dig. is an annual small press literary zine, with a print run of two hundred copies per issue. Each individual copy is diligently handmade, with unique and artful covers - sometimes made with homemade recycled paper, sometimes with collage work, etc. Every copy of every issue is a one-of-a-kind textual object for your aesthetic and intellectual pleasure.
dig. began in 1997 as a poetry-only zine, featuring work by emerging Canadian poets. In those days, it was published two or three times a year, and was distributed in various book and record stores across Canada. Each cover was made of handmade recycled paper, hand-stamped, and the binding was hand-stitched.
"Highly recommended and deserving of your support." - Word. October, 1997.
"With no apologies: you'll dig Dig." - Broken Pencil. Winter, 1998.
It was also featured on the CBC radio 1 program Definitely Not the Opera in 1999.
Eventually, a few things about dig. started to change. It expanded to include fiction, artwork, and interviews. dig. began to host fantastic launch parties at Toronto bars, with readings, music and assorted debauchery. It became an annual publication, favouring quality over quantity. The handmade paper covers were replaced with much more exciting and creative (and time-consuming!) individual collages. And it is no longer distributed in stores, as too many of them seemed to find it impossible to pay the publisher for copies sold.
Now, dig. includes a wide range of styles of writing by both emerging and more established writers. It is available by subscription, at small press fairs, at the aforementioned launch parties, and via this new website. It is a dynamic and enduring publication, and will continue to evolve as long as I have access to printers and photocopiers and gluesticks. Oh, and writers, of course.
"Since 1997 editor Jennifer LoveGrove has combined snazzy production values with a discerning literary eye to create an accessible and delectable zine... Challenging and innovative, Dig (sic) is a litzine that just might convert poetic unbelievers to the cause." - This Magazine. March/April, 2002.
"...the type of small press publication you hold to for years...an excellent read, definitely one of the top litzines anywhere." - Word. February, 2003.
dig. #1
June 1997
The premier issue! Back when the submission call still said "Nothing romantic or boring". Covers of handmade paper. This issue contains work by Jay MillAr, Alex Boyd, Debra Anderson, and the editor’s cat Oskar, among others. Print run of 75. Limited number of copies still available.
dig. #2
Sept. 1997
Contains poetry and fiction by Gordon Michael Allen, Shannon Bramer, Laura Lush, Iain Deans, and more. First installment of the chaotic sex-filled comic Sublime Deliverance by Dave Johnny. Print run 150. Limited number of copies still available.
dig. #3
March 1998
Featuring poetry by Andrea Griffith, Suzanne Hancock, Kenneth Pobo, Elana Wolff, l.e. vollick, and more. Contains the second and final installment of the apocalyptic comic "Sublime Deliverance." Print run 200. Limited number of copies still available.
dig. #4
August 1998
Contains new writing by Derek Beaulieu, rob mclennan, John Barlow, Shannon Bramer, Erinn Banting, and others. Print run 200. Limited number of copies still available.
dig. #5
February 1999
The sexy special Vixen issue, featuring writing and art about female sexual desire. Contains work by Louise Bak, Kathryn Payne, Maureen Hynes, Sandra Haar, and others, plus an interview with porn queen Nina Hartley, as well as with Carlyle Jansen, proprietress of the Toronto women's sex store "Good For Her". Print run 200. Limited number of copies still available.
dig. #6
June 1999
Action-packed with new work by Daniel f. Bradley,
Paul Vermeersch, Mark Connery, Patrick Rawley,
Shelagh M. Rowan-Legg, and more. Also a great interview with Tony Burgess.
Print run 200. Limited number of copies still available.
dig. #7
February 2000
Bigger than ever! Full of poetry, fiction, art and reviews by Adeena Karasick, Sandra Alland, Geroge Murray, Sherwin Tjia, Alexandra Leggat, Adam Sol, Michael de Beyer and more. Print run 200. Limited number of copies still available.
dig. #8
June 2001
Debut issue with dig.'s new look! The handmade paper is replaced with original strange collage work. (Think Martha Stewart on acid...) Every one is different! Contains work by Stuart Ross, Emily Pohl-Weary, Kate Sutherland, and others, plus an interview with Jonathan Bennett. Print run 200. Limited number of copies still available.
dig. #9
Novemeber, 2002
Featuring new work from Kevin Connolly along with an in-depth interview. Also work by Alice Burdick, Gary Barwin, Helen Stathopulos, Diane Baker Mason, Michelle Berry, and others. Print run 200. Copies are available.
dig. #10
May, 2004
Featuring new work by Sandra Alland, Jonathan Bennett, George Murray, rob mclennan, Stuart Ross, Helen Stathopolus and others. Print run 200. Copies of the tenth issue are available.
dig. #11
May, 2006
Featuring new poems by Jon Paul Fiorentino, David McGimpsey, Gary Barwin, Kevin Connolly, Sandra Alland, Hugh Thomas, and Ray Succre, as well as an interview with Jen Currin, and fiction by Salvatore Difalco. Copies are available for $6 each.
dig publishes primarily poetry, but also fiction and non-fiction prose, black and white visual art and photography, as well as interviews and book reviews, and anything in between. dig prefers work that is challenging, innovative, and impactful.
When submitting, please include a cover letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope, or proper International Reply Coupons if sending work from outside Canada. Also include a brief bio and appropriate bribes.
Send to:
wayward armadillo press
34 Heydon Park Rd.
Apt. #30
Toronto ON
Canada M6J 2C8
dig is available as a three-issue subscription for $15 CDN. Individual copies are $5 CDN each for all issues except #11 and #12, which are $6.
Payment in Canadian funds, to Jennifer LoveGrove (not dig.). Cheques, money orders, and concealed cash accepted. NEW! You can now use Paypal to pay for issues of dig.!
Write or email dig to order:
wayward armadillo press
91 Avondale Ave.
Toronto ON
Canada M2N 2V1
