These independent publishers accept un-agented, unsolicited literary and narrative
CNF, essay collections and/or memoir.
You can use my CONTACT page if you have questions or want to send info about a publisher not on this list.
List does not include self-publishing, publish-on-demand, or hybrid outlets.
CNF, essay collections and/or memoir.
You can use my CONTACT page if you have questions or want to send info about a publisher not on this list.
List does not include self-publishing, publish-on-demand, or hybrid outlets.
ALAN SQUIRE PUBLISHING: "Alan Squire Publishing is an independent literary press founded in 2010 to publish books of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that are beautifully written and beautifully made, with the avid reader and book-lover in mind. We are committed to bringing to the public books of great merit that deserve a wide readership, and to forging a new model of collaboration with other independent presses here and abroad." Not sure when open submission periods are; check HERE.
ALTERNATING CURRENT PRESS: "Alternating Current is a boutique independent press dedicated to publishing and promoting incredible literature that challenges readers and has an innate sense of self, timelessness, and atmosphere. We love science, history, homebound roots, rural landscapes, poetic literary fiction, diverse voices, and all that is electric in the literary world." Seem to accept ms submissions year-round, guidelines HERE.
ALTERNATIVE BOOK PRESS: "Alternative Book Press is a publishing company established in October 2012 by Columbia University and Cornell University graduates with the following aims in view: To identify and publish genuine and pathbreaking works that stand out on the book shelf. Works that reflects new voices from various points of view. Works that will be seen 50 or 100 years from as being of lasting importance." Seem to accept proposals year-round. See nonfiction proposal form HERE.
AM Ink: "Since 2010 Ink has been publishing quality fiction and non-fiction books through our three imprints." They have different submission periods depending on genre, scroll down to read guidelines HERE.
ANOMALOUS PRESS: "Anomaly is committed to actively seeking out and promoting the work of marginalized and underrepresented artists, including especially people of color, women, queer, disabled, neurodivergent, and gender nonconforming artists. We provide a platform for works of art that challenge conventions of form and format, of voice and genre." Irregular open submission periods for ms's and chapbooks, check HERE.
APOLLO PUBLISHERS: "Apollo Publishers is a high-concept, boutique publishing house designed with the interests of today’s readers in mind. Our vibrant, one-of-a-kind books are from authors with expertise and compelling new ideas." They publish nonfiction only. Seem to accept proposals year-round; HERE.
APRIL GLOAMING PUBLISHING: "April Gloaming Publishing is a nonprofit independent press based in Nashville, TN that aims to capture and better understand the Southern soul, Southern writing, and the Southern holler." Seem to accept memoir submissions year-round; HERE.
ARTE PUBLICO PRESS: "From its beginnings on the artistic fringe during the Hispanic Civil Rights Movement to its current status as the oldest and most accomplished publisher of contemporary and recovered literature by US Hispanic authors, Arte Público Press and its imprint, Piñata Books, have become a showcase for Hispanic literary creativity, arts and culture." Accepting submissions year-round; HERE.
ARTEIDOLIA PRESS: "Arteidolia Press is an artist-run press based out of Ridgewood, Queens that publishes poetry in all forms, prose fiction, creative nonfiction and anything in between. We’re always looking for authors who re-approach, re-consider and re-think the gamut of possibilities. Work should be diverse and inventive. Adventuresome and experimental. Arteidolia Press is open to all voices and conversations." Accepts manuscripts year-round; guidelines HERE.
ASHLAND CREEK PRESS: "Ashland Creek Press is a vegan-owned boutique publisher dedicated to publishing books with a world view. We're passionate about the environment, animal protection, ecology, and wildlife, and our goal is to publish books that combine these themes with compelling stories." Contest, Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature, irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
ASSURE PRESS: "Assure Press connects authors and artists with the world through inspirational and enlightening poetry, non-fiction, motivational, and educational literature mostly, but not only, in the English language." Year-round ms submissions accepted HERE.
AUGURY BOOKS: "Augury Books is an independent press based in Brooklyn, New York. Committed to publishing innovative work from emerging and established writers, Augury Books seeks to reaffirm the diversity of the reading public." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
AUNT LUTE BOOKS: "Aunt Lute Books is an intersectional, feminist press dedicated to publishing literature by those who have been traditionally underrepresented in or excluded by the literary canon. Core to Aunt Lute’s mission is the belief that the written word is critical to understanding and relating to each other as humans.Through the sharing of stories, we strengthen ties across cultures and experiences, and at the same time honor the hurt, loss, and harm incurred through structural power imbalances, prejudiced and gendered systems, and ancestral trauma. We uplift these voices in order to build a more just future." See guidelines HERE.
AUTHOR'S PUBLISH website: HERE IS A LINK to their 2023 article, "23 Memoir Publishers Open to Direct Submissions."
AUTOFOCUS BOOKS: "Autofocus is a literary publisher of artful autobiographical writing. We began as an online journal and podcast in fall 2020. Now we’re introducing Autofocus Books." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
AWST PRESS: "We publish authors whose work fits our aesthetic and fulfills our vision of inclusivity and community. We endeavor to support authors through each project and beyond by increasing their respective audiences, playing an active role in the editorial and publishing process, promoting their activities well past their publication with Awst via the website and social media, and seeking ways to compensate them for their efforts by offering generous royalties and identifying grants for which they might be eligible." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
ATELIER26 BOOKS: "Atelier26 is an independent publisher in Portland, Oregon that exists to demonstrate the powers and possibilities of literature through beautifully designed and expressive books that get people listening, talking, and exchanging ideas. We believe that reading is far more than just another form of consumerism, that books are not static objects but living, thriving conveyances of human expression, thought, and emotion." Irregular open submission periods; as of 12/23, there has been nothing new on the site since 2021; check HERE.
AUTUMN HOUSE PRESS: "The press will concentrate on publishing the work of excellent contemporary writers who have a following among readers, but whose work has been overlooked by commercial publishers." In 2025, submit to nonfiction contest Jan. 15 - June 15, check HERE.
BAOBAB PRESS: "Baobab Press seeks books that communicate and support their themes through new and well-articulated means. We like risk. We like invention. More importantly, we look for a quality of thought that adds depth to a writer’s concerns. And although it is not an official requirement, we tend to select literary work with a strong sense of place at its core." Guidelines and to submit, HERE.
BARD BOOKS: Mission is "To find voices that summon a hearing, from wherever they come. To publish books that are urgent. To offer possibility to those who come, free of industry clutter and big iron gates." Two submission periods per year: February 1-May 31, and September 1-December 31. Guidelines HERE.
BELLEVUE LITERARY PRESS: "Bellevue Literary Press is devoted to publishing literary fiction and nonfiction at the intersection of the arts and sciences because we believe that science and the humanities are natural companions for understanding the human experience." Unknown open periods, check HERE (scroll down).
BELT PUBLISHING: "Belt Publishing is a worker-owned, independent press founded in 2013 in Cleveland as a platform for new and influential voices. Our rapidly growing list includes original titles by some of the nation's best writers about often overlooked subjects of interest, with a particular focus on urbanism, history, and narratives that upend expectations about the Rust Belt, the Midwest, and its writers. We accept proposals for nonfiction only. Send queries pasted in the body of an email to [email protected]. If we are interested, we will request a full proposal."
BKMK PRESS: Change of ownership during 2021. As of 12/16/24, no updates or open submission periods since 2021; check HERE.
BLACKWATER PRESS: "We seek fiction, non-fiction, essay, short story collection, novella and memoir manuscripts that are unique, compelling, and well-written. Both agented and non-agented manuscripts receive full consideration." Year-round submission window; guidelines HERE.
BLF PRESS: "BLF Press is an independent Black feminist press dedicated to amplifying the work of Black women and women of color. We strive to create a space for forward thinking, creative women of exceptional talent. We embrace difference, and envision BLF Press as an outlet for the expression of various types of writing that exemplify the experiences of Black women and women of color in the United States." Only accepts unsolicited ms's during specific submission periods, check HERE.
BLUE CACTUS PRESS: "Blue Cactus Press is a hybrid publisher making books by Queer and BIPOC authors, with exceptions. We also help writers self-publish meaningful, high-quality books. We are particularly interested in making books about the shared human experience, especially issues surrounding mental health, caregiving, and equity." Guidelines HERE.
BLUE CEDAR PRESS: " We are an independent small press publishing high quality fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from courageous voices speaking from the depths of human imagination and experience. We are well aware of the cynicism and bravado coming from many corners of our political, social and academic communities. Our pledge is to bring you honest spokespersons, from around the world, to present unique and critical voices to counter mean rhetoric with the music of literary art." Taking submissions now (early 2024): guidelines HERE.
BOOKS BY HIPPOCAMPUS: "Hippocampus Magazine’s mission is to 'entertain, educate, and engage readers and writers of creative nonfiction.' Our books division is an extension of that goal. We officially launched our press in the summer of 2016. And, like our online literary journal, Books by Hippocampus focuses exclusively on creative nonfiction." Submit query or proposal HERE.
BRADDOCK AVENUE BOOKS: "Braddock Avenue Books is an independent literary publisher looking for works that speak to the difficulties and rewards of being human. We prefer fiction in a realistic mode and favor serious long-form essays that engage with contemporary circumstances in a style aimed at an educated, but not necessarily academic, audience." Submissions open year-round; guidelines HERE.
CATALYST PRESS: "Catalyst Press is currently only interested in manuscripts authored by African writers or set authentically and realistically in an African location or among the African Diaspora anywhere in the world. We publish crime/mystery, thrillers, literary fiction, non-fiction, memoir, children’s and young adult novels." Submissions open irregularly; check HERE.
CATAPULT BOOKS (Usually agented only, though may have open periods): "Catapult is an innovative publisher that celebrates extraordinary storytelling. We promote American and international fiction and narrative nonfiction that is insightful, stirring, and surprising by way of unique voices—whether emerging or established—that honor the craft of writing. Since our launch in Fall 2015, Catapult’s books and our authors have won numerous major literary awards." Check for possible open submission periods HERE.
CAVENKERRY PRESS: "As a not-for-profit literary press serving art and community, Cavankerry is committed to expanding the reach of poetry and other fine literature to a general readership by publishing works that explore the emotional and psychological landscapes of everyday life, and to bring that art to the underserved where they live, work and receive services." Accepts submissions for poetry collections, nonfiction essay collections, and memoir. Submissions HERE.
CHICAGO REVIEW PRESS: "An independent publisher founded in 1973, Chicago Review Press publishes titles of lasting interest and groundbreaking works that reach beyond the trends." Nonfiction only; email a brief query to one of the acquiring editors.
