Blair is reviving the iconic annual story anthology, New Stories from the South, with publication of the initial volume in Fall 2026. This anthology will collect outstanding short stories written by Southern writers or about the Southern U.S.

“We are thrilled to bring back this annual compendium of great Southern stories,” said Blair Publisher Lynn York. “We’ve all missed the volumes published for many years by Algonquin, and we think Blair is the perfect home for their revival.”

Algonquin Books (part of Hachette Book Group) published New Stories from the South from 1986 through 2010. Shannon Ravenel launched the series and edited the volumes through 2006.

“I am delighted to welcome back this series that embraces the South’s diversity,” said Ravenel.

Robin Miura, Blair’s Editorial Director, will edit the series. “I’m honored and excited to edit a series that I spent so many years reading and admiring. The chance to revive it feels like a full-circle moment for my editorial career.”

Appalachian writer Silas House, New York Times bestselling author of seven novels, and the poetry collection All These Ghosts (Blair, 2025) will write the foreword for the Best of 2026 volume.

The selection of the stories will begin with publications nominating qualifying stories to Blair, a process akin to the Pushcart Prize nominations. The Best of 2026 volume will include stories published in the 2025 calendar year.