Launch insights…

A book launch gives the audience a the wonderful opportunity to hear about the book from someone who has read the work and reflected and crafted their thoughts to share. Here are highlights from some of our launches – pics and speeches and readings to enjoy.

Big thanks to our authors for their poetry, and MASSIVE thanks to all those poets and readers who have gifted us the enjoyment of launching and celebrating these books.

Jo Langdon on Cath Kenneally's 'The Green Room'

Winter evening in Melbourne – where better than surrounded by books in Readings Carlton to launch a collection of poems by an ocean swimmer, celebrating all things water…Ambience and camaraderie – all in the swim Aug 26

Emilie Collyer and Jen Webb launch 'Alight on all things precious' by Sarah Rice

Two wonderful events have launched Sarah Rice’s new collection ‘Alight on all things precious’. We heard great insights from Emilie Collyer (in Melbourne) and Jen Webb (in Canberra) and were treated to Sarah’s reading and totally ‘on brand’ enthusiasm for philosophy, art and poetry. Two launches, MLB and CBR. Mar 26

Poetry of Flight, launched by Rae White

“Wrapped in a velvety blanket of poetry” – last night we launched ‘Poetry of Flight’ – the anthology of the Longlist from the 2025 Liquid Amber Poetry Prize. Rae White did the honours – declaring the book itself taken flight, and we heard many of the poets read us their fantastic poems. Poetry is indeed taking flight Nov 25

Jen Compton launches 'Intents' by Anne Elvey

‘Intents’ – Anne Elvey’s new collection was launched today by Jennifer Compton. A celebration of an important book of and on bayside Bunurong Country ‘Intents’ – a myriad of meanings Jun 25

EA Gleeson's 'The Deepest Thing' launched by Maryanne Diamond

EA (Anne) Gleeson’s wonderful new book was launched today by Maryanne Diamond AO, with family, friends and poetry community celebrating. ‘The Deepest Thing’ – reflections on a life of triumph May 25

'The Heart of the Advocate' by Angela Costi launched by Alana Kelsall

The Old Magistrates’ Court in Melbourne was standing room only when Alana Kelsall launched Angela Costi’s new book ‘The Heart of the Advocate’. Our day in court Mar 25

Anne M. Carson launches 'Poetry of Change'

A great online celebration – to launch the anthology ‘Poetry of Change’ – the collection of poems in the Longlist from the 2024 Liquid Amber Poetry Prize. Rose Lucas hosted the evening, Anne M. Carson honoured the poets, declaring the book out there in the world, and many of the poets read us their wonderful poems. Currents of shift – poems on the nature of change Nov 24

'Invisible Wasp' flies

Emilie Collyer launched Stephanie Powell’s wonderful new collection ‘Invisible Wasp’ at the Spark! Poetry Festival. Steph read some of her fabulous poems and discussed her poetic craft with Emilie. Watch Emilie and Steph (on the day), or enjoy reading Emilie’s wonderful insights. ‘Invisible Wasp’ flies Oct 24