About Kalamalka Press

Since 1986, Kalamalka Press has published more than 40 books of poetry, fiction and literary criticism by both new and established writers. At its inception Kalamalka Press focused on Canadian writing and solicited a long list of poetic contributions through the Kalamalka New Writers Competition. Work in the Mackie Lecture and Reading series emphasized national and international Canadian writing on a diverse array of issues: war, environmentalism, poetics, and memoir. More recently, the John Lent Poetry/Prose Award has published a wide range of emerging Canadian poets, while the annual Okanagan College Three-Hour Short-Story Contest has showcased work by students from throughout the Okanagan Valley.

In 2012, Kalamalka Press shifted its focus to publishing shorter, fine-press books, with content solicited through poetry and prose contests, writer residencies, and selected submissions. Kalamalka Press has also incorporated an educational emphasis on the crafts of typesetting, letterpress printing, and bookbinding, and works in partnership with Okanagan College's Writing and Publishing Diploma Program.

In addition to its publishing activities, Kalamalka Press also hosts an annual Writer in Residence at the historic Caetani Cultural Centre, where they have the opportunity to concentrate on various writing projects. This Writer in Residence partnership also includes readings and lectures for students and the community.