media

Q&A

What are the reviewer declarations?
Reputable scientific journals are asking contributors to declare any links they have to individuals or businesses, so that readers can assess what has been written in the light of this information. TSPR feels that reviewers should do the same. We are aware that in all areas people with similar interests are likely to know one another, and contact between reviewers, writers and publishers is inevitable, especially when some individuals review, write and publish simultaneously. However, that does not preclude declarations of such links, so that the reader can be made aware of them and feel that they are being given an opportunity to come to a fair judgement themselves.

Why no colour illustrations?
Primarily because the magazine is about words, not pictures. We are not aiming to compete with magazines such as Mslexia. Also we need to keep costs down to make this a sustainable venture. We may consider introducing colour illustrations at a later date.

Will TSPR get bigger?
We hope so! The first issue runs to 32 pages, which was felt to be a reasonable starting point. As funds allow and as more reviewers come on board we hope to run to 40, 50, even 60 pages.

Who funds the magazine?
At present the magazine runs on goodwill and financial investment by the editorial team. We receive no funding from the Arts Council or anywhere else. With the impending Olympics, funding for new ventures unrelated to sports is essentially not available.

		The Small Press Review
		A magazine devoted to the English language small presses.


		Publicity Information
		The Small Press Review was conceived in August 2006 by the editor, Fiona Wallace. Literary magazines have a reputation for quietly vanishing after one or two issues, taking subscriptions with them and leaving behind frustrated readers. The intention, therefore, is to do something a bit different. Frustration with the behaviour of large publishers and booksellers, their increasing dependence on selling great quantities of often poorly-written books at ridiculously low prices and the general homogenisation of the reading market is an issue that occupies many people, and the moment seems right for the introduction of a magazine that will be an antidote, bringing readers and small presses together to the benefit of both. Loosely based on the style of magazines such as the Literary Review, the aim is to explore the other book market - the varied and wonderful output of the UK and international small presses. All fiction and poetry will be eligible for review (with the exception of erotica and extreme horror), and, in a new move, reviewers will be asked to complete a declaration (in the manner of the reputable scientific journals) for each review published, giving details of any potential conflicts of interest . These will be available on the website. The magazine will also contain a fiction/poetry section. This will showcase work by writers who have a complete manuscript ready for submission to agents or publishers. The magazine will be published six times a year as a print version. We will endeavour to arrange audio and large print versions if requested. Dr Fiona Wallace MBBS MA Editor
		Q&A What are the reviewer declarations? Reputable scientific journals are asking contributors to declare any links they have to individuals or businesses, so that readers can assess what has been written in the light of this information. TSPR feels that reviewers should do the same. We are aware that in all areas people with similar interests are likely to know one another, and contact between reviewers, writers and publishers is inevitable, especially when some individuals review, write and publish simultaneously. However, that does not preclude declarations of such links, so that the reader can be made aware of them and feel that they are being given an opportunity to come to a fair judgement themselves. Why no colour illustrations? Primarily because the magazine is about words, not pictures. We are not aiming to compete with magazines such as Mslexia. Also we need to keep costs down to make this a sustainable venture. We may consider introducing colour illustrations at a later date. Will TSPR get bigger? We hope so! The first issue runs to 32 pages, which was felt to be a reasonable starting point. As funds allow and as more reviewers come on board we hope to run to 40, 50, even 60 pages. Who funds the magazine? At present the magazine runs on goodwill and financial investment by the editorial team. We receive no funding from the Arts Council or anywhere else. With the impending Olympics, funding for new ventures unrelated to sports is essentially not available.