A First Month at VP

March has proved itself an extraordinarily exciting month in publishing. So much so that I wonder if life in the wonderful world of Jamie McGarry's Valley Press can possibly maintain this pace? I am assured that I might as well "give up the gym" now that I have secured my seat on the VP bus to success (I am assuming those of you who read this blog regularly are already familiar with Jamie's uniquely confident witticisms?)

Now, before I leap into bringing you up to date to with spring's events so far, I would like to take a little space here to properly introduce myself: I am Jamie's newest (and only) member of staff. I first met Jamie in 2008 at Scarborough Poetry Workshop when he joined us after winning first place at the Scarborough Literature Festival's poetry slam. I myself had held the title for winning the year before and was curious about this new face of poetry rising up through the ranks. I would like to point out (as has now become a custom when we relay this tale) that I had not entered the slam the year that Jamie won. Since then I have entered and won two further slams which Jamie likes to make absolutely clear that he did not enter. So, we have become united by our undefeated titles as Scarborough Slam Champions and while the poetry world waits with baited breath for the day we become slam rivals and enter the same competition, we placate with mutual appreciation in a contrived stalemate - contented - playing scrabble.

...by a poor but equal Scrabble skill.

Ele Lawlor vs Jamie McGarry, perfectly
matched...

I have come to Valley Press under a traineeship structured to compliment my studies of English. I currently wear the title 'Editorial Assistant' alongside the endearing nickname given to me by VP Author Jo Reed - 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' (thank you Jo). I very much look forward to getting to know the rest of the VP family as I endeavour to master the manyfold artistry that is publishing. Here's to growth and success all round!

So far I am pleased to report that all is chocolate roses and tuneful harmonies in the VP offices. I have enjoyed a most eclectic four weeks in my new role. My first week began by accompanying Jamie to Hunmanby where we had a brilliant time entertaining the local WI. Jamie gave an informative and humorous talk on VP's rise and future plans, and the industry of publishing in general. We introduced Hunmanby to some of the VP authors' work, reading poems from various collections. The snails were out (of course) and I was most privileged to read from Helen Burke's The Ruby Slippers and Norah Hanson's Love Letters and Children's Drawings. Then, after devouring some deliciously calorific homemade shortbread we were given the honour of judging their poetry competition. The winner was the charming Larraine whose Spring poem caught our eye with its clever rhyming of the words 'blithely' and 'Filey'. Excellent work Larraine! The day ended with an impressive amount of books sold and a sunny drive back back to Scarborough, cannily timed with Radio 2 airing the 1961 classic song 'Poetry in Motion'. Oh how we laughed (and yeah, we sang along).

Cara in full flow.

Next on the agenda was the third leg of the already highly successful Valley Press Fest tour, which took us this time to Newcastle's impressively grand city centre. The venue - The Lit and Phil - couldn't have been more fitting for a literary event. We were lucky enough to have a nearly full cast of the lovely VP Authors turn up to read for us, wine flowed and the performances were each and all superb. The evening's special guest was future VP author Cara Brennan. Cara read from her soon-to-be-published collection of poetry, her style held us all captivated as she gently spoke each poem with an alluringly congruent and clean innocency. She is currently studying for an MA in creative writing. We wish you all the best Cara and look forward to seeing you in print very soon. Watch this space people!

Of course, publishing can't all be jet-setting and sparkling performances. There is plenty to be getting on with and lots of fun new stuff for me to learn here at my desk. I have chosen, from the vast selection of submissions, my first full project for VP. I will be producing an ebook of poems by the extraordinarily beautiful writer Jade Kennedy. I have fallen utterly in love with her work and really can not believe my luck that my working day involves reading and re-reading and editing and ordering this stunning collection. I won't say too much just yet, but be sure to keep your eyes open for more news on this publication.  That's all for now, thanks for reading - hope to see many of you soon at the fine VP free April events!

