Pamphlet Power!

Did I smile when the entry brochure for The Callum Macdonald Memorial Award 2012 came in the post on Saturday? Er, pathetically, yes, because the cover of Venti was part of the front page design.

My unfounded pride beside, the competition is now open for entries. The award is for the publisher of an outstanding example of pamphlet poetry; the pamphlet, poet or publisher will have a connection with Scotland or Scottish culture.

The prize-giving takes place at the National Library of Scotland in the middle of the year, and all the entries are on display on the night, which is a fabulous opportunity to see close-up the range (and depth) of pamphlet production in Scotland. Short-listees also get a slap-up meal afterwards, and the winning publisher a cheque for £800 plus the Callum Macdonald Quaich to hold for 12 months. The poet of the winning pamphlet becomes the Michael Marks Poet in Residence at the Harvard Centre for Hellenic Studies in Greece for 2 weeks in July 2012.

So if you published a pamphlet in 2011 and have ever worn tartan trousers, do have a crack. It's a great competition that takes the support of pamphlet poetry seriously.

Full details here: http://www.nls.uk/about-us/awards/2012-callum-macdonald-memorial-award