CITY LIGHTS PUBLISHERS: "Founded in 1955, with nearly 300 books in print, City Lights publishes cutting-edge fiction, poetry, memoirs, literary translations and books on vital social and political issues." March 2022: City Lights is no longer accepting unsolicited manuscripts. This policy is in place indefinitely. You can check HERE to find out if it has changed, scroll down to Manuscript Submissions.
CLASH BOOKS: "CLASH BOOKS IS WHERE HIGH AND LOW ART MEET TO MAKE SOMETHING FRESH, NEW, AND EXCITING. WE PUBLISH LITERARY FICTION, NON-FICTION, POETRY, HORROR, SCI-FI & GENRE-FREE FICTION." Submission guidelines HERE.
COFFEE HOUSE PRESS: "Coffee House Press creates new spaces for audiences and artists to interact, inspiring readers and enriching communities by expanding the definition of what literature is, what it can do, and who it belongs to." Irregular open submission period annually; as of 6/1/2024, their Submissions page is not live. Check HERE.
CONDUIT BOOKS: Minds on Fire Open Book Prize, prose contest begins Aug. 1; very small publisher.
CRUX, THE GEORGIA SERIES IN LITERARY NONFICTION: "Named for intersections, and for the heart of the matter, Crux publishes literary nonfiction by diverse writers working in a variety of modes, including personal and lyric essay, memoir, cultural meditation, and literary journalism." Submit proposal HERE.
DEEP VELLUM: Accept unagented/unsolicited submissions year-round; they request a link (i.e., to DropBox) to ms placed in their website's submission form, HERE. Also publish chapbooks.
DISORDER PRESS: Only publish one or two books per year, looking for quirky and odd.
DONALD JORDAN LITERARY PRIZE (Columbus State University): Submission form on website. Competing against all genres. $25 fee, HERE.
DZANC BOOKS: "This year, we will be running our periodic Nonfiction Prize, seeking innovative and inspiring book-length work of nonfiction, including but not limited to memoir, essays, polemical writing, historical writing, and biography. The Nonfiction Prize offers a $1,500 advance and publication." They used to take nonfiction submissions March 1 - September 30, HERE, but as of 6/1/2024, they list no nonfiction prize.
EASTOVER PRESS: "EastOver Press specializes in publishing collections of short stories, essays, and poetry in a format that honors both the writing and the writer." New publisher (12/2020) of monthly online journal, Cutleaf. Nonfiction prize (prefer essays, will consider memoir, etc) guidelines and submission HERE.
ESSAY PRESS: "Essay Press is dedicated to publishing artful, innovative and culturally relevant prose: prose that has something to say, essays that both demand and deserve to stand alone. We particularly welcome work that extends or challenges the formal protocols of nonfiction, including, but not limited to: lyric essays and prose poems or poetics; experimental biography and autobiography; innovative approaches to journalism, experimental historiography, criticism, scholarship, and philosophy." Has three annual book contests, one of which is for essay collections, will also take submissions falling outside of contest parameters, HERE.
ESSAY PRESS / MFA BOOK CONTEST (with University of Washington, Bothell): "The EP/UWB MFA Book Contest publishes manuscripts that extend or challenge the formal possibilities of prose, including but not limited to: lyric essays and prose poems or poetics; experimental biography and autobiography; innovative approaches to journalism, interdisciplinary historiography, criticism, scholarship and philosophy. Simultaneous submissions, multiple submissions, collaborative manuscripts, digital and hybridized text/art manuscripts are all welcome." Annually, mid-October through late November: HERE.
ETRUSCAN PRESS: "Etruscan is a nonprofit literary press working to produce and promote books that nurture the dialogue among genres, cultures, and voices. We publish books of poems, novels, short stories, creative nonfiction, criticism, translation, and anthologies." Doesn't advertise for ms submissions; accepts unagented and unsolicited submissions. Creative nonfiction accepted. Guidelines HERE.
EVERYTIME PRESS: "Established in 2016, Everytime Press publishes memoir, travel, other non-fiction, teaching resources and learning texts." Submission guidelines HERE.
THE FEMINIST PRESS: "The Feminist Press publishes books that ignite movements and social transformation. Celebrating our legacy, we lift up insurgent and marginalized voices from around the world to build a more just future." They accept submissions in the winter and the summer, see their guidelines HERE.
FERAL HOUSE: "We feel that stories about and written by members of marginalized communities are interesting and essential to ALL readers." Publishes CNF only. Year-round submissions accepted; guidelines HERE, scroll half-way down page.
FJORD'S REVIEW: "We will begin publishing chapbooks this year in 2021 and have selected 4 titles, while continuing to read submissions to publish many more chapbooks this year." Check HERE.
FULCROM PUBLISHING: "Fulcrum publishes nonfiction works that explore conservation and stewardship, American culture, civics, and the American West. We accept manuscripts for consideration each June." Guidelines for June submissions HERE.
FUTURE TENSE BOOKS: "We take pride in publishing new and groundbreaking writers and books that take chances and go places where you might not expect. We’re committed to showcasing writers who are not just important and innovative, but also accessible and fun." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE, scroll down.
GAME OVER BOOKS: "Founded in 2017, Game Over Books is a small Boston-based press run by nerdy artists. Our mission? Print unique books from diverse voices that push creative writing forward into the Next Level. From acceptance to publication, we give continual guidance to emerging writers as they continue to gain experience points, grow their craft, and navigate the world of publishing. You may submit poetry and/or prose (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, hybrid, etc.) from any genre. Chapbooks are welcomed, but, ultimately, Game Over Books is looking for manuscripts over 32 pages with no page limit." Guidelines HERE.
GIVAL PRESS: "Gival Press, LLC, an award-winning independent literary publishing house located in Arlington, Virginia, publishes fiction, non-fiction (essays / educational texts), and poetry." Supposed to have open submissions from May 15-Aug 15, check HERE.
GRAYWOLF PRESS: "Graywolf Press is a nonprofit publisher of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and genre-defying literature whose aim is to foster new thinking about what it means to live in the world today." Does not take unagented submissions, but holds a bi-annual nonfiction contest, next submission period in 2024, HERE.
GREEN WRITERS PRESS: "Green Writers Press, an independent, Vermont-based publishing company, is dedicated to spreading environmental awareness and social justice by publishing authors who promulgate messages of hope and renewal through place-based writing and environmental activism." In nonfiction, they're looking for environmental essays. 2021 open period is closed. Submission guidelines and info HERE.
HALF MYSTIC PRESS: "Half Mystic, established in 2015, is an independent, internationally-acclaimed publishing house, literary journal, and arts organisation dedicated to the celebration of music in all its forms. Half Mystic Press publishes poetry, essay, and short story collections; drama; memoirs; novellas; full-length novels; and experimental work. We do not publish books of genre, lyrics without music, or critical work.Please note that, unlike in our journal, we do publish books that are not overtly music-themed. When we ask for music, we mean rhythm, we mean story, we mean luminescence and chaos, pulsing loneliness, ordinary madness, thunder on loop, violent quietude, shivering wonder." Year-round submissions accepted; they also accept CNF chapbooks. Guidelines HERE.
HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS: "Harvard University Press publishes thoughtful books for both scholars and educated general readers in history, philosophy, literature, classics, religion, law, economics, public policy, physical and life sciences, technology, history of science, behavioral sciences, and education, along with reference works in a wide range of fields." Accept emailed proposals - guidelines HERE.
HAYMARKET BOOKS: "We are interested in manuscripts that are accessible to a wide range of progressive and radical political activists, while also being useful to an academic audience. Please note that we are not accepting submissions for the following genres at this time: fiction, poetry, memoirs, cookbooks, self-help, or dissertations." Will accept proposals year-round.
HIDDEN RIVER ARTS PRESS, TAMAQUA ESSAY COLLECTION AWARD: "The Tamaqua Award for a collection of essays is looking for a collection that mines deep in its search for the truth of the human experience, essays that go beyond safe boundaries to discover deep realities." Guidelines HERE.
HIDDEN RIVER ARTS PRESS, PANTHER CREEK NONFICTION AWARD: A prize of $1,000 and publication in the forthcoming Hidden River Review of Arts & Letters will be given annually to the winners in each category of our Hidden River Review Trilogy Award: poetry, non-fiction and very short fiction. Deadline is April 15, 2021, HERE.
HIDDEN TIMBER BOOKS: "We are looking for literary fiction or narrative nonfiction in the form of a novel, a memoir, or a collection (short stories, essays, or hybrid). We are a small press with a very small crew, so we love finished manuscripts that have been well-worked and revised. We find that the best manuscripts come from writers who have spent time in community with other writers in group critique or with outside editors." Submission guidelines HERE.
HOMEBOUND PUBLICATIONS: "We are an award-winning independent publisher founded in 2011 striving to ensure that the mainstream is not the only stream. More than a company, we are a community of writers and readers exploring the larger questions we face as a global village. It is our intention to preserve contemplative storytelling. We publish full-length introspective works of creative non-fiction, literary fiction, and poetry." Accept proposals year-round, HERE.
HOWLING BIRD PRESS: "Howling Bird Press is the publishing house of Augsburg MFA in Creative Writing. We offer an annual book contest in alternating genres: poetry, fiction and nonfiction." Nonfiction contest will be in 2022, then again in 2025; check for submission period April - July HERE.
HUB CITY PRESS: "Hub City Press is a small press, publishing six to eight titles per year including books of literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, regional nonfiction, nature, and art. Focused on finding and spotlighting extraordinary new and unsung writers from the American South, our curated list champions authors who represent the many people of this region and books that don’t fit neatly into the commercial or academic publishing landscape. ... [P]ublishes books of literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, regional nonfiction, nature, and art. We are seeking new and extraordinary voices from the American South. Well-crafted, high-quality works by new and established authors." Several book prizes annually as well as some open submission seasons, HERE. Submit HERE.
IG PUBLISHING: "Founded in 2002, Ig Publishing is a New York-based award-winning independent press dedicated to publishing original literary fiction and political and cultural nonfiction. Our political nonfiction deals with many of the social and moral issues of the day." Unsolicited queries accepted by email, see info HERE (scroll down).
ILLUMINATED PRESS: "Illuminated Press is an independent publisher that crafts books to provide readers with new information, give voice to a wide range of perspectives, and explore the complexities of our social/political/economic fabric. To bring light amid darkness and uncertainty. Our books feature new and emerging writers and artists in poetry, fiction, non-fiction and text-image. Books are bound by hand with sustainable materials including handmade papers from rags and scrap fabric." Submissions by Google Doc form; looks like chapbooks would fit best, HERE.
