Judges’ Comments

The Judges were impressed by the continued commitment of The Emma Press—who were Publishers’ Award winners in 2016 and have also been shortlisted—to increasing accessibility and ways into the poetry world, both for writers seeking a nurturing platform through which to publish and develop creatively and for a readership of poetry both longstanding and new. Pamphlet publishing is currently the main focus of their operation. This year’s impressive entries showcase all three of The Emma Press’s pamphlet series (the Poetry Pamphlets, the Picks and the Art Squares), which are consistently beautiful and engaging productions, immediately recognisable through consummate design.