A new magazine for writers and readers in Wales – and beyond

Following a successful bid to secure funding from the Books Council of Wales, we’re excited to be revealing our ambitious plans to support new writing in and from Wales – and show it to the world. 

Folding Rock, a new Barry-based literary periodical focused on creative prose, will launch its first issue in Spring 2025. Co-founders of the publication – editor and designer Robert Harries and writer, editor and creative producer Kathryn Tann – describe it as ‘a magazine to pay attention to’, analogous with the likes of The Stinging Fly in Ireland, England’s Granta, and Gutter Magazine in Scotland. 

‘Folding Rock: New Writing from Wales and Beyond will be the catalyst needed to usher in a new era for Welsh literature – one, we believe, that we are already on the precipice of. Representing a creative culture we are exceedingly proud of, this magazine will do much more than publish new writing. Using our position to tirelessly develop talent, grow skills, advocate for authors and open as many doors as we can, this magazine will give the UK-wide publishing industry – and reading population – no choice but to pay attention.’ 

The Books Council of Wales announced today that funding has been awarded for a period of four years, up to March 2028, following the advertisement of an open tender for a new English-language literary magazine in March 2024. The process was concluded over the summer and Folding Rock will publish its first issue in March 2025, with subsequent issues to follow every four months. 

Helgard Krause Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales, said: 

‘We would like to offer our warmest congratulations to Kathryn and Rob at Folding Rock for their successful application to secure this funding. The vision they presented to the publishing sub-committee was for a magazine that will champion and celebrate the best emerging and established Welsh and Wales-based writers, and create a powerful, visible pipeline for new talent to find publishing success.’ 

Natalie Jerome, Literary Agent and Founder, Originate Literary Agency, said: 

‘The launch of Folding Rock is such an exciting and meaningful development for the literary scene in Wales. The energy and creativity Kathryn and Rob are bringing to the magazine is a reflection of where the industry is heading and the future that is being built for the sector in Wales by all of us. It’s so great to be here right now and be part of this evolving publishing eco system that is growing by the day.’ 

Based at Tramshed Tech in Barry, South Wales, Folding Rock will platform excellent literary fiction, creative non-fiction, literature reviews and more. With art direction by acclaimed designer Matt Needle, it will be issued three times a year, in print and digital, across the UK and with a growing network of international outlets. Tiered subscription options will be available for readers, as well as special offers for founding members. More details regarding these, as well as the inaugural call for submissions, will be announced in the coming weeks and months. 

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