The Valley Press Reading 2011 - 22nd September

This post is one of the few with no content other than shameless advertising - I'm writing to let you know about the first ever Valley Press Reading, which will be held at Scarborough Public Library on the 22nd September 2011, with a relaxed 6pm start and an optimistic 7.30pm finish.  If my plans all come to fruition (and they have been known to) the reading will feature all eight authors I've published this year; they will be reading from their work, signing books (of course) and possibly answering a few questions.

Nigel Folds, artist behind Lonely Destiny, will be bringing some of the original artwork for the book (ensuring your eyes are as entertained as your ears), and the public will have their first chance to see (and buy?) copies of our seventeenth publication, Miles Cain's The Border (though of course it is available to pre-order here - expect the usual barrage of posts about that one shortly).

If you're a person with a Facebook, you can RSVP in the most convenient fashion on the event page here.  For a map to the venue, try here.  I'm afraid you do have to pay to come - £3 in fact, tickets on the door - but a lot of you already own all the books, and I gotta pay those room fees somehow!  Plus, think of all that great entertainment... to say nothing of the complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits.

I'm hoping this could be a regular thing, twice-yearly, especially if it goes as well as I think it will.  Also, I hear rumours the whole thing will be professionally filmed, so we'll be on our best behaviour (and this means international VP fans might get a look too, at some point).  Either way, wish us luck, and I'll see you there!

VP Live: Saturday August 13th

Valley Press was all over Yorkshire this Saturday, attending the first ever 'VP book signing' at the Scarborough branch of Waterstone's, and performing as part of the 'Poetry Showcase' at Bridlington's Spotlight Theatre.  I was there with my camera to capture some highlights, and thus the photo recap below was born...

The Valley Press table - sadly not a permanent feature in the shop - organised on the day by 'merchandising' whizz and all-round genius staff member Sean Lewis.

The day was a big one for collaboration - I left home that morning with two heavy boxes of books, in a superbly designed wheeled suitcase (almost classifiable as a sled) which had been donated to the VP effort by Jo Reed the previous Thursday.  Steve Rudd was also there during the initial trek, to help with another bag containing sellotape, blu-tac, the signage, a small bowl... all the other important items needed for the day's success.  In addition to this, we recieved several lifts from Helen Burke and her partner Phil (star of her poem, 'Why I Fancy Him'), and James Mcloughlin made a four-hour journey from Southport under his own steam, all to aid the VP effort.  This is what Valley Press is about, of course - great authors coming together to be greater than the sum of their parts, to offer a bit of mutual assistance.  As I considered the people I'd published since May, I felt a great sense of pride.  Here's a photo of all of us, taken by the multi-talented Phil:

One for the scrapbook - five VP authors in one place.  Left to right, James Mcloughlin, Jo Reed, Steve Rudd, Jamie McGarry, Helen Burke.

As part of my continuing interest in raffles, there was one held during the signing - visitors were invited to enter in order to win signed copies of all five books; worth 30p of anyone's money I believe.  The raffle was eventually drawn as we departed at 4pm, by Waterstone's staff member John (who pointed out a flaw with my administration of the raffle, which I won't reprint here, thus relegating the flaw into the fog of history).  The winner of the raffle was David Goh, who I have been emailing recently regarding his book about how to improve your skills at lawn bowling using sophisticated mental techniques.  Should that end up being published, you heard it here first!  His victory must be a good omen for that book.

James Mcloughlin explains something; possibly a sophisticated technique on how to improve your lawn bowling.

James and Steve wait for the rush to start.  I attempted to kick it off by personally approaching every person who came in and informing them of the remarkable gathering currently taking place.

With the signing wrapped up, we bid farewell to James and Jo, and the remaining VP-sters headed to Bridlington for the 'Poetry Showcase', which was hosted and organised by yet another one of the fold, Deirdre McGarry, pictured below introducing us with a glowing monologue which allegedly made me blush.  'Even if you don't read the books,' she said, 'just pick them up, have a feel... they're beautifully produced items!'

