Indie Presses: Fly on the Wall Press
Fly on the Wall Press is a publisher with a conscience, which means everything we do is with accessibility, ethics and sustainability in mind, from the books we publish to the way in which we correspond revolvers. We publish politically engaged fiction, poetry and cross on round apologies which often fundraise for charity.
We have open callouts full manuscripts which open in autumn and we do ask that writers have read our publications prior to submission.
We spoke with Isabelle Kenyon, managing Director of Fly on the Wall Press.
Why was the press started?
Fly on the Wall Press started in 2018 purely to publish anthologies which fundraise for charity, on themes relevant to the charity, such as anthology Persona Non-Grata, thatfundraises for Shelter UK and Crisis Aid UK. Since 2019, we have published individual writers based on success of our anthologies in the community had begun to build.
What are the top three things you look for in a submission?
• A distinctive voice which utilizes language and interesting manner.
• A clear understanding of how to construct a narrative so that social issues are at the forefront.
• Authenticity of subject matter.
What turns you off a submission?
Particularly in poetry submissions there is a trend to emulate popular poetry which instantly turns me off, as I’m looking for a distinctive voice which brings to life the unique experience of that poet.
What advice would you give writers trying to publish with your press?
The most important thing is to read our books to understand what writing with a social conscience looks like, and how subtle and nuanced that requirement can often be. If I can see that a writer is attending launches and engaging with our books and online conversations, then I know that they would be open to working closely with me and that they respect the work we do.
What advice can you give to editors who would like to start their own press?
A while ago I interviewed a series of small publishers for non-fiction title “In Conversation with… Small Press Publishers” I’m going to echo a response from one of those interviews, which is first have a look at the ecosystem which already exists and see if an existing publication could benefit from your skills. This is a crowded marketplace and small publishers often go under. The literary world is about collaboration predominantly.
What have been some of the high points of running a press?
Definitely being a regional finalist twice so far in the British book awards, because I’m shortlisted alongside publishers established 40 years ago, with nine members of staff, publishers whom I admire and look up to.
What is your comment on the future of poetry publishing?
I think poetry naturally does sway towards self-expression and highlighting social issues and that’s how it gets itself into the mainstream – by generating conversation. I don’t think you can really predict a trend in poetry like you can in the novel world, but I imagine that the voices of poets will continue to get louder in the face of injustice.
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.