THE IOWA PRIZE FOR LITERARY NONFICTION (Univ of Iowa Press): "The Iowa Prize for Literary Nonfiction, open to both new and established writers, is awarded for a book-length manuscript of literary nonfiction originally written in English." Submissions open annually from July 15 - August 30, HERE.
IRON OAK EDITIONS: "Our mission is to perpetuate the work of artists both well known and yet-to-be-known, simultaneously enriching our world through the written word. We strive to reflect diversity in style, content and perspective throughout poetry and prose." Interested in "memoir and personal essay collections that blend style with substance and reach beyond the personal to tell us something new about the world." No deadlines noted. Guidelines HERE.
JACKLEG PRESS: "JackLeg is a literary press dedicated to the writers we serve and the readers we cherish. We publish all forms of literature, including poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, and plays. We use an economically and environmentally sustainable publishing model and a rigorous editorial process to bring the best new and familiar voices into the literary world." Info about unagented, unsolicited submissions HERE.
JADED IBIS PRESS: "We are a feminist press committed to publishing socially engaged literature with an emphasis on the voices of people of color, people with disabilities, and other historically silenced and culturally marginalized voices. We are looking for writing with no holds barred: visceral, subtle, loud, honest, confounding prose that tackles a personal or universal truth and that makes us see the world around us more clearly or from a different perspective. Whether the manuscript deals with themes related to social justice, persecution, feminism, or reveals something about what it’s like to struggle through this world, with all the related losses and triumphs and unanswered questions that entails, we want to read it! Our past publications explore these themes with an additional focus on intersectionality." Accepts unsolicited ms's HERE.
THE JOURNAL NON/FICTION COLLECTION PRIZE: "The Journal will select one full-length manuscript of short prose for publication by The Ohio State University Press. In addition to publication under a standard book contract, the winning author receives a cash prize of $1,500." Seems a long-shot for memoir or essay collection. Submit HERE.
k+p press: "k+p press publishes books that challenge the way readers think about our changing world. k+p press was founded in 2020 by Beth Kantrowitz and Roberta Paul, childhood friends and longtime artistic collaborators, who were inspired to launch a new creative venture together. As a curator and an artist, Beth and Roberta have joined forces on many visual art projects, presenting work that is both beautiful and thought-provoking—work that speaks to them and work that they believe in. They are excited to add this literary venture to their repertoire." Guidelines HERE.
KATTYWOMPUS PRESS: "Kattywompus Press is an independent literary small press founded in Cleveland in 2010, migrating in 2014 to Boston. We publish poetry, fiction, nonfiction, unclassifiable. If it doesn’t fit the usual categories we get excited. We are slightly obsessed with finding the container that best suits the content: chapbook, full length book, hand-stitched, perfect bound, unique artist’s books, e-books, literary music projects." Irregular open submissions; also accept chapbooks. Guidelines HERE.
KAYA PRESS: "Kaya Press is a group of dedicate writers, artists, readers, and lovers of books working together to publish the most challenging, thoughtful and provocative literature being produced throughout the Asian and Pacific Island diasporas." Year-round open submissions; see guidelines HERE.
KENSINGTON BOOKS PRESS: "Kensington publishes over 500 fiction and nonfiction books per year." Of their several imprints -- Kensington Books, Zebra, Pinnacle, Citadel Press, and Lyrical Press -- Citadel is primarily nonfiction, and Kensington and Pinnacle also publish nonfiction. Submit query to an editor. Guidelines HERE.
LANTERNFISH PRESS: "Lanternfish Press, founded in Philadelphia in 2013, publishes literature of the rare and strange: fiction that crosses the boundary between literary and speculative; real or imagined tales of characters at the margins of history; essays rooted in a strong sense of place; a cabinet of curious Victorian reprints. We seek the grotesque, the alien made familiar, the “I don’t know what this is—but I love it.” Guidelines HERE.
LATAH BOOKS: "Latah Books is likeliest to accept full-length books with driving narrative force: literary and upmarket novels, as well as memoirs, travelogues, and other narrative nonfiction works in the realms of history, science, conservation, social justice, journalism and outdoor adventure. We are particularly interested in books concerning the American West, especially the Intermountain West. While we are open to publishing nearly any talented author, we especially enjoy supporting the careers of writers typically underrepresented and overlooked in today’s literary ecosystem: authors from rural and small-town America and authors from working-class and blue collar backgrounds." Check for open submissions HERE.
LITMUS PRESS: "Litmus Press is a program of Ether Sea Projects, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit literature and arts organization. We are dedicated to publishing innovative, cross-genre, and interdisciplinary work by poets, writers, translators, and artists. We strive to support both established and emerging writers who do not benefit from existing structures of privilege and whose work defies, resists, and refuses dominant and oppressive socio-cultural narratives." For open submission periods and guidelines, check HERE.
LSU PRESS: "LSU Press is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic publishers in the South. In addition to scholarly monographs, we also publish general interest books about Louisiana and the South." Accept proposals year-round, guidelines HERE.
MACHETE (Ohio State Univ Press): "This series showcases fresh stories, innovative forms, and books that break new aesthetic ground in nonfiction—memoir, personal and lyric essay, literary journalism, cultural meditations, short shorts, hybrid essays, graphic pieces, and more—from authors whose writing has historically been marginalized, ignored, and passed over." Edited by Joy Castro. Submission instructions HERE (scroll down).
MAD CREEK BOOKS (Ohio State Univ Press): "This series from Mad Creek Books is a vehicle to discover, publish, and promote some of the most daring, ingenious, and artistic nonfiction. This is the first and only major series that announces its focus on the essay." Three annual book competitions. Non/Fiction (check HERE). The Gournay Prize (nonfiction), and 21st Century Essay Series. Current deadlines in March and April, check HERE.
MANGO PUBLISHING GROUP: "We publish high-quality non-fiction books from fresh and distinct voices, in the hope of sparking new ideas with readers. We take pride in our forward-thinking ambition, our diversity as a team, and our strong emphasis on technology and innovation. Our goal is to be at the forefront of publishing and connect with readers around the world." Accepts proposals year-round HERE.
MASTODON PUBLISHING: "Mastodon is dedicated to making thoughts real, whether that means bringing a unique and important story to readers, or encouraging them to fight against injustices, conspiracies, or abuses of power. We publish a full spectrum of literary, commercial upmarket, cultural, craft, and many different viewpoints. We want to continue bring as diverse catalog to life, through print and digital, from short books to large books." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE (no updates since 20210)
MCPHERSON AND COMPANY: "The press specializes in four areas: contemporary fiction (mostly American authors), great “lost” literary works from the Twentieth Century (our Recovered Classics series), non-fiction books dealing with contemporary art, film, aesthetics, and related cultural issues (often presented under the Documentext imprint), and, finally, translations of distinguished works by authors of Italian, Spanish, French, and German fiction and non-fiction." Submissions open July 2025, check HERE.
McSWEENEY'S: "McSweeney’s exists to champion ambitious and inspired new writing, and to challenge conventional expectations about where it’s found, how it looks, and who participates." Irregular open submission periods; check HERE; completed ms only.
MILKWEED EDITIONS: "We take risks on debut and experimental writers, we invest significant time and care in the editorial process, and we enable dynamic engagement between authors and readers." Irregular open submission periods; check HERE.
MINERVA RISING PRESS: "We are committed to the power of women’s voices and we want to make those voices heard." Memoir contest; check HERE.
MONKFISH PUBLISHING: "Monkfish is an independent press publishing spiritual and literary books from a diverse range of perspectives. Monkfish publishes fiction and nonfiction books related to the subjects of spirituality and religion. Genres include memoirs, wisdom literature, fiction, and scholarly works of thought." Year-long open submissions, send an email query first. Guidelines HERE.
NEW DIRECTIONS PRESS: There's no ABOUT page on the site. Only accept brief queries, HERE (scroll down).
THE NEW PRESS: "The New Press amplifies progressive voices for a more inclusive, just, and equitable world." Can send proposal any time, though they're clear they rarely accept unsolicited proposals, see guidelines HERE.
NEW RIVERS PRESS: "New Rivers Press publishes the best literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry written by new and emerging authors from around Minnesota and the world." General submissions, March 1-March 31; HERE.
NEW SOUTH BOOKS: "NewSouth Books publishes quality works of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry, with a special interest in regional history, biography, autobiography, non-fiction, folklore, African American, Native American, and civil rights subjects." Submit proposal or ms HERE.
NEW VILLAGE PRESS: "The mission of New Village Press is to promote and enrich public discussion and understanding of issues vital to the development of healthy, creative, and socially just communities. To that end, New Village publishes transdisciplinary books that animate emerging movements in societal transformation." Send query, not proposal: acquisitions AT newvillagepress.net.
NIGHTBOAT BOOKS: " ... a nonprofit organization, seeks to develop audiences for writers whose work resists convention and transcends boundaries, by publishing books rich with poignancy, intelligence and risk." Open submissions in summer; HERE.
NOEMI PRESS: "Founded in 2002, Noemi Press is a 501(c)(3) literary arts organization based in Blacksburg, Virginia, dedicated to publishing and promoting the work of emerging and established authors and artists." Annual contest for (1) poetry, and (2) prose manuscripts; HERE.
NOMADIC PRESS: "Nomadic Press is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that supports the works of emerging and established writers and artists. Through publications (including translations) and performances, Nomadic Press aims to build community among artists across disciplines." Guidelines HERE.
NORTH ATLANTIC BOOKS: "Our strongest categories include bodywork and somatics; ecology and sustainability; health and healing; indigenous cultures and anthropology, psychology and personal growth; social justice and engaged activism; and spirituality and liminality." Year-round open submissions, see guidelines HERE.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PRESS: "From its inception, Northwestern University Press has been at the forefront in publishing important works of scholarship as well as quality works of fiction, drama, nonfiction, and poetry." Accepts proposals year-round, guidelines HERE.
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS: "As academic book publishers, we concentrate in literary and cultural studies of all types, (which includes narrative theory, comics, multiethnic literatures, Victorian studies, and medieval studies, among other areas), American studies, rhetoric and communication, race and ethnic studies (including Black studies and Latinx studies), and gender and sexuality studies." Proposal (which they call "book inquiry") guidelines HERE.
ONEWORLD PUBLICATIONS: "Oneworld was founded in 1986 by husband and wife team Juliet Mabey and Novin Doostdar as an independent publishing house focusing on stimulating non-fiction. Now publishing over 100 books a year, Oneworld has retained its founding commitment to the old-fashioned principles of great writing, editorial excellence, high production values, and marketing flair, to produce books that are read by the intellectually curious all over the world." Accept proposals year-round; guidelines HERE.