There was a very healthy turnout for the 'Poetry Showcase' - even the Mayor of Bridlington turned up (that's him in the red tie and blue sash).  He was an unusually cool and hip Mayor by anyone's standards; I've never seen a politican make such a decent attempt at stand-up comedy.  Behind the performers (not pictured) was a dozen full-size original paintings by Nigel Folds, mimicing the Lonely Destiny launch, and meaning every author published by VP this year was involved in the day.

The only slight problem with this event was that Deirdre had neglected to mention the words 'Poetry Showcase' to me in the run up; it had always been referred to as the 'Spotlight Theatre'.  This put Steve in an interesting position, promoting his travel writing (and armed with nothing else), but I think we got away with it by introducing him as 'a poet who on this occasion will be delighting you with some poetic prose.'  Here he is at work:

Steve was bookended by me reading some of my snail poems (after which it was gently suggested that I retire them, lest I be known only for those two poems - 'it didn't hurt Frost!' was my response) and Helen reading from The Ruby Slippers.  She went down extremely well, in fact people were clamouring to pick up a copy before she even took to the stage!  Here she is charming the crowd:

We returned to our respective homes that night, tired and happy - thanks to all the authors for their contributions, and everyone who came to see us at both venues, it was all highly appreciated!  I'm aiming to top all this on the 22nd September with our Valley Press Reading, 6pm at Scarborough Library - more information on that soon.

Mega Week: A VP News Roundup

Quiet periods on the blog usually mean the inverse is true for Valley Press, and this week has been no exception!  In fact I hardly know where to start.  I feel bullet points might help.

• This week, the 2000th Valley Press book was sold, which has me most pleased!  Of course, the big publishing houses are disappointed if they sell less than 2000 copies of one book, but we all have to start somewhere.  In fact more than 100 books have been sold this week, through all sorts of avenues... thanks to anyone reading this who bought one, it's much appreciated.  The great thing about the grand sales total is that it can only go in one direction!  (So, yeah... no refunds.)

• This week has seen the release of our latest publication, Steve Rudd's Pulse, which you can read all about here.  The book is being launched in Driffield, East Yorkshire, this Friday (5th), so if you happen to be in town do come along and see it.  Running to 312 pages, Pulse is the longest and most elaborate book published by VP so far, and it's also the first one which I've attempted to sell directly to the public through the VP website - I'm delighted with how that's gone so far. There's a few blog posts upcoming on the subject of Pulse, so stay tuned...

• There have been a couple of VP events this week.  With some help from Felix Hodcroft and Catherine Boddy, I read the entirety of The Dead Snail Diaries in Scarborough Library, and I was delighted by how it went.  Perhaps the most ingenious idea - inspired by my inability to find a cheap projector for hire - was me re-creating the book's illustrations on a flip-chart, in the midst of the performance, in a style that some have compared to Rolf Harris (though this is probably an insult to poor Rolf.)  I had a great night anyway, thanks to everyone who turned up!  VP was also present at the 'Coastival Picnic', organised by one of Scarborough's foremost arts organisations - I was pleased to note the picnic took place behind 'Woodend', so actually in the valley which Valley Press is named after.  A photo of Valley in the valley can be seen above; as well as books I offered a poetry competition, where you had to re-write a classic poem to be on the subject of picnics.  A lot of fun (particularly when an assistant arrived with two bottles of wine). Roll on next year's picnic!

• I can announce two events are upcoming in the near future.  Both on the 13th August, in fact!  There will be a VP book signing in the Scarborough branch of Waterstone's, featuring myself, Helen Burke, Jo Reed, and Steve Rudd - something (or perhaps someone) for everyone.  It will be between the hours of 1pm and 4pm, you can see a nice poster I made for it to your right.  Later that night, me and Steve will be appearing at Bridlington's Spotlight Theatre as part of a 'revue' of the local arts organisations.  Apparently this event has been sold out, so it's a case of either you already know about it and are going, or you don't so you can't!  I guess we'll see you there, if the first case is true.

• Our call for short-story submissions is now closed. Thanks to everyone who sent in stuff - I'm sure Dan Formby (editor) is surrounded by them as we speak, sweating over what can and can't go in.  Look out for more news on that soon, especially if you submitted something.

