The University of Liverpool, in partnership with Liverpool University Press, will support young poets alongside internationally renowned writers, with the launch of new series, Pavilion Poetry.
Professor Deryn Rees-Jones, whose 2012 collection Burying the Wren was shortlisted for the TS Eliot prize, will become Pavilion Poetry’s Series Editor.
Enormous privilege
Professor Rees-Jones, a critic with a particular interest in women’s writing and judge for some of the country’s most prestigious poetry prizes, said: “Seeing the work of poets develop at various points in their publishing careers is humbling. To see a book evolve, from the point where poems arrive as an email in my inbox, to the day when that book is published is deeply rewarding.
“To be part of that, bringing writing of the highest quality to readers across the world, is an enormous privilege.”
The series will seek to encourage the latest in contemporary verse, whether from new writers or those with long-standing poetry careers. It will build on Liverpool University Press’ (LUP) already established reputation for poetry criticism. LUP was named IPG Academic and Professional Publisher of the Year 2015,
The partnership has also created the opportunity for students to take part in a work placement module developed by Dr Greg Lynall in the School of the Arts. It will allow them to experience the publishing process first-hand; from signing a contract to seeing completed works on bookshop shelves.
Anthony Cond, LUP Managing Director, said: “Pavilion Poetry demonstrates the impact of partnership across the University of Liverpool campus, with the University Press, Department of English and students combining to provide a new home for some of the most exciting contemporary poetry.
“Led by an internationally acclaimed poet, Deryn Rees-Jones, and staff from LUP, poets are published under an established imprimatur, while the students gain valuable experience in the publishing industry and have something tangible – a poetry collection from a leading poet – in their hands at the end of the placement.
“Poetry publishing is a notoriously difficult business but here we have a sustainable model in which everyone benefits.”
Risen to the challenge
The first publications released by Pavilion aim to set the standard, and feature exciting contemporary voices; Mona Arshi, Sarah Corbett and Eleanor Rees whose works, Small Hands; And She Was: A Verse Novel and Blood Child, respectively, were unveiled at a special launch event held in the University’s School of the Arts Library.
Eleanor Rees said: “As a poet originally from Birkenhead, it has always struck me that the city needed a publisher to champion its poets and to set the agenda for the poetry of the 21st century.
“Pavilion Poetry has risen to the challenge with confidence and panache and I am very honoured to be involved in what will become a leading group of poets in the years to come.”
You can follow Pavilion Poetry on Twitter @PavilionPoetry
