The Old Scratch Press Poetry and Short Form Collective is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for, and understanding of, poetry, short-form prose, and hybrid forms of writing and art, as well as opportunities for publication and notoriety.
We provide writers with opportunities to publish short collections, contribute to anthologies, and work as part of the selection committee for submissions to Instant Noodles Lit Mag (a digital literary magazine sponsored by Current Words Publishing).
Mentorship is a core part of our mission, allowing experienced writers to support emerging voices by sharing knowledge and resources. Through our growing support network, we strive for members to gain access to publishing opportunities as well as invitations to readings, workshops, and other educational events. Members are also united in the mission of collaboration as a necessary aspect of success as an indie author.
This collaboration includes the work of promoting and managing Old Scratch Press and its authors and publications, trading labor for opportunities. Together, we cultivate a thriving community that celebrates the craft of writing.
A Note on Our Name: the collective was founded by the founders of Devil’s Party Press, which was previously located in Milton, Delaware, a small town named after the poet John Milton. In an effort to honor poet John Milton, Devil’s Party Press was chosen as the name of the original parent press after one of the writers we were publishing told us about an old joke one of Milton’s friends made about him. You can find out about that old chestnut here. This name was chosen as a connection to the original press, and also because “old scratch” sounds like an apt description for most poets, who scratch away, mining for gold. However the number of times the founders have been taken as devil worshipers from this simple connection is, frankly, astounding. “We’re not devil worshipers,” said Pearce, “but we are devilish, like a good egg should be.” It is our fervent hope that more people will embrace the fun, of the name, of life, of poetry, of jokes between long ago, and long dead, good friends.
OLD SCRATCH PRESS 