New books from Coverstory for 2026

A quick summary of the new books currently on the stocks for Coverstory books’ publication in the first half of 2026.

New Contexts: 8 – various authors (expected end-March)

The eighth in this anthology series, New Contexts: 8 will contain an eclectic mix of poetry and short prose from a mix of international authors. The first New Contexts was published in January 2021, and I have been able to keep up the heartbeat of one or two volumes per year. This is, of course, thanks entirely to the marvellous writers who have chosen to share their work via this initiative.

Submissions for New Contexts: 8 are still open — and free! You can find entry details here.

Peephole Extravaganza – Simon French (expected February)

Peephole Extravaganza will be Simon French’s third collection of poetry. It is an earthy, no-holes-barred and inventive look at modern life, lifting the lid on elements of our contemporary reality.

Praise for Simon’s earlier collections:

“There are writers who write poetry and there are poets who write poetry. Simon French is one of the latter… He is a wizard with words, conjuring amazing images out of the everyday. The poems are spare, distilled, intense. Many have exposed nerve endings.” – for The Deadwing Generation

“This is a stunning collection. Assured throughout, this is a poet who is a master of his game. The poems conjure a vividly imagined world, often skewering convention.” – for Joyriding Down Utopia Avenue

Dead-heading Roses in the Museum Garden and other stories – Ian Gouge

This will be my fifth collection of short stories, a genre in which I am becoming increasing comfortable. (My two most recent collections are Dust, dancing and An Irregular Piece of Sky.) The stories range from the romantic to the thriller, from the literary to the dystopian.

Unless the collection is picked up by another publisher, it will debut in March.

The Extra Shot – Ian Gouge (expected May-August)

This is a novel which was been a long time in the making. It examines the overlapping lives of numerous characters, the majority centred in or around the café ‘The Extra Shot’. As with much of my work, it is born from my fascination as to how people relate to their histories, the decisions they subsequently take, and the relationships they have.

Praise for my fiction:

“masterful..soul-searching… a dextrously woven story… a beautifully crafted story… a delightful novel that reminded me of the writing style of Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway. I’m my opinion this novel deserves to be up there with these literary greats.” – for 17 Alma Road

“Sally Rooney meets Henry James… a deeply engaging book…every moment of dialogue and recollection is thoroughly believable” – for Once Significant Others

“Ian’s book grounded me with slow, gentle reminders that our connections with ourselves, our environment, and each other can heal in miraculous ways… You made me cry on the subway!” – for At Maunston Quay

Plus…

One or two collections of poetry from poets new to Coverstory books. Titles, covers, and publications dates remain unfixed at this precise moment in time, but I can’t wait to help bring these books to readers!

Something for everyone!