The future of publishing starts here: Introducing 1455 books
A Nonprofit Publisher Championing Emerging and Diverse Voices
For years, 1455 has been about one thing: storytelling as a force for connection, empathy, and change. Through festivals, author series, Movable Type, and this very newsletter, we’ve celebrated writers who remind us that words still matter.
Now, that mission takes its next step forward.
We’re proud to announce 1455 books — a new publishing imprint dedicated to authors whose work embodies creativity with purpose. This isn’t just about printing pages; it’s about building a home for stories that deserve to live beyond the noise.
In an era of infinite content, we believe stories should still mean something. 1455 books will publish original works and anthologies that amplify diverse voices, emerging talent, and bold ideas that expand our shared human narrative.
As Executive Director Sean Murphy says:
“We’ve created 1455 books because we believe in the transformative power of stories — and that compelling voices demand more than a platform, they deserve support.”
The first projects under this new imprint include anthologies celebrating young poets and women writers, with more opportunities ahead for storytellers to publish, connect, and be seen.
The 1455 Young Poets Anthology
Theme: HOPE
Free to Submit
The inaugural 1455 Young Poets Anthology invites poets under 21 from around the world to share original work on the theme of HOPE—in all its complexity and possibility. The anthology seeks poems that imagine renewal, resilience, and connection in challenging times.
Professionally designed and published by 1455 books
Featured on the 1455 website and across the 1455 community
All publication costs covered by 1455 and its sponsors
Submission deadline: January 30, 2026
“In times of uncertainty, it’s the youngest voices that often see most clearly what can still be saved,” said Murphy. “We want to give them the platform they deserve.”
The 1455 Women Writers Anthology
Theme: SILENCE
Free to Submit
The 1455 Women Writers Anthology will gather poetry, fiction, and nonfiction that explores the theme of SILENCE—as absence and presence, as burden and refuge, as the space where truth waits to be heard. Writers are invited to reclaim and reimagine silence as a form of power, protest, and transformation.
Approximately 50 contributors selected
Published and widely promoted by 1455 books
Featured in 1455 events and readings throughout the year
Submission deadline: March 1, 2026
“Silence has always held a complicated place in women’s lives,” Murphy noted. “This anthology gives that silence a voice—and honors those breaking it, as acts of resistance and empowerment.”
The 1455 books Contest
(No Theme)
$25 Submission Fee
A career-launching opportunity for writers aged 21 and older, the 1455 books Award will select one full-length manuscript—poetry, fiction, or nonfiction—for professional publication and global distribution.
Comprehensive marketing and promotional support
Author events and PR sponsored by 1455
The winning title will join the inaugural 1455 books catalog
Submission deadline: April 30, 2026
“This opportunity epitomizes what 1455 has always believed: that stories and voices matter,” said Murphy. “We’re building a home for writers who have something vital to say—and helping them share it with the world. We can’t wait to see the submissions, and hope the wider community of readers and writers helps promote and celebrate this vital endeavor.”
1455 Literary Arts is now sending out newsletters through Substack. Here you’ll find all the usual 1455 programming including Movable Type issue releases as well as new blog posts written by executive director Sean Murphy. Being a part of the 1455 community already, you are automatically subscribed for free, but if you want to support our nonprofit mission, we would greatly appreciate your support by upgrading to a paid subscription.
This is exciting! I'm curious about the 1455 Books Contest. What is the timeline to notify winners?