An Interview with Aniko Press
Aniko Press is a small, indie publisher based in Sydney, Australia. It was founded by writer and editor Emily Riches in 2020. They publish a print literary magazine twice a year featuring poetry, short stories and creative non-fiction. Aniko Press is dedicated to providing a platform for new and emerging voices from Australia and around the world, and aims to foster a creative community by bringing passionate writers and curious readers together. They publish work that is experimental yet accessible - pieces that excite, inspire and challenge. They also run seasonal flash fiction competitions and publish book reviews, recommendations and author interviews on their website.
Why was the publication started?
I started Aniko Press in April 2020, during the first wave of the pandemic in Sydney. I had lost my part-time job, the city was in lockdown and, for quite a while, I was home alone. There were so many great, creative projects being launched online, and people seemed to be seeking community and creativity more than ever. I was also re-evaluating the kind of work I found meaningful and fulfilling, and was looking to start a career in publishing. So, I founded my own small press! I have always loved literary magazines, and thought that was a great way to engage with and support emerging writers, build a community and create something beautiful that people wanted to pick up in bookshops. It is primarily a print magazine, but Issue 2 is also available digitally for increased accessibility.
What are the top three things you look for in a submission?
You could say Ru Paul's "charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent" aren't far off the things I look for! I tend to look for an interesting or unique take on the theme, a strong storytelling voice and something that surprises me - whether it's an image, a turn of phrase, a joke or an experimentation with form or language. I love when I read something truly unexpected.
What turns you off a submission?
I read every submission in full, and I'm always so impressed with writers' capacity for imagination and the work and bravery it takes to complete a piece and submit it. However, one big reason that a piece might not make it to final selection is a lack of specificity and detail, particularly in the opening sentences or paragraphs. As a reader, I want to have a clear idea of where the piece is going, or the confidence that the writer will lead me somewhere exciting. The strongest submissions are those where scene, voice or character are established from the get-go and carried throughout the piece.
Do you provide comments when you reject a submission?
Having been on the receiving end of a rejection letter many times myself, I know it can be incredibly disheartening and often pretty opaque. I offer all submitters the option to receive feedback, to hopefully make the process a bit more open and reciprocal, and reorient it towards community building. In my comments, I let them know what I liked about their piece, where I thought it could be strengthened, and offer links and resources for other places to submit their work.
What advice would you give writers trying to publish with your magazine?
Be weird, be experimental, be funny. Or be traditional, be formal, be serious. Whatever you do, lean into your own voice. Even amidst a sea of submissions, a writer's personal style and voice can always be heard on the page. This is something I really appreciate when selecting pieces for publication.
What advice can you give to editors who would like to start their own literary publication?
What really helped me was looking at examples of some of my favourite publications and emulating the things about them that excited or inspired me, and innovating where I needed to. Reaching out to them for tips, advice or mentorship can also be really useful, and more often than not, people will be happy to help. Along the way, I also learnt to trust my instincts, value my own time and really enjoy the collaboration process with the writers and our designer Col - it's always a team effort!
What upcoming projects can we look forward to?
Submissions for Issue 3 of Aniko Magazine are opening in August, so keep an eye out on our social media or join our mailing list for the announcement of the theme. We're also aiming to open for manuscript submissions for poetry, fiction and non-fiction later this year as well - so watch this space!
What was the last book you read for fun?
I recently read the novella FINNA by Nino Cipri, which I picked up by chance at the library. It turned out to be a wonderful, alternate-universe adventure with wormholes, queer friendships and anti-capitalist tendencies. A lot of fun.
What have been some high points of running a literary magazine?
Meeting and collaborating with some amazing authors, and seeing them go on to be published elsewhere, win awards and fellowships, or even start their own literary magazine! Spotting the magazine in real-life bookshops never gets old, either.
What is your comment on the future of poetry publishing?
I think the future of poetry publishing is in the hands of small presses. They have always flourished as spaces for new, exciting work and creative discussion, and they're often headed by passionate, gutsy and dedicated individuals. Some awesome Aussie examples are Subbed In, Baby Teeth Journal, Cordite Books, Blue Bottle Journal… and there are so many more!