The authors and presses who support the pulp genres of sword and sorcery and cosmic horror merit support. Financial support is key but there are other ways the cash-strapped can show support: engaged reading and thoughtful analysis. Many writers will admit: an engaged reader puts wind in the sails.
As literary historians remind us, past movements flourished not only when authors connected with each other through letter writing; these movements also flourished by bringing in thoughtful, active, and engaged amateur journalists--journalists who published zines like The Fantasy Fan (1933-1935) and Amra (1959-1982) and amateur press associations like The Robert E. Howard United Press Association (active). Put another way, literary movements emerge through the interactions of editors, authors, publishers, and readers.
We would like to contribute not just by publishing new and amateur authors in Whetstone and Witch House but by providing a venue for amateur journalists to share thoughtful analysis of new fiction and nonfiction in the genres we love.
Here are some guidelines:
1) Length. 500-1000 words. Brevity is important for reader usability. We will consider longer "review essays," but the essays must be thoughtful and substantive.
2) Structure and Organization.
- Context: There should be a few sentences or phrases of orientation opening the analysis. You might tell us about the author's previous work. You might tell us about the literary tradition that the author is working in. If this is a book published by an independent press, you might mention the press and the "flavor" of their previous catalog.
- Non-spoiler summary: Provide a brief summary of the work. Make sure to avoid spoiling the plot. If it is non-fiction, attempt to give the reader a general overview of the topics treated.
- Discussion and evaluation: In fiction works, please keep your examination to the formal elements such as plot, character, setting, narration, and literary language. You might also compare and contrast the new work to previous works it resembles or deviates from. You might want to discuss the general themes the author treats here.
- Conclusion: Wrap up everything. What, specifically, did you enjoy? Does the theme connect to something that has been curious to you? What didn't work for you? Do refrain from giving any "writing advice." The analysis should not be a prescription but instead a thoughtful review.
- Keep it positive. Generally, please keep your reviews positive. This is not to say you should avoid expressing what you think are faults; however, any fault-finding should be balanced by neutral or positive commentary. We are not interested in "hatchet jobs."
3) Posting. We will post these on the Spiral Tower Press webpage and social media accounts. You own the copyright to these reviews. We encourage you to post your reviews on your own personal blogs, Goodreads, Amazon, or wherever else you think is appropriate. You might also reach out to the author and let them know you reviewed their work. Authors are often happy to connect with their readers.
4) Appreciation Gift. We cannot offer any payment for your reviews; however, we want to show our appreciation by providing you a rare and highly precious Spiral Tower Press mug. If you work with us on a review and we publish it, we would be happy to provide this gift (if you want it!).
5) Communication and submission: If you are interested in reviewing for us, please e-mail the press editor at spiraltowerpress@gmail.com
6) Books: We maintain a list of books we would be interested in having reviewed HERE. We do not provide review copies. Reviewers are responsible for procuring their own review copies.
Updated 5/1/23