OPEN BOOKS PRESS: "Open Books Press is dedicated to publishing quality nonfiction for adults and fiction for all ages. While we accept queries from all genres, we publish only work we truly believe in. We welcome hearing from you at any point in your writing and publishing process. When you are ready to have your work considered, we need your finished [final-edit] manuscript and your marketing/promotion plan or proposal, including details on your current platform." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
ORISON BOOKS: "Actively pursues spiritual and religious perspectives without subscribing to a particular ideological standpoint, and that emphasizes rather than downplays the metaphysical and existential underpinnings of work that may not, on its surface, always seem 'spiritual' ... Spiritually-engaged poetry, fiction, and nonfiction of exceptional literary merit." Open submissions during October; HERE.
OUTPOST19 BOOKS: Accepts unagented and unsolicited ms.
OVERCUP PRESS: "Overcup Press is an independent book publishing company. Our press specializes in non-fiction titles on these subjects: literary nonfiction, art, travel, design, architecture, music, and epicurean titles." Interested in CNF narrative and journalism, travel, architecture and design, etc. Query letters accepted HERE.
PAGE STREET PUBLISHING: "We publish young adult (YA) fiction (for ages 12 and up), in all genres, and a variety of nonfiction books in such categories as cooking, sports, science, nature, interior design, crafts, and parenting." Submission guidelines HERE.
PALOMA PRESS: "Established in 2016, PALOMA PRESS is a San Francisco Bay Area-based independent literary press publishing poetry, prose, and limited edition books. Paloma Press believes in the power of the literary arts, how it can create empathy, bridge divides, change the world." Some open periods, accepts queries by email, HERE (scroll down),
PANK BOOKS: (There's no About page for the press, magazine says, "Founded in 2006 by M. Bartley Seigel and Roxane Gay, PANK Magazine is a literary magazine fostering access to innovative poetry and prose, publishing the brightest and most promising writers for the most adventurous readers.") Currently, ms submissions are on rolling basis, find guidelines HERE.
PASSAGER BOOKS: "Passager Books was founded in 2005 to give Passager authors the opportunity to publish their books, continuing the mission of Passager to honor the voices of older [60+] writers. We publish: two issues of Passager Journal each year; a number of books of poetry, short stories, and memoir; a biennial book prize for a new poet over 70; and the Pandemic Diaries." Will only consider publishing authors who've been published in their journal, see guidelines and info HERE.
PASSENGERS PRESS: "Passengers Press is a nonprofit publisher of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. We publish work from marginalized voices that challenges, and even offends, societal and literary norms." New publishing company is looking for its first manuscripts; HERE.
PERSEA BOOKS: "Persea has published hundreds of engaging and consequential books covering a wide range of subjects, styles, and genres, including poetry, fiction, essays, memoir, biography, and revived classics. Our list focuses on contemporary issues expressed through individual experience." Accepts queries HERE.
PLEIADES PRESS: "Pleiades Press publishes several books of poetry and prose each year through the Lena-Miles Wever Todd poetry prize, the Pleiades Press Editors Prize for Poetry, the Robert C. Jones Prize for Short Prose, and the Visual Poetry Series." See Guidelines HERE.
PROPERTIUS PRESS: WARNING - This indie publisher is accused of non-payment of royalties, poor editing, and delayed launches. "We publish high-quality literary fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and short-story anthologies. We consider submissions in all genres, including action-adventure, urban contemporary, biography, memoir, high-quality romance and women’s literature, children’s stories, young adult, satire, mystery, historical fiction, thrillers, humor, philosophy, and educational works." Actively seeking works by minority and black writers. Submit at your own risk.
A PUBLIC SPACE: "A Public Space is an independent nonprofit publisher of an eponymous award-winning literary, arts, and culture magazine, and A Public Space Books. Under the direction of founding editor Brigid Hughes since 2006, it has been our mission to seek out overlooked and unclassifiable work, and to publish writing from beyond established confines." Irregular submission periods; check HERE, (scroll down).
PUBLISHING GENIUS: "Everyone should feel welcome to submit. That said, I'm most interested in off-kilter, hard to classify books of short fiction and creative nonfiction by women, people over 55, and writers of color." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
QUERENCIA PRESS: "Querencia Press is an independent publisher, seeking to amplify overlooked voices. We want to create a safe space for writers and artists to share their stories. We are especially interested in work that may have been looked over in the past for shouting too loudly. We want you to shout. We want you to make us listen. Querencia accepts poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and hybrid work. We welcome submissions from emerging and established voices, alike." They accept work through email; guidelines HERE.
RADIX MEDIA: "Radix Media publishes new ideas and fresh perspectives, prioritizing the voices of typically marginalized communities to get to the root of the human experience. The name Radix comes from the Latin root of the word radical, meaning to get to the root. We have been dedicated to the proliferation of beautiful printed matter since 2010." Submit HERE.
REDBONE PRESS: "Redbone Press publishes work celebrating the cultures of black lesbians and gay men, and work that further promotes understanding between black gays and lesbians and the black mainstream." Year-round submissions; guidelines (scroll down) HERE.
RED HEN PRESS: "Red Hen Press is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to publishing works of literary excellence, supporting diversity, and promoting literacy in our local schools. Red Hen Press is an independent, nonprofit press that publishes about twenty books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry every year. We’re looking for novels, memoir, creative nonfiction, hybrid works, and story, essay, and poetry collections of exceptional literary merit that demonstrate a high level of mastery." Holds a bi-annual nonfiction book contest, an annual women's prose book contest, and usually has open submissions: HERE.
REGAL HOUSE PUBLISHING: "We take on a limited number of new authors per year, and are always interested in discovering new talent within the genres of literary fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, memoirs, and short story collections." Accepts queries year-round, HERE.
RESCUE PRESS: "Rescue Press is an independent publisher of chaotic and investigative work, founded in the winter of 2009. We publish work by activists, artists, craftsmen, list-makers, philosophers, poets, scientists, writers, and creative thinkers of all kinds. We're interested in collections of artwork, comics, essays, experiments, how-tos, interrogations, manifestos, notes, poetry, stories, and anything else that transforms us." Irregular open submission periods; guidelines HERE.
RIDDLEBROOK PUBLISHING: "Focusing exclusively on narrative non-fiction, Riddle Brook has one primary purpose: to publish new writers with new voices and interesting narratives. We are more than a traditional small press. Choosing only two or three manuscripts each year, we devote our time to working closely with our authors, offering editorial and marketing support. We even offer an advance." Complete the form HERE.
RIVERCLIFF BOOKS: "We are a very indie publisher, with wide open arms. A new imprint of Wetware Media, LLC, we know that this world is infinite in its variety and so is our appreciation of both the written and spoken word. We welcome submissions from all over the authorial map – fiction, nonfiction, essay – from both new and established authors." First books published in Fall 2021. Submissions are open occassionally, check HERE.
RIVERFEET PRESS: "Our books are written, edited and published by people who have a close connection to the natural world, and explore themes of adventure, healing, wildlife and the environment. Our mission is to help readers enhance their outdoor awareness, whether reading beside a campfire, at a national park, in a cabin or from their home." Seem to have some open submission periods for books ms's; guidelines and info HERE.
ROSE METAL PRESS: "Rose Metal Press is an independent, not-for-profit publisher of hybrid genres specializing in the publication of flash fiction and nonfiction; prose poetry; novels-in-verse or book-length linked poems; novellas-in-flash; lyric essays; text and image works; and other literary works that move beyond the traditional categories of poetry, fiction, and essay to find new forms of expression." Open submission period every 2-3 years, next one will be in 2023; check HERE.
RUNNING WILD PRESS: "We believe that great stories don’t fit neatly in a box. Most stories available today are simply run-of-the-mill, unoriginal, and in the end, boring, which makes you feel tired and unheard. Our stories can’t be contained, neatly categorized, or homogenized; just like you." Submit year-round, guidelines HERE.
SADDLEROAD PRESS: "We publish full-length poetry collections, poetry chapbooks, literary fiction, essays, memoir, and hybrid forms, in both print and eBook editions." They publish two or three books per year. Usually two open submission periods per year; check HERE.
SANTA FE WRITERS PROJECT: "SFWP is an independent press dedicated to the craft of writing. We publish exciting fiction and creative nonfiction of every genre, maintain an online literary journal, and run an annual internationally-recognized Awards Program." The awards program is on hiatus now, but I believe they offer open submission periods, check HERE.
SARABANDE BOOKS: "Sarabande Books is a nonprofit literary press founded in Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 1994 to champion poetry, fiction, and essay, we are committed to creating lasting editions that honor exceptional writing." Open essay reading period annually, July; HERE.
SEA CROW PRESS: "We publish creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Our books celebrate our connection to each other and to the natural world with a focus on positive change and great storytelling. We are small but mighty and we work closely with our authors." See guidelines HERE.
SENECA REVIEW BOOKS: "An imprint of Hobart and William Smith Colleges Press. It was founded in 2018 to publish the DEBORAH TALL LYRIC ESSAY BOOK PRIZE SERIES -- A biennial book series to encourage and support innovative work in the essay. Cross-genre and hybrid work, verse forms, text and image, connected or related pieces, and 'beyond category' projects."
SERVING HOUSE BOOKS: "Publishing books that incorporate traditional conventions in unique ways, that are both intimate and universal, that blend the sophisticated with the unexpected." They publish memoir and essay collections, etc. As of March 2022, not accepting submissions; check HERE.
SFK PRESS (stands for Southern Fried Karma): "We are looking for high-quality, compelling content that enriches readers’ lives in the following genres: Contemporary Fiction; Literary Fiction; Transgressive Fiction; Memoir; Non-fiction; Self-help/Game-changing Solutions/Conversation Starters." Mostly Southern writers writing about the South.
Submit query, full ms, and marketing outline HERE.
SHAFFNER PRESS: "... [T]he press has published over 50 titles of the best literary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that deal with themes of universal social concern and social change, such as health, the environment, issues of race, war, and other humanitarian issues." Query Tim Schaffner for nonfiction - tim[at]schaffnerpress.com.
SKYHORSE PUBLISHING: "The core categories of our Skyhorse imprint include outdoor sports, adventure, team sports, nature, and country living, with a strong dose of politics, public health, current events, true crime, history and military history, reference, and humor—practical, literary, and general trade." Submissions seem to be open year-round, HERE.
SLANT BOOKS: "Slant is a literary imprint of Wipf & Stock Publishers specializing in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, philosophy, and belles lettres. Slant books are marked by the kind of meticulous craft and passion for language that are harder and harder to come by in our age of instant publishing and literary gimmickry. These are books that will lodge themselves in readers’ lives." Year-round submissions accepted HERE.