• Finally, you may have noticed a new book on the homepage... the next Valley Press publication will be The Border by Miles Cain, another first full-length collection by an exciting Yorkshire-based poet, by far my favourite sort of book!  Check out the cover, featuring a stunning photograph by John Illingworth, to your right.  Also coming up this Autumn (and in the exact same genre) are Love Letters & Children's Drawings by Hull poet Norah Hanson (who is in the process of planning three launch events!) and Phobia by Leeds-based poet (until recently) Jo Brandon, who I believe is still recovering from a move to London, where she's destined to hit the big time in short order.  Look out for lots more on those three in the months to come, and also news of a Leeds Writer's Circle anthology which I am due to start working on tomorrow.  Assuming this next week is a bit quieter!

The Ruby Slippers: Launch Report

On Saturday 11th June, London's 'Poetry Cafe' hosted the official launch event for Helen Burke's poetry collection The Ruby Slippers.  The launch came to be at this prestigious venue entirely thanks to Helen; she had negotiated a gig at the cafe when the book was just a twinkle in my eye. When I heard she'd got it, I immediately suggested it become the launch - and now here I am the week after, reporting on it.

This was the first Valley Press event of any kind to be held outside Yorkshire, and may well be the last - despite the gig being advertised in every conceivable location, and on every poetry listings website Google could trawl up, only one person turned up who none of us already knew (and even he only stayed for ten minutes, eventually excusing himself very politely).  A small rethink will be needed before attempting another launch outside of the VP comfort zone (which is located somewhere in a triangle between Scarborough, Hull and Leeds) but I do not wish to do Saturday's event a disservice - there was a great atmosphere, Helen and our musical guest Julian Willmore were on top form, and I ended up well in profit (sorry to bring money into the equation, but a man's gotta eat!)

Another plus point was the presence of professional musician and photographer Rikki Blue, who set about unobtrusively taking brilliant photographs, some of which I include below (see Facebook to view the full set).  I also include another of my grainy, slightly suspect launch videos, which has become the first content on the brand new Valley Press YouTube channel, open as of today.  Enjoy!

Me introducing the audience to Helen, while she inspects a copy of the book.

Helen pauses for dramatic effect during the first poem.

Reaction to an amusing audience comment during the Q&A.

Helen and Julian Willmore in full flow.

Helen signing a copy of 'The Ruby Slippers'. She has an interesting habit of never signing in the same place twice... no area of the introductory pages is safe.

Helen hands back Sarah's book, freshly signed.

Video of Helen reading the title poem of 'The Ruby Slippers'.

The Ruby Slippers: First Look

This Saturday Helen Burke will become the seventh author to be published by Valley Press, when her collection of poetry The Ruby Slippers is launched in London.  As ever, I feel compelled to say a few words on how this book came about... before I do though, if you're in the capital on Saturday, let me take this opportunity to confirm the time and place of the launch:

Time: 7.30pm
Date: Saturday 11th June 2011
Location: The Poetry Cafe, London, WC2H 9BX (see map)

As usual, I'm wildly excited about the prospect of a good launch, perhaps even more so this time due to it being held in (unarguably - sorry Northerners) the centrepoint of British poetry.  I think there's an established understanding that Northern writing and publishing is all very well, charmingly provincial and all that, but you don't really make it till you arrive Down South, in the capital... the big smoke.  Not true, of course, but I'm happy to go along with it on this occasion.

As well as a reading from Helen (a renowned live performer, and the recipient of various awards for it), and the usual launch hob-nobbing, there will be music from Julian Willmore, who I recently learned neither me or Helen have met before.  However, I think I've found him here - I like it!

Helen herself is a true unique, so it's only fitting that her Valley Press book should have come about in a unique way.  In fact, I was a fan of Helen's writing before we'd ever met, or indeed I had any idea who she was; a friend of mine had left a copy of her first pamphlet (published in 1997, and simply titled 'Poetry') lying around when I was visiting.  While the friend made me a cup of tea, I was attracted by the distinctive red-and-black cover, and had a quick read - the fact I still remember this today (it was some years back) shows what a strong impression it left.  I remember distinctly thinking: 'this woman is the real deal.'  So you can imagine, it is something of an honour to be publishing a book that includes some of the very poems that impressed me so much back then.

