The Emma Press

The Emma Press

The Emma Press, now based in Birmingham, has developed a highly active and engaged audience for its poetry publications. It is keen to make literature accessible and to encourage emerging artists. Of particular note is its investment in the career development of its writers, in the form of showcase live events, podcasts, blog posts and other promotional opportunities. This professional and strategic approach to generating new audiences is to be applauded. Production values are high. Makeover by Laurie Bolger sports an eye-catching wrapper that is fresh, youthful and unpretentious, very suited to the unassuming vivacity of the poems within. More broadly, design approaches are flexible and bespoke, and always tailored to the work. The Emma Press works closely with a local printer and is committed both to supporting the local arts industry and to prioritising environmental sustainability. This year the Emma Press has extended its activities to include the developing of poetry editors, with an Arts Council England grant allowing the creation of the Birmingham Editorial Readers Group. Members of the group have selected Emma Press titles for 2025, which will of course include poetry pamphlets.