Plaintext Distro

Purveyors of fine low tech, anti-capitalist, bitsyfolk, game-making and cultural zines

Hi! We are an emerging zine distro looking to make physical and digital distribution of zines on topics near and dear to our hearts more easily accessible to creators around the world. We believe that the technological obsession with innovation has led to a relationship with technology that is intrusive, wasteful, and not based in the amazing potential for resource sharing and creativity that is fundamental to digital media like the internet. We are curious about ways to do more with less: less energy, less e-waste, and less centralizing our culture on platforms that are purely profit-motivated. Maintenance and right-to-repair, low tech game making, the history of software art, radically remaking copyright and IP law, digital decentralization, DIY projects, perspectives on the abolition of private corporations, prisons, work and money, and mining the old web for solutions to new problems that we didn't know we already had are some of our primary interests. If you feel that your writing, artistic practice, hobby or even stray thoughts fit in any of these categories, consider letting us print and distribute your zine!

Our Zines

In the beginning we all played Family by Rumpel	IN AN OLD HOUSE by Em	manifesto megamix by candle
TRASHZINE by multiple authors	Pixels X Paper by multiple authors	ZONE by candle

... And more to be announced!

FAQs

How do I submit my work?
Your zine should be submitted in a print-ready, black and white format, preferably formatted to international A4 size. The layouts can be single-page mini zines, as well as a variety of double-sided print booklets. In general you should try not to require more than 8 sheets of paper, but there can be certain exceptions. Files should be sent by email. I will get back to you about your submission and any issues with it as soon as I can.
How will it be distributed?
We are planning to table digitally at upcoming online zine festivals. In this context, visitors will be able to purchase both physical and digital copies of the zines. Digital copies will be sent to them directly and physical copies will be printed in bulk and mailed by the distro at the end of the fair. Once your files are accepted, you do not have to worry about any printing or shipping.
Where do any profits go?
I will try to price the zines as close to cost (tabling fees + printing + shipping) as possible. Any cash on hand leftover from the zine sales after these costs will be distributed to a cause related to our goals and interests above, and all contributing members will be able to participate in a consensus-based discussion to determine which cause will be supported.
Who is running this?
Em Reed, a longtime zine, low tech and art games aficionado.
What is the current timeline?
We are currently accepting submissions to be featured in Glasgow Zine Fest's online edition in April 2021. Please submit any zines you would like to have included in this festival through March.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me! More information on our featured zines and creators, as well as fairs where you can purchase our zines will be available here soon. Subscribe for updates here!