Bulletin #13: Have I Goth news for you

It feels like I’ve been surrounded by all things Gothic recently but that may just be because I’ve come back from a trip to Edinburgh, home of “the world’s most haunted graveyard” and some beautiful medieval architecture, and straight into launching a new call for submissions for Gothic poems! The call will be edited by Charlotte Geater and Nisha Bhakoo, with successful poets to be published in an anthology in 2019. You can find out more about it below.

I’ve also started reading submissions from the call for night-time stories and I’m pleased that it has drawn so many different responses to the theme. There have been plenty of ghost stories and stories that deal with supernatural themes but I’ve also read stories about thrillers and romance and mysteries and I look forward to reading more. The only problem is that I’ve recently been reading some before I go to bed which, when it comes to ghost stories, it isn’t always the best idea.

I hadn’t meant for my introduction to be so spooky but I suppose there are only six weeks left until Halloween…

1. LitRi translation grant. We’re so proud to be the only UK trade publisher to be awarded a LitRi translation grant by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture.

The grant will support the publication of three titles translated into English:

• Na Willa by Reda Gaudiamo, a collection of charming stories about a little girl living and playing in Surabaya, perfect for children aged 7+.
• When It Rains by Rassi Narika, a beautiful children's picture book about Kira, who learns about fun things you can do when it rains.
• About Us by Reda Gaudiamo, a collection of short stories for adults, full of insights about relationships.

If you want a nice surprise in the post on March 2019, you can pre-order Na Willa right now!

2. Call for Gothic poems. We have launched a call for poems inspired by the Gothic! The editors, Nisha Bhakoo and Charlotte Geater, are interested in poems that examine traditional as well as modern ideas about the Gothic, from historical settings to what Gothic might mean in the 21st century. The submissions guidelines explain:

"We want to see unusual approaches to the gothic, which means poems that take risks and shine a new light on gothic themes and our understanding of them."

Poets may send up to three poems to be considered for the anthology and the closing date for submissions is 9th November.

3. Upcoming children’s titles. We are publishing some great titles for young readers in the next few weeks and they are available to pre-order on our website now. Read below to find out more about them:

4. Some Cannot Be Caught launch. Last week, we launched Some Cannot Be Caught: The Emma Press Book of Beasts at the Betsey Trotwood in London. It was a wonderful evening, hosted by myself and Charlotte Geater, with readings from the poets who read from the book as well as some of their own work. Thanks to everyone who came along! And if you didn't make it to the launch, you can always order your copy of the book here.

5. Sign up for new newsletters. Want to hear more from our team and about what we’re doing? You’ll be pleased to know that we have launched two more monthly newsletters – events, written by Philippa Barker, and calls for submissions, written by Charlotte Geater. Philippa’s first events newsletter can be read here. You can update your subscription preferences here.

Best wishes,

Yen-Yen Lu from the Emma Press