As you probably already know, since you’re reading these lines, Progetto Babele is a free literary magazine. The website currently has
145,372,240 visits, and the magazine distributes (in PDF format) around 2,000 copies per issue.
The potential of PB (which I believe is significant) lies primarily in its dual nature as both a website and a literary magazine.However, one of its main limitations is that it is only available in Italian.
This is why I am looking for non-Italian amateur writers interested in creating what I might call the PB network in Europe (and perhaps beyond).
Before going further, I think it’s crucial to emphasize once again that PB is a completely non-profit project. All the work is done by volunteers, and no payment of any kind is provided (unfortunately) . Perhaps one day literature will "pay," and we’ll be able to compensate those who help us and the young writers featured in the magazine, but for now… it’s definitely impossible!
With that clarified, let’s move forward: what kind of help are we looking for?
For now, the plan is still somewhat vague, but my idea is to create different branches of the magazine, all built on the same model (magazine plus website featuring short stories, articles, and reviews), but independent and each in a different language.
Not a simple translation of PB, but a genuine, independent magazine, such as PB Scottish Edition, PB Irish Edition, or U.S.A. Edition, etc.
While some articles may be translations of material already published in the Italian edition, most of the content (poems, short stories, reviews, articles, etc.) will be original and produced in the language of the respective magazine.For each language area, there will be a specific section on the website (e.g., www.progettobabele.eu/uk, www.progettobabele.eu/ie, etc.).
I will remain the webmaster, and the website will resemble the Italian version in terms of color, subsections, and graphics, BUT all featured content will be chosen by the editors/collaborators of each sub-magazine.
So, who is the ideal candidate for the role of editor/contributor/manager of PB International?
1 They must be a native speaker of one of the following languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese. Other languages can, of course, be considered if we find the right person.
2 They must have a great passion for books and literature and plenty of free time. College students and retired teachers are often the best choice... We’re not looking for professionals but rather individuals with a background in literature, philosophy, or journalism. They must accept that… we work for free! (Like everyone who collaborates with PB). Of course, since this is just a hobby, when we talk about work, it’s implicitly WITHOUT OBLIGATIONS. Real work, family, friends, or personal matters always come before PB for all editors working here. We don’t have deadlines to meet, and we always try to enjoy and have fun while working on this project. If collaborating with PB becomes an excessive burden, I strongly recommend taking a break. Everyday life already involves enough tasks, and there’s no need to add another.
3 They should have basic knowledge of computers, websites, and publishing software. But really basic, honestly.
The collaborators of each branch will be responsible for:
1 Creating and coordinating a small team of editors. Selecting and editing enough material for 2-3 issues of the magazine per year (short stories, articles, poems).
2 Collecting and editing the material to be published. I will remain the current webmaster, but all texts and images must be delivered to me ready (or "readish" for publication.
3 Physically preparing the PDF format of the magazine. (I will take care of generating a semi-final draft, which collaborators can then adjust as they see like.)
It’s very important to reiterate that: PB is a non-profit project, so no financial compensation can come from collaborating. PB will use all its resources to ensure that the artistic output of its editors receives maximum visibility. In short, we will do our utmost to support them on their (challenging) path to fame…
Despite everything said above, we may accept sponsors (although, in twenty years, we’ve never found one… but hope, as they say, is the last to die). However, this will only happen under special circumstances and only if the sponsors are reputable companies, public organizations, or foundations related to culture or book publishing. In any case, before accepting any insertion or payment, the authorization of PB’s founder and webmaster, Marco R. Capelli, is mandatory.
For any information:
marco_roberto_capelli@progettobabele.it
