An independent bookshop in Alton, Hampshire, is set to launch a new printed journal that aims to elevate voices often overlooked in mainstream society. Goldfinch Books will feature submissions in its inaugural edition of From the EDGE of Alton, showcasing writing, photography, and art that challenge conventional narratives.
Gary Clark, the owner of Goldfinch Books and editor of the journal, expressed the motivation behind this initiative. “We wanted to create a space in print that reflects the conversations and tensions we see in the bookshop every week,” he said. The journal seeks to spotlight communities and individuals often pushed to the margins, including those from forgotten high streets and rural areas.
The publication explicitly welcomes contributions from non-white, working-class, LGBTQ+, disabled, and migrant creators, as well as those dealing with mental health challenges. It seeks work that explores themes of justice, equity, power, and care while standing firmly against racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia.
Encouraging Diverse Artistic Expression
Clark emphasized the journal’s intention to support hybrid and experimental forms of expression, including essay-memoir, reportage-poetry, and visual storytelling. “From the EDGE of Alton is a home for work that doesn’t always fit comfortably in the mainstream—fiction, non-fiction, poetry, photography, illustration, and journalism from the edges of towns and cities, of publishing, and of public debate,” he stated.
The journal’s mission is rooted in promoting community, solidarity, and resistance to exclusion. “The ‘EDGE’ represents the importance of inclusivity in the arts,” Clark added. He encouraged all creators, regardless of experience or background, to submit their work, stating, “We want to hear from all ages, all sectors of the community, beginners and seasoned artists alike.”
Particular emphasis will be placed on including writers and artists connected to Alton and the surrounding region, alongside contributions from further afield that embody the journal’s spirit of inclusivity and solidarity.
Submission and Publication Details
Goldfinch Books is accepting submissions until March 31, 2024, with plans to publish the first issue in the summer. To celebrate the launch, the bookshop will host events and readings coinciding with the publication.
Clark highlighted the journal’s broader significance: “From the EDGE of Alton is one more way of saying that what happens in places like this matters. Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in print, and your status or bank balance shouldn’t dictate the validity of your story.”
The journal will be published by Goldfinch Publishing, the newly established publishing arm of Goldfinch Books. Those interested in submitting their work can find full guidelines—including themes, word counts, formats, and deadlines—at www.goldfinch-books.com/the-edge.
