Founded by LeftLion literature editor Andrew Tucker Leavis, the New Nottingham Journal is an upcoming print journal, set to showcase the work of writers from both Nottingham and further afield. With a crowdfunding campaign now launched, Andrew tells us more about this exciting new project.
The New Nottingham Journal has launched its 30 day crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.
The goal of the project is to create a brand new 200 page print journal which will be released annually, published in partnership with LeftLion magazine. Collaborating with the UNESCO Cities of Literature network, it will showcase exciting new short stories, journalism and poetry from writers - both from this city, and around the world.
Kickstarter supporters will be encouraged to sign up to receive a copy of the New Nottingham Journal - and can opt for bonuses like mugs, signed prints, pin badges and having their name printed in the journal.
Andrew Tucker Leavis, who founded the project and will edit the journal, said:
"A few months ago I noticed that many of the world’s best cities have their own journals for new writing - and I was miffed that we didn’t have our own in Nottingham. Several feverish conversations later, this idea is becoming a reality."
"We hope that this will become an opportunity on a number of fronts: firstly, to get some of Nottingham’s exciting writers into print, including some who’ve not been published before. Secondly we want to bring the work of some great international writers into the city, many of whom are forming a connection to us via the UNESCO Cities of Literature network. In the future we’d also like the NNJ to become a developmental opportunity for young writers and those looking to go into the publishing industry."
The NNJ has teamed up with several of Nottingham’s prominent creative organisations. As well as its publishing partnership with LeftLion, its advisory board features representatives from Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature; Nottingham Trent University; the University of Nottingham; and Bad Betty Press.
The goal of the current crowdfunding campaign is to fund the NNJ beyond the first issue - with the desire to build this independent organisation into becoming ‘another string to Nottingham’s creative bow’ - a key part of Nottingham's creative scene.
Volume 1 will contain new work by writers like Henry Normal, co-creator of The Royle Family; Alison Moore, who has been Booker shortlisted; acclaimed Indian novelist Indu Menon; and Nicholas Hogg, whose previous novel was adapted by Ridley Scott. It will also introduce talented emerging writers from around the world like Nigerian writer Nas Jolaade and American-Vietnamese poet Jib Tran.
Supporters can choose from a variety of pledge tiers: These range from a £3 show of support, to £15 for a print and digital copy plus an NNJ bookmark. Higher tiers offer rewards including mugs, signed prints, and having your name printed in the journal as a founding supporter.
If the Kickstarter campaign reaches its goal, the journal will launch in October at a Nottingham venue to be announced soon.
Support the New Nottingham Journal Kickstarter via www.tinyurl.com/kickstartnnj
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