RofC Newsletter # eleventy-thousand
Submissions are open for this year's prize; a new title from époque press; and new subscription offer from Gallic. Always read to the bottom.
When I founded the Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Presses in 2017, I thought it might last three years, might give away around £10-15k in all, might make a small difference. We’re now in our 8th year, hit £100k in prize money, and according to others, have made a meaningful difference to the literary landscape, not only in the UK and Ireland, but further afield - after all, there is a US version now!
Before I set out the details, I want to announce new three partners who are donating money and expertise to the cause:
First, we are delighted to announce that the British Council has agreed to become our first international partner. Literature is global, but the business of being global is complex, especially for small presses, and requires an understanding of the practicalities. This year, our ten longlisted presses will be connected with the British Council Literature team who can offer market insights and international connections through their global networks. The longlisted publishers will also be invited to apply to participate in British Council publishing programmes and will receive invitations to their professional events.
This new partnership extends what we can offer small presses beyond the prize fund and we hope it’s a first step in an increasingly holistic package of grants, awards and industry guidance as we look to the future.
Second, Turnaround Publishing Services. Turnaround represent many successful small presses and might be said to be essential in many small presses success in the first place. Our partnership with Turnaround means we’ll be able to place more books in bookshops, which is about as essential as it get.
Finally, our largest donation so far has come from the Laura Kinsella Foundation. We are very grateful indeed.
We are also annually indebted to the University of Westminster, and especially Professor Leigh Wilson, who have been with us from the start, providing funds, space, equipment, advice and guidance.
Now to business: please do here for all the deets to enter the prize and request a submission form
époque press
The latest title from époque press is published this month!
'In Defence of the Act', the debut novel by Effie Black, will be published by époque press on Thursday 13th July.
'Are we more like a coffee bean, a carrot or an egg? What happens to us when we are boiled in the trials and tribulations of life? Jessica Miller is fascinated by the somewhat perplexing tendency of humans to end their own lives, but she secretly believes such acts may not be that bad after all. Or at least, she did. Jessica is coming to terms with her own relationships, and reflecting on what it means to be queer, when a single event throws everything she once believed into doubt. Can she still defend the act?'
Effie Black is a queer writer based in London with a background in science. She enjoys writing from a queer perspective and she likes bringing a spot of science into her fiction too. Her short stories have appeared in Litro and the époque press é-zine.
Laura Wilkinson, author of Skin Deep, has provided the following endorsement:
'In death obsessed scientist Jess, Effie Black has created one of the freshest, most engaging characters I've encountered in years. In Defence of the Act is a whip-smart exploration of what it means to truly live. Fresh, thought-provoking and, at times, surprisingly funny.'
The publication of this latest title from époque press will be celebrated with a launch event at Daunt Books, Holland Park, London.
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