Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Independent Literary Publishers in Manchester | Carcanet Press
Established in 1969, Carcanet Press has grown into a globally respected literary publisher dedicated to championing poetry and literature in English and translation. Based in Manchester, UK, we publish approximately 36 titles annually, alongside the bi-monthly journal PN Review. Our 50th anniversary in 2019 saw us named Northern Small Press of the Year at the British Book Awards, a recognition we have been shortlisted for every subsequent year. With a backlist exceeding 1,000 titles spanning 37 languages and 50 nations, we have published Nobel laureates such as Orhan Pamuk, Octavio Paz, and Louise Glck. Our editorial continuity and commitment to literary excellence have allowed us to forge strong Anglo-European and Anglo-Commonwealth connections.We specialise in discovering, appraising, and re-evaluating works, maintaining a focus on literature in all its evolving forms. Our team combines decades of publishing expertise with academic rigor, ensuring each title meets the highest standards of scholarship and creativity. From experimental writing to classical translations, we remain dedicated to advancing the literary arts through independent publishing. Our resilience was tested in 1996 when an IRA bomb destroyed our offices, yet we rebuilt and continue to thrive as a beacon of literary culture. Today, we operate from the Manchester University Library, upholding our mission to preserve and promote the written word across generations.
Services
Poetry Publishing
Literary Translations
PN Review Journal
Classical Reprints
New Writing Discovery
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in independent literary publishing.
- Our backlist includes works by Nobel laureates like Orhan Pamuk and Octavio Paz.
- We publish the bi-monthly journal PN Review, a cornerstone of literary criticism.
- Our editorial team combines academic expertise with decades of publishing experience.
- We specialise in translations, ensuring global literary voices reach new audiences.
What people say
Diverse international authors
High-quality translations
Academic editorial standards
Award-winning publications
Services
Poetry Publishing
Carcanet Press specialises in publishing contemporary and classic poetry from global voices. Our curated list includes Nobel laureates and emerging poets, ensuring a dynamic range of styles and themes. We prioritise literary innovation while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.
Literary Translations
We champion cross-cultural dialogue through translations of seminal works and new international writing. Our translated titles bridge linguistic divides, introducing English readers to vital literary traditions from 37 languages and counting.
PN Review Journal
Published bi-monthly, PN Review offers in-depth analysis of contemporary poetry and literary culture. With contributions from leading critics and poets, it serves as a critical resource for scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.
Classical Reprints
Our reprints preserve essential literary works from past centuries, ensuring accessibility for modern readers. These editions combine scholarly accuracy with contemporary design, revitalising forgotten classics for new generations.
New Writing Discovery
We actively seek fresh voices through open submissions and partnerships with literary institutions. This commitment to discovery has fostered careers of notable poets and translators since our founding in 1969.
People
Michael Schmidt OBE FRSL
Editorial and Managing Director
Founder of Carcanet Press and PN Review, Michael studied at Harvard and Oxford. A literary historian and poet, he has shaped the press's editorial vision for over 50 years.
John McAuliffe
Associate Publisher
A poet and academic, John joined Carcanet in 2020. He is Professor of Poetry at the University of Manchester's Centre for New Writing and former poetry columnist for The Irish Times.
Andrew Latimer
Managing Editor
Established editor and designer, Andrew founded Little Island Press and contributes to New Poetries VII. He oversees production and editorial operations at Carcanet.
Zo Turner
Marketing and Events Manager
Zo leads marketing initiatives and event coordination. With experience at Comma Press and Manchester University Press, she brings innovative promotional strategies to the literary sector.
Kate Gavron
Chair of the Board
Chairing Carcanet since 1989, Kate combines publishing expertise with a PhD in Social Anthropology. She has owned the company since 2015 and chairs the Folio Society Trust.
Questions
What genres does Carcanet Press specialise in?
We focus on poetry, literary translations, and critical works, with a strong emphasis on both contemporary and classical texts.
How can I submit a manuscript for consideration?
We accept submissions via our online portal. Please review our submission guidelines on the Carcanet website for specific requirements.
Do you publish international authors?
Yes, our list includes writers from 50 nations and 37 languages, reflecting our commitment to global literary exchange.
What is PN Review?
PN Review is our bi-monthly journal featuring poetry, criticism, and literary essays, established in 1972 as part of our academic outreach.
How has Carcanet Press adapted to digital publishing?
We offer digital editions alongside print, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the quality of our physical publications.
Are backlist titles available for purchase?
Yes, our extensive backlist of over 1,000 titles remains accessible through our website and distribution partners.
