Ah, so much good news to share with the world.
The finalists for the 2012 Archibald Lampman Award were announced yesterday, and we were thrilled to see two Apt. 9 authors on the shortlist of four: Michael Blouin for Wore Down Trust and Sandra Ridley for Post-Apothecary, both published by the inimitable Pedlar Press. Post-Apothecary is especially exciting in the Apt. 9 office as we published one of its sections as a chapbook way back in August 2009. Small press mainstay rob mclennan also gets a nod for his Talonbooks title Glengarry. Congratulations all!
The Relit Awards announced their LONG lists earlier in the month, and were again thrilled to see many Apt. 9 authors and favourites included. Sandra Ridley and Michael Blouin are again included, as is Stuart Ross. There is a strong Ottawa presence on the longlist that we would love to see transfer to the shortlists. But, the Relits manage to acknowledge a massive range of writers and independent presses and they are an event to celebrate whoever goes the distance. Congratulations again to all!
You still have five days left to vote for Bardia Sinaee in the Walrus Poetry Prize, something you should definitely do. The prize even got some rare Globe and Mail poetry press as part of a new wave of Canadian poetry exiling something called “weepy folksiness” from our poems. Godspeed, Bardia, you’ve got our vote!
In book news, we’re thrilled to note that two Apt. 9 authors are set to see new trade collections into print in the near future that will include selections from their Apt. 9 chapbooks. Jim Smith’s Happy Birthday, Nicanor Parra will be published by Mansfield this Fall. And Jeremy Hanson-Finger will see his debut trade collection of short fiction published by 8th House in the Spring, the wonderfully titled Nice People Who Care About Each Other Having a Good Time. We couldn’t be happier for both of them, and are suitably selfishly happy to see their chapbooks find new homes in books with spines. Go order them at your local independent!
Our fall lineup is taking shape. Books are being designed and printed, and we’ll be making a formal announcement with authors, titles, and launch details shortly. In the meantime, enjoy these first days of fall.
Apt. 9 Press 