SOFT SKULL PRESS: "We want our books to offer a refuge from, an alternative to, and an argument against mainstream culture and mainstream thinking. We publish every genre. We are primarily seeking and strongly encouraging submissions from BIPOC writers and underrepresented voices of any race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, class, and physical or mental ability." Irregular open submission periods; check HERE (scroll down to bottom of right column).
SOLID OBJECTS: "SOLID OBJECTS is a publisher of fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction. It was founded in 2010 and is based in New York City." Unknown open submission schedule. Check HERE.
SPLIT/LIP PRESS (website is annoyingly hard to read): "Split/Lip Press is dedicated to publishing boundary-breaking fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid books, lifting the transition boards that prevent fluidity and smashing those we cannot pry up. "
October 1 - December 1: Accepting memoir, essays, nonfiction hybrids HERE.
STALKING HORSE PRESS: "Stalking Horse Press is a independent publishing house, launched by James Reich, novelist and chair of Creative Writing and Literature at Santa Fe University of Art and Design, New Mexico. The press is committed to radical voices in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
STEEL TOE BOOKS: "Founded in 2003, Steel Toe Books has published 24 books and is excited to add prose (fiction and nonfiction) books to our diverse catalog of upcoming titles. We publish poetry and prose through our prize, and consider all books for publication." Click HERE for more information.
STILLHOUSE PRESS: "Stillhouse Press is an independent book publisher based in Northern Virginia. We publish fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from writers both emerging and established, and are especially drawn to titles that transcend genre, take risks in form and content, and push the boundaries of the narrative and the lyric." Two opportunities: 1) Disabled Writers Anthology Contest; and 2) Experimental Writing Contest -- check HERE. Also check for open submission periods.
SUNBURY PRESS: "Sunbury Press, Inc., headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is a publisher of hardcover, trade paperback, audio, and digital books featuring established and emerging authors in many fiction and nonfiction categories. We publish about 100 titles per year, a good number of them from our existing authors. Our most successful categories have been history, biography, self-help, historical fiction, horror, police procedurals, and mysteries. When we invest in a manuscript with our time and money, our goal is to produce the best quality book possible, while getting it to the market as quickly as possible. Open submissions year-round, HERE.
TCK PUBLISHING: "We publish fiction and non-fiction eBooks, print books, and audiobooks in all major genres and niches." For nonfiction submissions, they're accepting self-help and personal development; health and wellness; business; finance and investing; relationships; spirituality; advice and how-to; gardening and nature; workbooks and journals. Year-round submissions, see guidelines HERE.
TEXAS REVIEW PRESS: "Founded in 1979, Texas Review Press is committed to publishing quality poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and scholarship. TRP currently publishes sixteen titles each year. Topics we are interested in include 20th/21st Century American Poetry, Environmental Writing, Ecopoetics, Contemporary Poetics, Creative Writing Pedagogy, Southern Literature, Southern Issues, Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas/Louisiana Literature, Texas/Louisiana History, Folklore, Cajun-Creole Studies, African-American Literature, African-American Studies, Latinx Literature, Latinx Studies, & Texas/Mexico History." Only accepts non-agented/non-solicited submissions during open submission periods April 1 - May 31; guidelines HERE.
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY PUBLISHING: "Texas Tech University Press (TTU Press) has been the book publishing arm of Texas Tech University since 1971 and a member of the Association of American University Presses since 1987. ... In addition to a diverse list of nonfiction titles focused on the history and culture of Texas, the Great Plains, and the American West, the Press publishes in the areas of natural history, border studies, and peace and conflict studies. Additionally, the Press publishes select titles in literary genres ranging from biography and memoir to young adult and children’s titles." Information and submission guidelines HERE.
THE 3d THING: "Please do not submit unless you identify as a womxn, queer, nonbinary, Indigenous, or as a person of color. If you have to work hard to locate yourself in this list, we’re probably not the right press for you. We publish what we call “necessary alternatives.” When we make editorial choices, we ask ourselves: Is this work necessary? Is it alternative? Ask yourself the same questions before you submit to The 3rd Thing." Open submission period: March 1-April 1, 2021: HERE.
THIRTY WEST PUBLISHING: "Thirty West was founded as a passion project when our founder was an undergraduate at Temple University. It essentially started as a logo and a single chapbook with a very limited print-run. That was in 2015. Ever since, the hand-made aspect of the chapbook has been paramount, augmenting the reading experience with both common and unique materials. We publish primarily poetry, literary fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, and our imprint literary journals." TBA open submission period (and also a chapbook contest), check HERE.
THREE ROOMS PRESS: "Three Rooms Press serves as a leading independent publisher of diverse, cut-the-edge creative, including fiction, memoir, biography, young adult, LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction, and fiction and nonfiction by under-represented voices in the literary world." Year-round submissions, see guidelines HERE.
TINDERBOX EDITIONS: "Launched in 2015, Tinderbox seeks to commit to the career of each of its authors, and its authors seek to become involved in their communities by expanding the audience for poetry and literary prose." Open period for prose submissions is July 1 - August 31 (July 1-7 is fee-free; later is $25.00); HERE.
TOLSUN BOOKS: "We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based out of Flagstaff, Arizona. We publish daring, energetic books that use separate parts to construct a whole: poetry, short stories, comics poetry, hybrids, photo stories, flash memoir, and more. We treasure creativity, and so we may not know we love something until we see it. Art, like the jackalope, cannot be constrained by classification or form." Open submissions for essay collections March 1-May 31; check HERE.
TORREY HOUSE PRESS: "Torrey House Press publishes 8-10 books per year including literary fiction, full-length short story collections, essay collections, creative nonfiction including literary journalism, and the occasional anthology and memoir. We are interested in well-crafted work with environmental justice, natural history, or land stewardship themes, and writing that engages deeply with place. THP does not currently accept submissions for poetry or books for children." Year-round open submissions, HERE.
TOUCHPOINT PRESS: "Our staff is comprised of professionals whose collective experience in publishing, editing, journalism, design, and marketing set the stage behind our growing list of fiction and nonfiction titles." Faith-based. Year-round submissions; HERE.
TRAIL TO TABLE PRESS: "Trail to Table seeks to publish literary works that transform our thinking about how we engage with the earth and each other as thoughtful, generous stewards in our actions and interactions, whether on the trail, as consumers and makers, or around the table through genuine connection and respect for life. We wish to share lyric and narrative works that serve both to entertain and enrich others' lives through insight, compassion, and a pure and beautiful expression of experience." Open submission period every March 1 - 31; HERE.
TRANSIT BOOKS: "Transit Books publishes a carefully curated list (6-8 titles per year) of award-winning literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, essay, and prose that falls somewhere in between." Open submissions period May 1 - June 15, HERE.
TRINITY UNIVERSITY PRESS: Welcomes submissions for very specific categories, HERE. Topics Include humans and their environments, and social change, equity and inclusion. Can submit full ms or query an idea.
TURTLE POINT PRESS: "We promote the work of emerging and neglected authors alongside those who are better known. The mix creates a publishing program that is both iconoclastic and challenging, revealing lives not usually seen in books that are playful, poignant, and poetic." Irregular open submission periods; check HERE.
TUPELO PRESS: Charges $45 reading fee and only publishes 1-2 nonfiction books/year – aside from contests (all poetry) submissions all year round, HERE. Seems a long-shot. An expensive one.
TWO DOLLAR RADIO: "Two Dollar Radio is a family-run outfit founded in 2005 with the mission to reaffirm the cultural and artistic spirit of the publishing industry. We aim to do this by presenting bold works of literary merit, each book, individually and collectively, providing a sonic progression that we believe to be too loud to ignore." Annual contest, Sator New Works Award, for author identifying as trans or non-binary, check HERE. General submissions, check HERE.
UGLY DUCKLING PRESS: "Ugly Duckling Presse is a nonprofit publisher for poetry, translation, experimental nonfiction, performance texts, and books by artists. Through the efforts of a volunteer editorial collective, UDP was transformed from a 1990s zine into a mission-driven small press that has published more than 300 titles to date, and produced countless prints and ephemera." Last open submission period was summer 2020; also accept chapbooks; check HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA PRESS: "The University of Georgia Press publishes scholarly and general-interest books in the following areas." List of what they publish and query instructions HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF HELL PRESS: "We are a deliberately genre-less press because we like to be surprised by what crosses our desks, we have published books that might not have otherwise seen the light of day if we had been a genre-specific press. We have published a number of poetry and prose collections, memoirs, fiction, and creative nonfiction." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
UNIV OF IOWA PRESS: Check HERE for what they're looking for. Guidelines for proposals HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS PRESS: "Founded in 1963, the University of Massachusetts Press publishes scholarship, literature, and books for general readers that reflect the quality and diversity of intellectual life on our campuses, in our region, and around the world." See guidelines for proposals HERE.
UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS PRESS JUNIPER PRIZE FOR CREATIVE NONFICTION: "The Juniper Prize for Creative Nonfiction is awarded annually to one original manuscript. The University of Massachusetts Press publishes the winning manuscript and the author receives a $1,000 award upon publication." Annually, August 1-September 30.
UNIV of NEBRASKA PRESS: "Founded in 1941, the University of Nebraska Press is a nonprofit scholarly and general interest press that publishes 150 new and reprint titles annually under the Nebraska, Bison Books, and Potomac Books imprints, and in partnership with the Jewish Publication Society, along with 30 journals. ... Native studies, history, sports, anthropology and geography, American studies and cultural criticism, and creative works." Accepts unagented and unsolicited proposals HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO PRESS: "We produce scholarly books in the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences—more specifically, in the areas of fine arts, Western history, Latin American studies, literature, poetry, environmental studies, archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. In recognition of the university’s educational outreach and public role, we also publish books of general interest and significance for our state and our region." Accept query letters and proposals year-round; guidelines HERE.
UNLEASH PRESS: "Unleash Press is an independent publishing house focused on partnering with authors of novels, short story collections, personal essays, reimagined fairytales, and innovative narrative nonfiction." for "[n]ovels, short story collections, and creative nonfiction manuscripts ... Full-length, completed manuscripts only. Reprints allowed." See guidelines HERE.
UNNAMED PRESS: "The Unnamed Press is a leading independent publisher of fiction and non-fiction, based in Los Angeles and founded in 2014. Our books represent a diverse list of voices—ones that challenge conventional perspectives while appealing to a broad general audience: exciting, radical, urgent. We nurture emerging talent and partner with more established authors to help their platform grow." Send queries to infoATunnamedpressDOTcom. Info HERE.
UNSOLICITED PRESS: "We focus on literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Whether you craft short stories, novels, chapbooks, memoirs, or essay collections, we want to read it. ... We are actively seeking essay collections, poetry of all lengths, experimental hybrids, literary novels, novellas, short story collections, memoirs, and nonfiction (literary criticism, history, cooking, health, science, and long-form journalism). " Email after following the guidelines HERE.
