Indie Presses: Fawn Press
Fawn Press is an indie publisher that aims to take the reader by the hand and lead them into the woods. Fawn Press aims to publish beautiful books of exceptional poetry, as theybelieve that poetry has the power to change lives through that transcendental connection between writer and reader.
Submissions window will open in summer 2022
We spoke with Scarlett Ward Bennett, founder of Fawn Press.
Why was the press started?
I launched Fawn Press in 2021 with an aim to be a platform that welcomes all writers, rejecting elitist and conservative attitudes to publishing in favour of an inclusive approach, whilst maintaining a high quality of exceptional writing that excites and inspires. The Staffordshire forests are reflected in the kind of poetry that I enjoy, and I am interested in the encompassing nature of Poetry which makes the reader feels as though they have been transported.
What are the top three things you look for in a submission?
Firstly I look for compliance with the submission guidelines. If it for example, goes beyond the line count or fails to beformatted correctly (say in an image rather than a document) then I won’t waste my time trying to wrestle with it and it will go straight in the “rejection” pile. Next I look for interpretation of the theme, I love it when Poets have an interesting reaction to the topic that might surprise or intrigue. Finally I look for experimental form. I like poetry that tests the boundaries of what poetry can be and do.
What turns you off a submission?
I may have touched upon this but submissions that do not take into consideration the effort that goes into Editing, is really frustrating. The guidelines are there to not only lessen the workload on the Editing Team, but also to test how polished a poem is.
What advice would you give writers trying to publish with your press?
I would say read the previous pamphlets, and the anthology to get a sense of what we publish. Always I think it is fundamental to be a great consumer of Poetry in order to be a healthy participant in the poetry scene.
What advice can you give to editors who would like to start their own press?
Do it! More publishers contribute to the vitality of the poetry scene, it adds to the gene pool as it were. We as publishersare gatekeepers, and what we think deserves to be publishedis always widening and becoming more varied. This process is catalyzed by a rich and vibrant of an array of publishers!
What have been some of the high points of running a press?
It felt very validating to have a book launch at Waterstones, but what I think matters most isn’t the accolades or celebration; it’s the stories of writers that have given a platform to have their words read. It’s always about the writers.
What is your comment on the future of poetry publishing?
In the UK we are very lucky to have a brilliant poetry scene that is constantly evolving, challenging obstacles, and promoting writers. I think the future is bright!
Do you provide comments when you reject a submission?
Fawn Press is currently unfunded, and so all labour is payed for through submission fees. We have made and will continue to make a number of slots free for those who can not afford the fee otherwise, but we still charge to ensure that the work of the editing team is valued. We will also have an option to pay for a feedback service in future submission windows. When a poem makes a shortlist but doesn’t quite make the selection, we ensure to make them aware of that fact, and suggest other publications that we think would be a good fit.
What was the last book you read for fun?
I read a lot of poetry in my day job, so to keep things varied I enjoy reading short stories. I recently read Angela Carter’s Book Of Fairy Tales.
What upcoming projects can we look forward to?
Our pamphlet series is launching in March with our first two spectacular Poets. We will also have an open submissions window in Summer and we can’t wait to discover our new favourite Poets!
In this series of small press interviews, we talk to pressed whom we admire and would send our own poetry too if we were any good. These presses take great care of their books and publish with a conscience. You can read the other interviews here.