In a significant development for the Australian literary landscape, a forthcoming literary journal is poised to emerge, adding to the esteemed ranks of Overland, Meanjin, Westerly, and Griffith Review. This new venture is an initiative led by Writers SA, the foremost literary organization in South Australia, in collaboration with the state’s three prominent universities: Flinders University, Uni SA, and the University of Adelaide. With funding support from Arts South Australia, the project, driven by outgoing Writers SA CEO Jessica Alice, aims to showcase the best in new fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and literary criticism by Australian writers.
The as-yet-unnamed journal is slated to be unveiled in May, marking a pivotal moment in the national literary landscape, according to Alice. In a statement, she emphasized that this initiative represents Writers SA’s most ambitious endeavor to date in supporting literary culture. The journal’s online presence, along with its official title, is set to be revealed during the launch.
A distinctive feature of this literary undertaking is its commitment to providing new publishing opportunities for Australian writers. Writers SA has affirmed that the journal will offer competitive remuneration, aligning with Australian Society of Authors (ASA) rates where applicable. The publication is positioned to be the only print literary production originating from South Australia, setting it apart in a region with a burgeoning independent literature sector, including notable contributors like Silver Nyx and local comic book publishers.
While claiming exclusivity in print literary production, the new journal’s announcement has garnered positive responses from established publications such as Island and Meanjin. Jane Rawson, Managing Editor of Island magazine, expressed excitement about the prospect of a new literary initiative emerging outside the traditional literary hubs. She praised South Australia’s innovative fiction and welcomed a journal that fosters local talent. Similarly, Meanjin editor Esther Anatolitis applauded the project’s potential to contribute significantly to Australian literary culture, particularly from a South Australian perspective. Anatolitis emphasized the rarity and importance of new opportunities for paid publication in the literary landscape.
As the anticipation builds, Writers SA has initiated the search for the inaugural Editor of the journal, a key role integral to the success of the project. The selected candidate, expected to be based in South Australia, will play a visionary role in curating progressive literary works from across Australia and creating a vital space for literary criticism. The application period for the Editor position is set to close at midday on Monday, 4th March.
In sum, the forthcoming literary journal, born out of collaboration between Writers SA and South Australia’s leading universities, is poised to carve a distinctive niche in the Australian literary scene. With a commitment to showcasing the finest in Australian literature, providing competitive remuneration, and serving as a platform for emerging voices, the journal is primed to make a significant impact upon its launch in May. The recruitment of a visionary Editor further underscores the commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive space for literary exploration and critique. As the countdown to the journal’s unveiling begins, the literary community awaits the revelation of its title and online presence with eager anticipation.
