Pro Se Productions, a Publisher known to be on the cutting edge of New Pulp, announces an ambitious new project today that, if successful in 2012, will lead to a new imprint from Pro Se in 2013.
According to Tommy Hancock, Editor-in Chief and Partner in Pro Se, “Being a Publisher of both books and magazines, Pro Se obviously gets quite a few queries. One of the very first we got upon announcing we would be publishing Pulp magazines back in 2010 concerned whether or not we were interested in something described as ‘Pulp, but poetry instead of prose.’ At the time, we weren’t, but that hasn’t stopped the queries from coming in, at least one every week to two weeks about whether or not we’ll accept crime poetry, space poetry, fantasy poetry, and so on. Well, after a year and a half of requests as well as research and study, Pro Se has decided to test the waters via our magazine, PRO SE PRESENTS, by having an all Pulp Poetry volume.”
When asked to define Pulp Poetry, Hancock stated, “Well, if there’s a definition out there that is clear cut as to what it is, I haven’t found it. Pulp writers, most notably Robert E. Howard, have been known for their poetry as well. Defining Pulp is subjective often anyway and that is something it has in common with Poetry. Basically what we’re looking for is poetry that deals with subjects and genres that are a part of Pulp. So, action, adventure, heroes and villains, conflict, and genre. Genre is important in determining Pulp Poetry. Pulp is all about genre, be it western, crime, fantasy, and so on. So, Pulp Poetry definitely has to be something that deals in a particular genre that is a part of Pulp.”
As far as other requirements for Pulp Poetry, there are no requirements that it rhyme or be a certain length. Hancock stated that submissions would be open from January 2nd to March 1st 2012 for poems to be included in this volume.
The May 2012 issue of PRO SE PRESENTS, the tenth issue of the magazine, will be an all Pulp Poetry issue, edited by newly appointed Pulp Poetry Editor for Pro Se, Megan Smith.
“I have been writing Poetry,” Smith explained, “since I was little. I can't remember a time when I didn't enjoy writing it or reading it. There has always been an interest in Poetry and with the increase in the interest in Pulp in the last several years, it seems the perfect time to show the world what Pulp Poetry can be.”
Currently the only Pulp Poetry title on the Pro Se Schedule is the special magazine issue scheduled for May 2012. Smith will serve as editor of Pulp Poetry regardless of the form it continues in, either as a continual part of the magazine format on a monthly basis or as its own line with Pulp Poetry collections in 2013.
“This,” Hancock pointed out, “is an experiment, but it’s one we have full faith in. Pulp is known for being speculative and a field of literature where anything can happen. The concept of Pulp Poetry fits perfectly and just wait and see what Pro Se does with it.”
Submissions for the Pulp Poetry volume can be made to Smith at pulppoetryeditor@yahoo.com or to Hancock at proseproductions@earthlink.net. Submissions must be made by March 1, 2011.
To follow what Pro Se has coming check out www.prosepulp.com and www.pulpmachine.blogspot.com.