Perhaps the best-known of the three is ORBIS (ISSN 0300-4425). This is a substantial, perfect-bound 'Quarterly International Literary Journal', edited by Carole Baldock. Typically, ORBIS features the work of forty or more poets, largely (but not exclusively) drawn from the UK, with each poet providing one or two poems only. There is also a one-page editorial; a column called 'Past Master', printing selections from an author from an earlier generation; a close-up upon a 'Featured Writer'; a section for readers' remarks upon previously-published poems; several reviews of new books; and advertising specifically targeting new titles, competitions and markets for new poetry. Everything about the publication is stylish and well-made, and subscription details are available by writing to the editor at 17 Greenhow Avenue, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 5EL, UK, or by emailing carolebaldock@hotmail.com. Read more about ORBIS at http://www.poetrymagazines.org.uk/magazi... .
Another handsomely-produced quarterly is IOTA (ISSN 0266-2922), edited by Bob Mee and Jane Church (also the editors of Ragged Raven Press [see earlier NEW BRITISH POETRY columns]). Like ORBIS, IOTA includes work received from international submissions, although the majority of the poets published are based in the UK. Most issues contain the work of between fifty and sixty writers, each represented by a single piece. Besides the poems, there is the briefest of chatty, straightforward editorials; several pages of notices for new books, many with paragraph-sized reviews by IOTA's editors or their associates; and listings of forthcoming contests and markets for new work. The journal's reputation continues to expand in the UK, and the editors' critical acumen has meant that IOTA is now frequently cited in the acknowledgements of collections by many established poets. Visit their website at http://www.iotapoetry.co.uk .
Certainly one of the most colourful of the UK's many literary magazines is AESTHETICA (ISSN 1743-2715), edited by Cherie Federico. Styling itself as a 'Review of Contemporary Artists', AESTHETICA, too, accepts submissions from around the world, mixing poetry, prose, drama, art, music and reviews into a sumptuous quarterly. The magazine itself has 126 perfect-bound pages, and it also includes photography, reviews and interviews. Although still a young journal - its tenth issue is due out shortly - AESTHETICA has won several prizes, and looks to have a bright future as a venue for new and established talent. Their website is http://www.aestheticamagazine.com .
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