V PRESS LC: "I want to give those writers who have a great story to tell or stellar poems to share an outlet for their voice. I want to publish authors I believe in. ... I publish works that are fresh and original, works that empower, educate, encourage or inspire--the best works are those that get into the bones." Very small press, beautiful website. Open submissions year-round, guidelines HERE.
VELIZ BOOKS: "Veliz Books is an independent literary press dedicated to discovering, publishing and promoting work from emerging and established authors. We offer a vehicle where contemporary literature can travel. We are invested in fostering a community of readers and writers passionate about words and language, regardless of where they live." They accept non-fiction submissions March 5-May 5; guidelines and info HERE.
VINE LEAVES PRESS: "Here at Vine Leaves Press, we like to blur the line between commericlal and experimental works. We publish book-length vignette collections, writing reference books, short story collections, memoir/autobiography, and character-driven novels with a literary bent." Strong online presence (website, facebook, twitter, and instagram) required. Info about open submission periods and guidelines HERE.
VIOLET WINDING STARS PRESS: "Our dedication lies in publishing a wide range of genres, including poetry, short story collections, novels, memoirs, and historical fiction and non-fiction." Nonfiction: Interested in memoir, history, and art. See guidelines HERE.
WANDERING ANGUS PRESS: "Wandering Aengus Press is a small, literary press with a growing list of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid books. We publish books that bring the joys as well as the injustices of the human experience into vivid focus. Each year, we publish up to three winning manuscripts in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or hybrid. The winning manuscripts are published as perfect-bound books. Authors receive 50 copies of their book." Book Contest runs July 1-August 31; HERE.
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS: "The Wayne State University Press combines an educational mission with a commitment to publishing and promoting Michigan writers and works of local interest and national importance. Thank you for your interest in sustaining our region’s nonprofit publisher — a publisher that strives to present remarkable works that do not fit the traditional trade publishing mold." Submission guidelines HERE.
WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY PRESS: "Wesleyan University Press quickly established itself as one of the nation’s outstanding scholarly publishers of interdisciplinary work in the humanities and poetry."
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY PRESS: Wants place-focused essay collections. Can submit proposal any time.
WOODHALL PRESS: "Woodhall Press is committed to publishing diverse voices and welcomes submissions from women and under-represented writers." One-page query letters only, instructions HERE.
WORKMAN PUBLISHING (note various imprints): "Workman Publishing Co., Inc., is an independently owned family of publishers, including Workman Publishing, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, Algonquin Young Readers, Artisan, Storey Publishing, and Timber Press. We are also partners with The Experiment, duopress, Erewhon Books, and Familius." Look at ALGONQUIN BOOKS ("Algonquin as an independent press devoted to publishing literary fiction and nonfiction by undiscovered writers, mostly from the South.") HERE; THE EXPERIMENT ["The Experiment is an independent publisher, launched in 2008 and distributed by Workman since 2011. We publish a wide range of nonfiction—much of it practical—including food (and how to grow, cook, and enjoy it), health and fitness, psychology and personal development, parenting, relationships, sexuality, science, and nature. "] HERE; and TIMBER PRESS ("Timber Press is devoted to sharing the wonders of the natural world by publishing books from experts in the fields of gardening, horticulture, and natural history.") HERE.
WTAW PRESS: "WTAW Press publishes full-length books of prose (novels, memoirs, creative nonfiction, collections of stories and essays, hybrids etc.) We welcome submissions from writers of all backgrounds and encourage submissions by women, minorities, LGBTQ or non-binary gender people, persons with disabilities, and other traditionally-underrepresented groups. We want to publish books that show us more things on heaven and earth than we have dreamt of. We open for submissions yearly, and select books to publish from the open reading periods."
YELLOW ARROW PUBLISHING: "Yellow Arrow Publishing supports and inspires writers identifying as women through access to publication and the literary arts. We strive to create an inclusive and collaborative experience that allows all women to feel safe to create, take risks, learn, and further their writing and publishing goals. ... Creating diversity in the literary world is a deeply important work. It is our belief that when we share our stories with each other, it creates a ripple effect of empathy, compassion, and understanding." Also accept chapbooks. Check for next open submission period HERE.
ZONE THREE CREATIVE NONFICTION BOOK AWARD: "Manuscripts that embrace creative nonfiction’s potential by combining lyric exposition, researched reflection, travel dialogues, or creative criticism are encouraged. Memoir, personal narrative, essay collections, and literary nonfiction are also invited." Submission guidelines HERE.
ALTERNATING CURRENT PRESS: "Alternating Current is a boutique independent press dedicated to publishing and promoting incredible literature that challenges readers and has an innate sense of self, timelessness, and atmosphere. We love science, history, homebound roots, rural landscapes, poetic literary fiction, diverse voices, and all that is electric in the literary world." Seem to accept ms submissions year-round, guidelines HERE.
ALTERNATIVE BOOK PRESS: "Alternative Book Press is a publishing company established in October 2012 by Columbia University and Cornell University graduates with the following aims in view: To identify and publish genuine and pathbreaking works that stand out on the book shelf. Works that reflects new voices from various points of view. Works that will be seen 50 or 100 years from as being of lasting importance." Seem to accept proposals year-round. See nonfiction proposal form HERE.
AM Ink: "Since 2010 Ink has been publishing quality fiction and non-fiction books through our three imprints." They have different submission periods depending on genre, scroll down to read guidelines HERE.
ANOMALOUS PRESS: "Anomaly is committed to actively seeking out and promoting the work of marginalized and underrepresented artists, including especially people of color, women, queer, disabled, neurodivergent, and gender nonconforming artists. We provide a platform for works of art that challenge conventions of form and format, of voice and genre." Irregular open submission periods for ms's and chapbooks, check HERE.
APOLLO PUBLISHERS: "Apollo Publishers is a high-concept, boutique publishing house designed with the interests of today’s readers in mind. Our vibrant, one-of-a-kind books are from authors with expertise and compelling new ideas." They publish nonfiction only. Seem to accept proposals year-round; HERE.
APRIL GLOAMING PUBLISHING: "April Gloaming Publishing is a nonprofit independent press based in Nashville, TN that aims to capture and better understand the Southern soul, Southern writing, and the Southern holler." Seem to accept memoir submissions year-round; HERE.
ARTE PUBLICO PRESS: "From its beginnings on the artistic fringe during the Hispanic Civil Rights Movement to its current status as the oldest and most accomplished publisher of contemporary and recovered literature by US Hispanic authors, Arte Público Press and its imprint, Piñata Books, have become a showcase for Hispanic literary creativity, arts and culture." Accepting submissions year-round; HERE.
ARTEIDOLIA PRESS: "Arteidolia Press is an artist-run press based out of Ridgewood, Queens that publishes poetry in all forms, prose fiction, creative nonfiction and anything in between. We’re always looking for authors who re-approach, re-consider and re-think the gamut of possibilities. Work should be diverse and inventive. Adventuresome and experimental. Arteidolia Press is open to all voices and conversations." Accepts manuscripts year-round; guidelines HERE.
ASHLAND CREEK PRESS: "Ashland Creek Press is a vegan-owned boutique publisher dedicated to publishing books with a world view. We're passionate about the environment, animal protection, ecology, and wildlife, and our goal is to publish books that combine these themes with compelling stories." Contest, Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature, irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
ASSURE PRESS: "Assure Press connects authors and artists with the world through inspirational and enlightening poetry, non-fiction, motivational, and educational literature mostly, but not only, in the English language." Year-round ms submissions accepted HERE.
AUGURY BOOKS: "Augury Books is an independent press based in Brooklyn, New York. Committed to publishing innovative work from emerging and established writers, Augury Books seeks to reaffirm the diversity of the reading public." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
AUNT LUTE BOOKS: "Aunt Lute Books is an intersectional, feminist press dedicated to publishing literature by those who have been traditionally underrepresented in or excluded by the literary canon. Core to Aunt Lute’s mission is the belief that the written word is critical to understanding and relating to each other as humans.Through the sharing of stories, we strengthen ties across cultures and experiences, and at the same time honor the hurt, loss, and harm incurred through structural power imbalances, prejudiced and gendered systems, and ancestral trauma. We uplift these voices in order to build a more just future." See guidelines HERE.
AUTHOR'S PUBLISH website: HERE IS A LINK to their 2023 article, "23 Memoir Publishers Open to Direct Submissions."
AUTOFOCUS BOOKS: "Autofocus is a literary publisher of artful autobiographical writing. We began as an online journal and podcast in fall 2020. Now we’re introducing Autofocus Books." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
AWST PRESS: "We publish authors whose work fits our aesthetic and fulfills our vision of inclusivity and community. We endeavor to support authors through each project and beyond by increasing their respective audiences, playing an active role in the editorial and publishing process, promoting their activities well past their publication with Awst via the website and social media, and seeking ways to compensate them for their efforts by offering generous royalties and identifying grants for which they might be eligible." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
ATELIER26 BOOKS: "Atelier26 is an independent publisher in Portland, Oregon that exists to demonstrate the powers and possibilities of literature through beautifully designed and expressive books that get people listening, talking, and exchanging ideas. We believe that reading is far more than just another form of consumerism, that books are not static objects but living, thriving conveyances of human expression, thought, and emotion." Irregular open submission periods; as of 12/23, there has been nothing new on the site since 2021; check HERE.
AUTUMN HOUSE PRESS: "The press will concentrate on publishing the work of excellent contemporary writers who have a following among readers, but whose work has been overlooked by commercial publishers." In 2025, submit to nonfiction contest Jan. 15 - June 15, check HERE.
BAOBAB PRESS: "Baobab Press seeks books that communicate and support their themes through new and well-articulated means. We like risk. We like invention. More importantly, we look for a quality of thought that adds depth to a writer’s concerns. And although it is not an official requirement, we tend to select literary work with a strong sense of place at its core." Guidelines and to submit, HERE.
BARD BOOKS: Mission is "To find voices that summon a hearing, from wherever they come. To publish books that are urgent. To offer possibility to those who come, free of industry clutter and big iron gates." Two submission periods per year: February 1-May 31, and September 1-December 31. Guidelines HERE.
BELLEVUE LITERARY PRESS: "Bellevue Literary Press is devoted to publishing literary fiction and nonfiction at the intersection of the arts and sciences because we believe that science and the humanities are natural companions for understanding the human experience." Unknown open periods, check HERE (scroll down).
