Small Press Interviews: Meet Anuci Press

Indie publishers have a distinct personality. How would you define the personality of your publishing house, as well as the core brand/vibe?

Anuci Press is all about being a stepping stone for new/newer authors to get their work out to the public as well as a place for more established writers to try out new things that may be too weird or niche for their normal sources of publishing. While I wish I could sell more books for the writers I work with, I do enjoy being considered well outside the mainstream.

What kind of horror do you publish?

So far, it has been a mix of different subgenres and styles of horror, but the plan is to become more about weird horror and cosmic horror. The push in that direction will begin in earnest in 2027.  

The horror landscape is constantly changing. What do you look for in a book you want to publish?

I always look for manuscripts I enjoy reading and think deserve to be seen by as many eyes as possible. I really enjoy stories that are odd and fall outside the mainstream.

We all know the small publisher is a champion for marginalized voices. How does your press help uplift these voices? 

I love being able to publish stories that would otherwise be ignored.  When those writers are from marginalized groups, that makes it all the more special. To be able to champion anyone who is being ignored is a privilege not to be taken lightly.

What are some common things that will get a quick rejection from your press? On the flip side, what are some things that make a submission stand out?

I will not tolerate bigotry of any kind. That is an automatic reject (bigotry from the writer, not a character whose bigotry is required for the story to work). If the manuscript does not fit what I am comfortable publishing, I will direct the writer to publishers who may be interested in the story. I am always on the lookout for weird stories that jump out at me, as long as they fall in the genres/subgenres I publish.

What is one of the biggest challenges your press is facing these days?

Like all indies, sales are difficult.  We are ignored so much by large retailers and book reviewers and influencers. It is difficult to garner attention. A press my size has tremendous difficulty getting magazines or people with a lot of reach to give me or the writers the time of day.

What projects do you have coming out soon?

The 2026 lineup has already been released, most likely. I have three books already scheduled for 2027, along with a special project I hope to get off the ground involving weird fiction by women in the public domain.

When is your next open call and what are you looking for?

I typically do not have a set schedule. I accept manuscripts anytime, but any submissions now would be for next year.

What advice do you have for authors?

Be patient and persistent. You will have to do a lot of self-promotion. Be true to yourself as a writer and write what you love to express.

Where can authors find you?

I have a website, anuci-press.com.  I am on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Bluesky. I can always be reached by email as well at [email protected]