Publishing with an edge
Black Eyes Publishing UK
We are an independent publisher, based in Gloucester, UK.
‘Quality Not Quantity’
We publish a small number of quality, exciting, and at times, alternative literature in various genres.
Published 2nd June 2026
A kind of alchemy
Josephine Lay’s poems speak of the darkness in the world today, of personal loss and the ghosts within abandoned homes. She has moved many times in her life and constant upheaval has led to an altered perception of place, of what it means to belong. She finds a cure through her lifelong love of trees. She seeks out the glints of gold in the fabric of life. Her poems are a balm for the tired mind, an antidote to despair.
For Lay, nature is the alchemist.
'A kind of alchemy' Poetry Collection Launch
Friday 12th June, 2026
Friends Meeting House
Warwick Place, Cheltenham GL52 2NP.
Doors open 6.45pm for a prompt start at 7.00pm.
Black Eyes would like to invite you to the launch of Josephine Lay’s new poetry collection, ‘A kind of alchemy’ at the Friends Meeting House, Cheltenham, on Friday 12th June, doors open 6.45pm for a prompt start at 7.00pm.
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As well as Josephine, there will be readings from Anna Saunders, Zoe Brooks, Belinda Rimmer & Carol Sheppard.
Signed copies of ‘A kind of alchemy’ available to purchase at a special launch price, on the night. There will also be a limited ‘open-mic’ (sign up on the night).
Please take a look at each of our Authors’ pages for details of their publications and artworks.
Each publication is available to buy in Paperback format from Amazon or by order from your local bookshop.
We are in the process of adding direct purchase links for buyers to order directly from Ingram Spark – for those wishing to avoid Amazon.
If you like any of the artworks displayed and would be interested in buying a fine art print or commissioning one of our artists, please get in touch.
New publications are being added regularly. You can keep up to date with new titles by following our Facebook account.
Black Eyes are
Peter Lay – Publisher
All the technical stuff involved in the production and publishing of ‘Black Eyes’ books, templates, layout, contracts, pricing, royalties, marketing, etc. It is Peter’s job to ensure that all ‘Black Eyes’ books are available via all Amazon platforms, Worldwide, as well as to order from bookshops and other booksellers, Worldwide, via the major wholesalers.
Josephine Lay – Creative Writing Adviser & Editor
Josephine, as the Creative Writing Adviser for ‘Black Eyes’ has a major say in who we publish. We look for excellence, creativity and emerging talent. As Editor for ‘Black Eyes’, Josephine works with the author to maintain their voice throughout the editing process. ‘Black Eyes’ is very much a team, and Josephine has her say, as we all do, on most aspects of the production and publishing process.
Jason Conway – Cover Designer
Jason of thedaydreamacademy.com is our go-to person for cover design and cover completion. Every cover design at ‘Black Eyes’ is a four-way dialogue between the Author, Josephine, Peter and Jason. Usually, one of us has an initial idea, and then there is always an element of to and fro with the design, or even a rethink, until we are all happy with the concept. Then it’s up to Jason to bring that concept to life as a ‘Black Eyes’ cover.