Dear Friends of BlazeVOX,

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary year, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary journey BlazeVOX [books] has taken—from a small, hopeful independent press with a wild idea of giving voice to innovative poetry and writing, to a thriving literary home that has published hundreds of books from emerging, established, and fearless writers from around the world.

A quarter-century is a rare milestone in the small-press world. Many independent publishers never reach it, and those that do often face tremendous challenges along the way. BlazeVOX has endured because of the devotion of our writers, readers, artists, and supporters—people like you, who understand the vital importance of keeping experimental, boundary-pushing literature alive and accessible.

Over 25 years, we have remained committed to a simple but powerful mission:
to create a space where remarkable voices can thrive, where risk-taking writing has a home, and where the poetry and prose that might otherwise go unseen can find its readership.

We have never wavered from that purpose.
And yet, the reality of running an independent press has grown more difficult each year. Costs continue to rise—printing, shipping, production tools, digital hosting, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows our authors’ books to come into the world with care and beauty.

As we head into our next quarter-century, your support is more important than ever.

A donation of any size—small or large—directly fuels our ability to:
• continue publishing bold, innovative writing
• keep book prices affordable for readers
• support emerging and marginalized voices
• maintain our website and digital archives
• design, format, and print high-quality books
• host readings, community events, and celebrations of poetry

Your generosity helps BlazeVOX remain a beacon for writers who dare to explore, question, and reinvent literature. In a world where the arts are increasingly underfunded, your contribution becomes part of the legacy of ensuring that experimental writing continues to flourish.

This year’s 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Gypsy Parlor reminded me again of how strong and vibrant our community is. Seeing so many writers come together—sharing poems, laughing, reflecting, honoring the work we’ve built—affirmed that BlazeVOX is not just a press. It is a living, breathing network of creativity, friendship, and shared possibility.

If BlazeVOX has touched your life, if you believe in the necessity of independent publishing, if you want to help us continue this work for the next 25 years, I kindly ask you to consider making a donation.

Every gift matters.
Every contribution keeps our mission moving forward.
And every bit of support helps us continue building a home for those voices that make literature a richer, more daring world.

From my desk—and my heart—thank you for being part of the BlazeVOX family.
Here’s to the next chapter.

With gratitude and hope,
Geoffrey Gatza
Editor & Publisher
BlazeVOX [books]