We don't normally toot our own horns

It’s been a spell since we last sent out a blast. Allow us to take this opportunity to catch you up on our news.

Here’s to staying humble.

“An empty can rattles the loudest.” That’s one of my favorite sayings. It’s a succinct and distinctly Appalachian way of observing that it’s usually the people with nothing to say who seem to talk the most.

So I’ll keep it brief.

2024 was a great year for Appalachia Book Company. We published three chapbooks in our Made In Appalachia series; completed a professional development program in fundraising; partnered with Eastern Kentucky University to bring on editorial interns; raised $16,000 for our podcast on Appalachian balladry. We received more submissions than ever before.

Good things are happening this year, too. We’ve been awarded an inaugural literary arts grant from South Arts to publish a speculative fiction anthology. Yep, that will be a collection of sci-fi, fantasy and horror all set in Appalachia. We’ve contracted authors for some fascinating chapbooks, and we’ll be recording our podcast live at the Appalachian Center for the Arts on July 27th.

Appalachia Book Co. launched this newsletter to support our chapbook series and to provide readers a place to discover the history and doings of Appalachian literary culture. We have forthcoming issues on rural writing, environmental literature, mountain men and more coming soon. Promise. Meantime, I want you to know that we couldn’t do our work without supporters like you.

Thank you.

Support Appalachia Book Co.

Our mission at Appalachia Book Co. is to preserve and continue the literary tradition of central and rural Appalachia, and to curate a modern interpretation of our region’s history. We produce the prose chapbook series, Made In Appalachia, as well as special books and literary events.

This year we’re once again participating in Kentucky Gives Day on Tuesday, May 13th. Kentucky Gives Day directly supports our efforts to build essential literary infrastructure in underserved communities, challenge stereotypes while strengthening cultural identity, and provide educational and professional development pathways that help retain creative talent within Appalachia. By donating, you become part of a community dedicated to preserving and promoting authentic Appalachian narratives for generations to come.

To donate, simply click here or visit https://www.kygives.org/organizations/appalachia-book-company.

Thank you for your continued support of Appalachia Book Company. Together, we're building a stronger literary foundation for our communities.

Sincerely,

Natalie Axton

Director of Programs