Plaintext Distro

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

Hi! We are a distro making zines on topics near and dear to our hearts more easily accessible to zine-lovers 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!

Next Event: Glasgow Zine Fest 2023 - Sat. July 8th!

Our Zines ( indicates new zines for 2023!)

How to Win at Goblet Grotto by thecatamites	Lair gZ 001 by Wetdryvac	Melon's Guide to Web Craft by melonking
Walking Ball by thecatamites	Statements Towards the Establishment of a Proof-of-Rest Protocol by Em	Melon's Obscure Thoughts Zine by melonking
Apple Zine by v buckenham	Domino Club Yearbook by Domino Club	End in Fire by Matthew James Seidel
Crush Zone by Em	Bi Subjectivities 1: Troy Bolton by Em	Sci Fi Short Story Zine by Em
In the beginning we all played Family by Rumpel	IN AN OLD HOUSE by Em	manifesto megamix by candle
Love Letter For You by Em	Now Play This 2019 by multiple authors	ZONE by candle
First Person Stimulator by Freya Campbell	MGS Made Me Bi by Em	space people by thecatamites

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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?
Typically I print and distribute the zines myself, at a zine fair or other similar event. Our next event is Glasgow Zine Fest 2023! We will be running an in-person table on Saturday, July 8th. The fair will be at the CCA in Glasgow. Sign up to our mailing list for news on future events.
Where do any profits go?
Plaintext as a project prioritizes distributing interesting small publications for the value of sharing them over making returns on them. I will price the zines at as close to cost (tabling fees + printing + shipping) as possible. If there is a significant amount of cash on hand after these costs, it 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. Previously we supported Remade Network.
Who is running this?
Em Reed, a longtime zine, low tech and art games aficionado.
What is the current timeline?
We will be at Glasgow Zine Fest on July 8th, debuting new zines from our latest submissions period. Sign up to our mailing list for more information on future events and zine tables as they are confirmed.

If you have any additional questions, email me! | Subscribe for updates here!