Featured Press

Tell us a little bit about your small press, such as it's original history.

Vallum: contemporary poetry was founded in 2001 by Joshua Auerbach and Helen Zisimatos, who were, at the time, students at Concordia University. The first issue launched at Montreal's Casa del Popolo, and the magazine grew rapidly, becoming a biannual publication in 2004 and adding a chapbook series in 2005. In addition to our publishing projects, Vallum conducts classroom poetry workshops and readings. We celebrated our 10th issue at the Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival this year. Our winter issue is themed "Play and the Absurd", and will include a special section of poetry for and by children.

What does being part of the small press community mean to you?

To be honest, it means a lot of hard work. Unlike a larger organization, you have to be responsible for all areas of the magazine, from advertising to circulation to editorial. It requires a lot of communication between different people, and it requires passion. It's easy to get discouraged, but there is a lot of help and support out there.

What inspired you to start your own small press?

I actually didn't start Vallum. However, I am inspired by authenticity in culture. Vallum means a wall or a rampart, and we aim to protect literary arts from decay in an increasingly industrialized and disconnected climate.

What projects are you currently working on?

Besides the magazine, we are working on revamping our website, and another edition of the chapbook series. Our outreach to children is ongoing, and we've started a new reading series, called Cafe/Culture.

Where can small press fans find your press next?

Vallum is available at bookstores and through our website, www.vallummag.com. In Montreal, we are planning a launch party this fall as well as a Halloween-themed Cafe/Culture. You can find us on Myspace and Facebook, as well as our blog, http://vallum.wordpress.com.