Aotearoa Indie publishing: Ngā Pukapuka Pekapeka

 

This is an exciting, rare opportunity for publication of chapbook/small collection sized bodies of work.

ngā pukapuka pekapeka is open for submissions. Aotearoa New Zealand resident writers only.

We are looking for work:

• that pushes boundaries (content and/or form)
• that is confident both on the page and on the stage

We are interested in short stories, poetry collections and novellas. We have a particular interest in writers from Te Waipounamu, tangata whenua, and emerging writers, though we are open to all writers living in New Zealand.

We are open to submissions of approximately 40 document pages (conventional submission formatting- double spaced, 12pt font). If yours is more or less than this, tell us why. We’re flexible if the length fits the form. If you are sending us a collection, give it a title. Submissions will be considered by our editorial collective as a whole.

Part of publication will involve readings and live events in Te Waipounamu, and our authors will need to be in, or able to travel to, Ōtautahi for these.

Submissions are due on 31 May.

Send your work to ngapukapukapekapeka@gmail.com.

Dead Bird Books takes to the road in 2023

 

Having already released a swag of exciting new voices this year, Dead Bird Books are set to launch the new collection by founder, best-selling author and legendary performance poet Dominic Hoey in collaboration with designer Trudi Hewitt. What better way to celebrate than a road trip around the motu, bringing the new books to the people.

Accompanied by poets published by DBB in 2023, Isla Huia and Liam Jacobson, Dominic Hoey will be releasing his latest collection The Dead Are Always Laughing At Us in November 2023. Writes Hoey:

“Accessibility has shaped the way I write and perform. I’ve always resisted the idea that poetry should be a puzzle you need a 50k education to unlock. Early on I knew I wanted this to be the kind of poetry collection anyone could pick up and be drawn into immediately. With that in mind it was really important to add a visual element to the text.” 

 

The poems were mostly written during lock-down as a way to try and stay sane while the world lost its collective mind. The collaboration with a graphic designer means the book has a strongly visual, as well as verbal, aspect. Hewitt writes:

“I saw this project as an opportunity to experiment. To rethink the rules we set for consistency and to challenge typesetting conventions of literature and poetry. Ultimately I wanted to give each of Dominic’s poems their own sense of identity by playing with pace, space, size and tension. An awesome collaboration with a very talented friend.” 

The book is available for pre-sale now on Dead Bird Books website. Kicking off at the end of November, Dominic is bringing a road show of exciting talent to select venues in both North and South Islands. 

Isla Huia (Te Āti Haunui a-Pāpārangi, Uenuku) is a te reo Māori teacher, writer and musician. Her first book,Talia, was released by Dead Bird in May 2023.

Liam Jacobson (Kāi Tahu) is a poet, artist, maker (etc.) from Manurewa, South Auckland. They've shared poems in alleys, pubs and galleries across Aotearoa and overseas. Liam's debut poetry collection, Neither, was published by Dead Bird Books in September 2023.

Dominic Hoey is a poet and bestselling author.  Through his 'Learn To Write Good' writing course, Dominic has taught thousands of students how to think dyslexic. He also works with rangatahi with the Atawhai program, helping them with their mental health and self-esteem.

Tickets can be purchased via the Dead Bird Books website: www.deadbirdbooks.com/tickets

If you’d like a copy of the book or want to interview any of the poets email- hello@deadbirdbooks.com