I next heard of Helen when some of her poems appeared in Patterns of Hope, the now-classic charity anthology which was one of the first books to bear the Valley Press name (I wasn't involved in the editing that time, so they came as a nice surprise when I got my hands on one of the books).  That was 2009, and in March 2010 I finally encountered Helen - and got myself a signed copy of her fourth pamphlet - when she read at the library in Scarborough.  So far, so normal... the classic writer/fan relationship.

Things moved up a gear in January, however, when - days after I had decided to try publishing full-time - I received an email from Helen wondering if I could fix her up with a gig at the Scarborough Literature Festival (she is a great 'asker'; living proof that if you want your CV to say 'performed at many festivals and theatres' all you have to do is send emails... that, and give a decent performance, I suppose.)  My reply was along the lines of 'no, but how are you fixed for a publisher at the moment?'  200 emails later, and here we are, just days away from you ('the great unwashed') being able to get your hands on a copy of the book.  Having seen it myself, I can confirm it is absolutely spellbinding - poetry of the very highest calibre, and does what I most wanted it to do; communicate the refined essence of Helen's writing in a single, indispensable volume.  But then I would say that, wouldn't I.

I'll finish by reposting the leaflet for the launch, which I have been passing around lately.  Send it to your friends, why don't you - I hope to see you, and them, on Saturday!

Valley Press Live - Summer 2011

Felix Hodcroft doin' his thing, 2010

It has become apparent that the VP website is sorely missing a page listing forthcoming live events (and there are a few other issues - but hey, you only find out by using the thing.)  With plenty of stuff coming up in the next couple of months, I've started (and will regularly update) this post, your guide to them all at-a-glance.  Updated: 11th May.

---

MAY

Wednesday 25th - Book Launch
9pm till late, 'Clock Cafe', Headingley,
Leeds, LS6 2AS

James Mcloughlin will launch his first poetry collection Encore in a venue described on Google Maps as follows: 'Very stylish. Huge amount of clocks on the wall.'  So, come for the great poetry, stay for the timepieces.  RSVP on Facebook, why don't you?

---

JUNE

Friday 3rd - Poetry Workshop
7-9pm, 'Fruit', Hull, HU1 1TU

Part of the Merge Arts Festival, who describe the event as follows: 'A chance to work on a poem of your own with local poet and publisher Jamie McGarry, as well as enjoy a lively, informal discussion on the craft of poetry with like-minded people. Book your place, then send your poem to Merge on education@mergearts.org.uk so it can be considered by Jamie beforehand. Only twelve places are available; book now to avoid disappointment!'  For more details and a map, see the Merge site here.

Saturday 11th - 'The Ruby Slippers' Book Launch
7.30pm, 'The Poetry Cafe', London, WC2H 9BX

Helen Burke introduces her long-awaited first collection, in what should be the biggest Valley Press-related event ever held.  Key features of the evening include a reading from Helen, a musical interlude, and you paying a £4 entry fee (it'll be worth it).

Thursday 23rd - The Hull Scarborough Line
7pm, 'Fudge', Hull, HU5 3QP

Felix Hodcroft and Sue Wilsea return with their outstanding double-act - a mixture of poetry and prose, worked up into a peerless spectacle of literary performance.  There will also be an open-mic spot to show off your own wares (should you have any).  Contact Fudge for tickets on 01482 441019; the last event was sold-out, so don't delay!

---

JULY

Saturday 9th - The Hull Scarborough Line
7pm, 'Cafe Venus', Scarborough, YO11 2LW

As befitting their title, the dynamic literary duo will reprise their performance in Scarborough - in the town's finest vegetarian restaurant, no less.  Tickets are £8, with food and drink included.  Call in at the cafe to book.