Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

New Poets Project. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Copper Canyon Press.

What do they have to say about the project?

Join Camille Rankine and Ocean Vuong to help Copper Canyon Press publish debut collections by extraordinary new poets.

What caught your eye?

Three simple words: Copper Canyon Press. I mean, how could we not get behind this project immediately? We love how Copper Canyon Press has been experimenting with Kickstarter — maybe you backed their project to publish the lost Neruda poems? — which is partly promotional, but partly market-testing. Poetry books are labors of love, and nobody builds skyscrapers based on the profits publishing them.

In this case, using two recently published poets, Camille Rankine and Ocean Vuong, to act as ambassadors to a fund that will publish other new poets is a great idea.

Why should I back it?

For every poem that you've read and been floored by, for every poet who is a household name — the Eileen Myles, and Heather McHughs, and Elizbeth Bishops, and on and on — there is an unknown poet who has yet to have their work printed. Perhaps one of the poets you help support here will be one that creates a timeless work. They could be the one that pens the poem that grabs your spine and holds on for months and years. Here, in this small Kickstarter campaign, is a world of possibility depending on you, but without you, it won't happen.

Plus: poetry books and letterpress broadsides for rewards? Done!

How's the project doing?

They're 42% funded currently, with about $8500 of their $20,000 goal. It's looking good!

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 21
• Funds pledged: $420
• Funds collected: $360
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $620