, comment, letter pages, editorial, reviews. Editor; Martin Holroyd, 39 Cavendish Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG1O 4HY

The Affectionate Punch. Every 6 months. Approx. 4Opp. £5.00 per year. Poetry, editorials, magazine reviews, competitions, short stories. Editor; Andrew Tutry, 35 Brundage Road, Manchester, M22 OBY.

A Bard Hair Day*. Quarterly. Approx.38pp. £2.50 per issue. Poetry, short stones, adverts, editorial, competitions, reviews. Editor; Ian Deal, 289 Elmwood Avenue, Feltham, Middlesex, TW 13 7QB.

Writers’ own Magazine*. Quarterly. Approx. 48pp. £2.50 per issue. Articles, short stories, poetry, competitions, adverts, reviews. Editor; Eileen Pickering, 121 Highbury Grove, Clapham, Bedford, MK41 6DU.

Purple Patch. Quarterly. Approx. 26pp. £2.50 per issue. Poetry, comment, reviews, book reviews. Editor; Geoff Stevens, 25 Griffiths Road, West Bromwich, B7 1 2EH.

* =Offer 1 self-publishing service (editing and printing of your own booklet of poetry).

Other References:

Light’s List of Small Press Publications. £1.50 from John Light, 37 The Meadows, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, TD 15 1 NY.

The Small Press Guide, £9.99 from Writers’ Bookshop, Forward Press, Remus House, Coltsfoot Drive, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9JX.

The Poetry Business by Peter Finch (all you need to know about how to get along in the poetry world), £5.95 from Seren, Poetry Wales Press, Wyndham Street, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales.

The ‘Rough & Ready’ Guide to Publishing Poetry by Martin Holroyd, £2.50 (all profits to Poetry Monthly magazine) from Poetr Monthly Press, 39 Cavendish Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham NO 10 4HY.