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icoe.com.au

In Case Of Emergency Press

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About the press

In Case Of Emergency Press is an independent Australian publisher and arts organization founded in 2014 by poet and editor Dr. Amelia Walker. Emerging from a desire to create a responsive, inclusive platform for voices often marginalized in mainstream publishing, the press takes its name from the urgency of making space for diverse perspectives. Its core mission is to publish innovative poetry, short fiction, and cross-genre work that challenges conventional literary boundaries, with a particular emphasis on experimental and politically engaged writing. The press operates as a collective, often collaborating with artists and writers to produce chapbooks, anthologies, and digital projects that reflect a commitment to accessibility and community.

Publishing focus

In Case Of Emergency Press publishes a small number of literary works every year: poetry, short stories, scripts, and longer fiction. If you have a manuscript ready, they’d be very happy to read it and assess it. They publish full length works (60,000+ plus words for novels and short story collections; 50 plus poems for poetry collections) as well as shorter chapbooks (novella length, short plays, ten plus poems).

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionChapbookNovellaShort Story CollectionsEssay CollectionsNovelPoetry Collections

Calls & opportunities

3 listed

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodOct 1 to Oct 31
Reading feeNo
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should first familiarize themselves with the press's aesthetic by reading recent publications, which are available through their website. Submissions are typically open during announced reading periods, so check the website and social media for updates. The press values work that is urgent, innovative, and emotionally or politically resonant. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify immediately if accepted elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter stating your connection to the work and any relevant background. Expect a response time of several months due to the small team. Do not send unsolicited full manuscripts; follow the specific guidelines for each call.

We have one submission month each year: October. Submissions are accepted from the 1st of the month to the 31st of the month. Our published “response time” should be regarded as aspirational. Which is more polite than regarding it as delusional fantasy. Direct speech should be enclose in double inverted commas (i.e. “ not ‘). And don’t submit ot us if you’re not prepared to accept Australian (i.e. correct) spelling! And please be warned: I am a grumpy old bugger. I use bad language. If you are too holy, we are probably not right for you.

Read official guidelines