2007 The Year Of The Small Press
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June 21, 2007In trying times for small press in Australia (try keeping up with the recent Meanjin saga!), it’s good to see collaboration between small and independent publishers.
Last year, the Small Press Underground Networking Community (SPUNC) was set up to represent and promote collaboration within the Australian small and independent publishing sector.
And to help kick things along, SPUNC have announced 2007 as the Year of Small Press, a year spent celebrating and promoting all things small press.
According to SPUNC Chair, Overland editor Nathan Hollier:
“Small presses are here to stay, and it’s about time they got the attention they deserve. This group is a diverse and very active group of small presses who are serving the general public in ways too numerous to mention. We value culture too much not to be committed to elevating the position of small press. It’s time.”
SPUNC Secretary, Wet Ink’s Emmett Stinson:
“It’s crazy how much amazing publishing is coming out of this country right now that people can’t get their hands on, or simply don’t hear about. Everyone, everywhere in Australia, needs access to these small press publications.”
SPUNC is growing steadily with members including: Aduki, Overland, Sleepers, Wet Ink, Going Down Swinging, Vignette Press, HEAT, Giramondo Publishing, Meanjin, Cardigan Press, Voiceworks, The Vulgar Press, Ilura Press, Modern Writing Press, Page Seventeen and many more.
SPUNC intends to work towards achieving the following goals:
- To network and support the efforts of the Australian small and independent publishing sector;
- To improve the sector’s engagement with the public (with a specific focus on collaborative marketing, publicity, and distribution);
- To identify the issues which affect the sector;
- To initiate and facilitate programs which contribute to the development of the sector;
- To actively represent members’ interests to government and other organisations, where appropriate.
1 Comment
Without our small literary presses, dedicated writers will not have a voice, since it is not profitable to present the work of a writer of conscience. Our small literary magazines and journals, including University-based as well as our Writers Organisation-based publications, need a more judicious share of the funding dollar in order to survive and prosper. We have been predominantly culture consumers, rather than culture producers. Adequate funding support for our small literary magazines and journals will make Australian Culture and the Arts an eclectic endeavour. Regards. Joyce Parkes.