BELT PUBLISHING: "Belt Publishing is a worker-owned, independent press founded in 2013 in Cleveland as a platform for new and influential voices. Our rapidly growing list includes original titles by some of the nation's best writers about often overlooked subjects of interest, with a particular focus on urbanism, history, and narratives that upend expectations about the Rust Belt, the Midwest, and its writers. We accept proposals for nonfiction only. Send queries pasted in the body of an email to [email protected]. If we are interested, we will request a full proposal."
BKMK PRESS: Change of ownership during 2021. As of 12/16/24, no updates or open submission periods since 2021; check HERE.
BLACKWATER PRESS: "We seek fiction, non-fiction, essay, short story collection, novella and memoir manuscripts that are unique, compelling, and well-written. Both agented and non-agented manuscripts receive full consideration." Year-round submission window; guidelines HERE.
BLF PRESS: "BLF Press is an independent Black feminist press dedicated to amplifying the work of Black women and women of color. We strive to create a space for forward thinking, creative women of exceptional talent. We embrace difference, and envision BLF Press as an outlet for the expression of various types of writing that exemplify the experiences of Black women and women of color in the United States." Only accepts unsolicited ms's during specific submission periods, check HERE.
BLUE CACTUS PRESS: "Blue Cactus Press is a hybrid publisher making books by Queer and BIPOC authors, with exceptions. We also help writers self-publish meaningful, high-quality books. We are particularly interested in making books about the shared human experience, especially issues surrounding mental health, caregiving, and equity." Guidelines HERE.
BLUE CEDAR PRESS: " We are an independent small press publishing high quality fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from courageous voices speaking from the depths of human imagination and experience. We are well aware of the cynicism and bravado coming from many corners of our political, social and academic communities. Our pledge is to bring you honest spokespersons, from around the world, to present unique and critical voices to counter mean rhetoric with the music of literary art." Taking submissions now (early 2024): guidelines HERE.
BOOKS BY HIPPOCAMPUS: "Hippocampus Magazine’s mission is to 'entertain, educate, and engage readers and writers of creative nonfiction.' Our books division is an extension of that goal. We officially launched our press in the summer of 2016. And, like our online literary journal, Books by Hippocampus focuses exclusively on creative nonfiction." Submit query or proposal HERE.
BRADDOCK AVENUE BOOKS: "Braddock Avenue Books is an independent literary publisher looking for works that speak to the difficulties and rewards of being human. We prefer fiction in a realistic mode and favor serious long-form essays that engage with contemporary circumstances in a style aimed at an educated, but not necessarily academic, audience." Submissions open year-round; guidelines HERE.
CATALYST PRESS: "Catalyst Press is currently only interested in manuscripts authored by African writers or set authentically and realistically in an African location or among the African Diaspora anywhere in the world. We publish crime/mystery, thrillers, literary fiction, non-fiction, memoir, children’s and young adult novels." Submissions open irregularly; check HERE.
CATAPULT BOOKS (Usually agented only, though may have open periods): "Catapult is an innovative publisher that celebrates extraordinary storytelling. We promote American and international fiction and narrative nonfiction that is insightful, stirring, and surprising by way of unique voices—whether emerging or established—that honor the craft of writing. Since our launch in Fall 2015, Catapult’s books and our authors have won numerous major literary awards." Check for possible open submission periods HERE.
CAVENKERRY PRESS: "As a not-for-profit literary press serving art and community, Cavankerry is committed to expanding the reach of poetry and other fine literature to a general readership by publishing works that explore the emotional and psychological landscapes of everyday life, and to bring that art to the underserved where they live, work and receive services." Accepts submissions for poetry collections, nonfiction essay collections, and memoir. Submissions HERE.
CHICAGO REVIEW PRESS: "An independent publisher founded in 1973, Chicago Review Press publishes titles of lasting interest and groundbreaking works that reach beyond the trends." Nonfiction only; email a brief query to one of the acquiring editors.
CITY LIGHTS PUBLISHERS: "Founded in 1955, with nearly 300 books in print, City Lights publishes cutting-edge fiction, poetry, memoirs, literary translations and books on vital social and political issues." March 2022: City Lights is no longer accepting unsolicited manuscripts. This policy is in place indefinitely. You can check HERE to find out if it has changed, scroll down to Manuscript Submissions.
CLASH BOOKS: "CLASH BOOKS IS WHERE HIGH AND LOW ART MEET TO MAKE SOMETHING FRESH, NEW, AND EXCITING. WE PUBLISH LITERARY FICTION, NON-FICTION, POETRY, HORROR, SCI-FI & GENRE-FREE FICTION." Submission guidelines HERE.
COFFEE HOUSE PRESS: "Coffee House Press creates new spaces for audiences and artists to interact, inspiring readers and enriching communities by expanding the definition of what literature is, what it can do, and who it belongs to." Irregular open submission period annually; as of 6/1/2024, their Submissions page is not live. Check HERE.
CONDUIT BOOKS: Minds on Fire Open Book Prize, prose contest begins Aug. 1; very small publisher.
CRUX, THE GEORGIA SERIES IN LITERARY NONFICTION: "Named for intersections, and for the heart of the matter, Crux publishes literary nonfiction by diverse writers working in a variety of modes, including personal and lyric essay, memoir, cultural meditation, and literary journalism." Submit proposal HERE.
DEEP VELLUM: Accept unagented/unsolicited submissions year-round; they request a link (i.e., to DropBox) to ms placed in their website's submission form, HERE. Also publish chapbooks.
DISORDER PRESS: Only publish one or two books per year, looking for quirky and odd.
DONALD JORDAN LITERARY PRIZE (Columbus State University): Submission form on website. Competing against all genres. $25 fee, HERE.
DZANC BOOKS: "This year, we will be running our periodic Nonfiction Prize, seeking innovative and inspiring book-length work of nonfiction, including but not limited to memoir, essays, polemical writing, historical writing, and biography. The Nonfiction Prize offers a $1,500 advance and publication." They used to take nonfiction submissions March 1 - September 30, HERE, but as of 6/1/2024, they list no nonfiction prize.
EASTOVER PRESS: "EastOver Press specializes in publishing collections of short stories, essays, and poetry in a format that honors both the writing and the writer." New publisher (12/2020) of monthly online journal, Cutleaf. Nonfiction prize (prefer essays, will consider memoir, etc) guidelines and submission HERE.
ESSAY PRESS: "Essay Press is dedicated to publishing artful, innovative and culturally relevant prose: prose that has something to say, essays that both demand and deserve to stand alone. We particularly welcome work that extends or challenges the formal protocols of nonfiction, including, but not limited to: lyric essays and prose poems or poetics; experimental biography and autobiography; innovative approaches to journalism, experimental historiography, criticism, scholarship, and philosophy." Has three annual book contests, one of which is for essay collections, will also take submissions falling outside of contest parameters, HERE.
ESSAY PRESS / MFA BOOK CONTEST (with University of Washington, Bothell): "The EP/UWB MFA Book Contest publishes manuscripts that extend or challenge the formal possibilities of prose, including but not limited to: lyric essays and prose poems or poetics; experimental biography and autobiography; innovative approaches to journalism, interdisciplinary historiography, criticism, scholarship and philosophy. Simultaneous submissions, multiple submissions, collaborative manuscripts, digital and hybridized text/art manuscripts are all welcome." Annually, mid-October through late November: HERE.
ETRUSCAN PRESS: "Etruscan is a nonprofit literary press working to produce and promote books that nurture the dialogue among genres, cultures, and voices. We publish books of poems, novels, short stories, creative nonfiction, criticism, translation, and anthologies." Doesn't advertise for ms submissions; accepts unagented and unsolicited submissions. Creative nonfiction accepted. Guidelines HERE.
EVERYTIME PRESS: "Established in 2016, Everytime Press publishes memoir, travel, other non-fiction, teaching resources and learning texts." Submission guidelines HERE.
THE FEMINIST PRESS: "The Feminist Press publishes books that ignite movements and social transformation. Celebrating our legacy, we lift up insurgent and marginalized voices from around the world to build a more just future." They accept submissions in the winter and the summer, see their guidelines HERE.
FERAL HOUSE: "We feel that stories about and written by members of marginalized communities are interesting and essential to ALL readers." Publishes CNF only. Year-round submissions accepted; guidelines HERE, scroll half-way down page.
FJORD'S REVIEW: "We will begin publishing chapbooks this year in 2021 and have selected 4 titles, while continuing to read submissions to publish many more chapbooks this year." Check HERE.
FULCROM PUBLISHING: "Fulcrum publishes nonfiction works that explore conservation and stewardship, American culture, civics, and the American West. We accept manuscripts for consideration each June." Guidelines for June submissions HERE.
FUTURE TENSE BOOKS: "We take pride in publishing new and groundbreaking writers and books that take chances and go places where you might not expect. We’re committed to showcasing writers who are not just important and innovative, but also accessible and fun." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE, scroll down.
GAME OVER BOOKS: "Founded in 2017, Game Over Books is a small Boston-based press run by nerdy artists. Our mission? Print unique books from diverse voices that push creative writing forward into the Next Level. From acceptance to publication, we give continual guidance to emerging writers as they continue to gain experience points, grow their craft, and navigate the world of publishing. You may submit poetry and/or prose (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, hybrid, etc.) from any genre. Chapbooks are welcomed, but, ultimately, Game Over Books is looking for manuscripts over 32 pages with no page limit." Guidelines HERE.
GIVAL PRESS: "Gival Press, LLC, an award-winning independent literary publishing house located in Arlington, Virginia, publishes fiction, non-fiction (essays / educational texts), and poetry." Supposed to have open submissions from May 15-Aug 15, check HERE.
GRAYWOLF PRESS: "Graywolf Press is a nonprofit publisher of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and genre-defying literature whose aim is to foster new thinking about what it means to live in the world today." Does not take unagented submissions, but holds a bi-annual nonfiction contest, next submission period in 2024, HERE.
GREEN WRITERS PRESS: "Green Writers Press, an independent, Vermont-based publishing company, is dedicated to spreading environmental awareness and social justice by publishing authors who promulgate messages of hope and renewal through place-based writing and environmental activism." In nonfiction, they're looking for environmental essays. 2021 open period is closed. Submission guidelines and info HERE.
HALF MYSTIC PRESS: "Half Mystic, established in 2015, is an independent, internationally-acclaimed publishing house, literary journal, and arts organisation dedicated to the celebration of music in all its forms. Half Mystic Press publishes poetry, essay, and short story collections; drama; memoirs; novellas; full-length novels; and experimental work. We do not publish books of genre, lyrics without music, or critical work.Please note that, unlike in our journal, we do publish books that are not overtly music-themed. When we ask for music, we mean rhythm, we mean story, we mean luminescence and chaos, pulsing loneliness, ordinary madness, thunder on loop, violent quietude, shivering wonder." Year-round submissions accepted; they also accept CNF chapbooks. Guidelines HERE.
HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS: "Harvard University Press publishes thoughtful books for both scholars and educated general readers in history, philosophy, literature, classics, religion, law, economics, public policy, physical and life sciences, technology, history of science, behavioral sciences, and education, along with reference works in a wide range of fields." Accept emailed proposals - guidelines HERE.
HAYMARKET BOOKS: "We are interested in manuscripts that are accessible to a wide range of progressive and radical political activists, while also being useful to an academic audience. Please note that we are not accepting submissions for the following genres at this time: fiction, poetry, memoirs, cookbooks, self-help, or dissertations." Will accept proposals year-round.
HIDDEN RIVER ARTS PRESS, TAMAQUA ESSAY COLLECTION AWARD: "The Tamaqua Award for a collection of essays is looking for a collection that mines deep in its search for the truth of the human experience, essays that go beyond safe boundaries to discover deep realities." Guidelines HERE.
HIDDEN RIVER ARTS PRESS, PANTHER CREEK NONFICTION AWARD: A prize of $1,000 and publication in the forthcoming Hidden River Review of Arts & Letters will be given annually to the winners in each category of our Hidden River Review Trilogy Award: poetry, non-fiction and very short fiction. Deadline is April 15, 2021, HERE.
HIDDEN TIMBER BOOKS: "We are looking for literary fiction or narrative nonfiction in the form of a novel, a memoir, or a collection (short stories, essays, or hybrid). We are a small press with a very small crew, so we love finished manuscripts that have been well-worked and revised. We find that the best manuscripts come from writers who have spent time in community with other writers in group critique or with outside editors." Submission guidelines HERE.
HOMEBOUND PUBLICATIONS: "We are an award-winning independent publisher founded in 2011 striving to ensure that the mainstream is not the only stream. More than a company, we are a community of writers and readers exploring the larger questions we face as a global village. It is our intention to preserve contemplative storytelling. We publish full-length introspective works of creative non-fiction, literary fiction, and poetry." Accept proposals year-round, HERE.
HOWLING BIRD PRESS: "Howling Bird Press is the publishing house of Augsburg MFA in Creative Writing. We offer an annual book contest in alternating genres: poetry, fiction and nonfiction." Nonfiction contest will be in 2022, then again in 2025; check for submission period April - July HERE.
HUB CITY PRESS: "Hub City Press is a small press, publishing six to eight titles per year including books of literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, regional nonfiction, nature, and art. Focused on finding and spotlighting extraordinary new and unsung writers from the American South, our curated list champions authors who represent the many people of this region and books that don’t fit neatly into the commercial or academic publishing landscape. ... [P]ublishes books of literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, regional nonfiction, nature, and art. We are seeking new and extraordinary voices from the American South. Well-crafted, high-quality works by new and established authors." Several book prizes annually as well as some open submission seasons, HERE. Submit HERE.
IG PUBLISHING: "Founded in 2002, Ig Publishing is a New York-based award-winning independent press dedicated to publishing original literary fiction and political and cultural nonfiction. Our political nonfiction deals with many of the social and moral issues of the day." Unsolicited queries accepted by email, see info HERE (scroll down).
ILLUMINATED PRESS: "Illuminated Press is an independent publisher that crafts books to provide readers with new information, give voice to a wide range of perspectives, and explore the complexities of our social/political/economic fabric. To bring light amid darkness and uncertainty. Our books feature new and emerging writers and artists in poetry, fiction, non-fiction and text-image. Books are bound by hand with sustainable materials including handmade papers from rags and scrap fabric." Submissions by Google Doc form; looks like chapbooks would fit best, HERE.
THE IOWA PRIZE FOR LITERARY NONFICTION (Univ of Iowa Press): "The Iowa Prize for Literary Nonfiction, open to both new and established writers, is awarded for a book-length manuscript of literary nonfiction originally written in English." Submissions open annually from July 15 - August 30, HERE.
IRON OAK EDITIONS: "Our mission is to perpetuate the work of artists both well known and yet-to-be-known, simultaneously enriching our world through the written word. We strive to reflect diversity in style, content and perspective throughout poetry and prose." Interested in "memoir and personal essay collections that blend style with substance and reach beyond the personal to tell us something new about the world." No deadlines noted. Guidelines HERE.
JACKLEG PRESS: "JackLeg is a literary press dedicated to the writers we serve and the readers we cherish. We publish all forms of literature, including poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, and plays. We use an economically and environmentally sustainable publishing model and a rigorous editorial process to bring the best new and familiar voices into the literary world." Info about unagented, unsolicited submissions HERE.
JADED IBIS PRESS: "We are a feminist press committed to publishing socially engaged literature with an emphasis on the voices of people of color, people with disabilities, and other historically silenced and culturally marginalized voices. We are looking for writing with no holds barred: visceral, subtle, loud, honest, confounding prose that tackles a personal or universal truth and that makes us see the world around us more clearly or from a different perspective. Whether the manuscript deals with themes related to social justice, persecution, feminism, or reveals something about what it’s like to struggle through this world, with all the related losses and triumphs and unanswered questions that entails, we want to read it! Our past publications explore these themes with an additional focus on intersectionality." Accepts unsolicited ms's HERE.
THE JOURNAL NON/FICTION COLLECTION PRIZE: "The Journal will select one full-length manuscript of short prose for publication by The Ohio State University Press. In addition to publication under a standard book contract, the winning author receives a cash prize of $1,500." Seems a long-shot for memoir or essay collection. Submit HERE.
k+p press: "k+p press publishes books that challenge the way readers think about our changing world. k+p press was founded in 2020 by Beth Kantrowitz and Roberta Paul, childhood friends and longtime artistic collaborators, who were inspired to launch a new creative venture together. As a curator and an artist, Beth and Roberta have joined forces on many visual art projects, presenting work that is both beautiful and thought-provoking—work that speaks to them and work that they believe in. They are excited to add this literary venture to their repertoire." Guidelines HERE.
KATTYWOMPUS PRESS: "Kattywompus Press is an independent literary small press founded in Cleveland in 2010, migrating in 2014 to Boston. We publish poetry, fiction, nonfiction, unclassifiable. If it doesn’t fit the usual categories we get excited. We are slightly obsessed with finding the container that best suits the content: chapbook, full length book, hand-stitched, perfect bound, unique artist’s books, e-books, literary music projects." Irregular open submissions; also accept chapbooks. Guidelines HERE.
KAYA PRESS: "Kaya Press is a group of dedicate writers, artists, readers, and lovers of books working together to publish the most challenging, thoughtful and provocative literature being produced throughout the Asian and Pacific Island diasporas." Year-round open submissions; see guidelines HERE.
KENSINGTON BOOKS PRESS: "Kensington publishes over 500 fiction and nonfiction books per year." Of their several imprints -- Kensington Books, Zebra, Pinnacle, Citadel Press, and Lyrical Press -- Citadel is primarily nonfiction, and Kensington and Pinnacle also publish nonfiction. Submit query to an editor. Guidelines HERE.
LANTERNFISH PRESS: "Lanternfish Press, founded in Philadelphia in 2013, publishes literature of the rare and strange: fiction that crosses the boundary between literary and speculative; real or imagined tales of characters at the margins of history; essays rooted in a strong sense of place; a cabinet of curious Victorian reprints. We seek the grotesque, the alien made familiar, the “I don’t know what this is—but I love it.” Guidelines HERE.
LATAH BOOKS: "Latah Books is likeliest to accept full-length books with driving narrative force: literary and upmarket novels, as well as memoirs, travelogues, and other narrative nonfiction works in the realms of history, science, conservation, social justice, journalism and outdoor adventure. We are particularly interested in books concerning the American West, especially the Intermountain West. While we are open to publishing nearly any talented author, we especially enjoy supporting the careers of writers typically underrepresented and overlooked in today’s literary ecosystem: authors from rural and small-town America and authors from working-class and blue collar backgrounds." Check for open submissions HERE.
LITMUS PRESS: "Litmus Press is a program of Ether Sea Projects, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit literature and arts organization. We are dedicated to publishing innovative, cross-genre, and interdisciplinary work by poets, writers, translators, and artists. We strive to support both established and emerging writers who do not benefit from existing structures of privilege and whose work defies, resists, and refuses dominant and oppressive socio-cultural narratives." For open submission periods and guidelines, check HERE.
LSU PRESS: "LSU Press is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic publishers in the South. In addition to scholarly monographs, we also publish general interest books about Louisiana and the South." Accept proposals year-round, guidelines HERE.
MACHETE (Ohio State Univ Press): "This series showcases fresh stories, innovative forms, and books that break new aesthetic ground in nonfiction—memoir, personal and lyric essay, literary journalism, cultural meditations, short shorts, hybrid essays, graphic pieces, and more—from authors whose writing has historically been marginalized, ignored, and passed over." Edited by Joy Castro. Submission instructions HERE (scroll down).
MAD CREEK BOOKS (Ohio State Univ Press): "This series from Mad Creek Books is a vehicle to discover, publish, and promote some of the most daring, ingenious, and artistic nonfiction. This is the first and only major series that announces its focus on the essay." Three annual book competitions. Non/Fiction (check HERE). The Gournay Prize (nonfiction), and 21st Century Essay Series. Current deadlines in March and April, check HERE.
MANGO PUBLISHING GROUP: "We publish high-quality non-fiction books from fresh and distinct voices, in the hope of sparking new ideas with readers. We take pride in our forward-thinking ambition, our diversity as a team, and our strong emphasis on technology and innovation. Our goal is to be at the forefront of publishing and connect with readers around the world." Accepts proposals year-round HERE.
MASTODON PUBLISHING: "Mastodon is dedicated to making thoughts real, whether that means bringing a unique and important story to readers, or encouraging them to fight against injustices, conspiracies, or abuses of power. We publish a full spectrum of literary, commercial upmarket, cultural, craft, and many different viewpoints. We want to continue bring as diverse catalog to life, through print and digital, from short books to large books." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE (no updates since 20210)
MCPHERSON AND COMPANY: "The press specializes in four areas: contemporary fiction (mostly American authors), great “lost” literary works from the Twentieth Century (our Recovered Classics series), non-fiction books dealing with contemporary art, film, aesthetics, and related cultural issues (often presented under the Documentext imprint), and, finally, translations of distinguished works by authors of Italian, Spanish, French, and German fiction and non-fiction." Submissions open July 2025, check HERE.
McSWEENEY'S: "McSweeney’s exists to champion ambitious and inspired new writing, and to challenge conventional expectations about where it’s found, how it looks, and who participates." Irregular open submission periods; check HERE; completed ms only.
MILKWEED EDITIONS: "We take risks on debut and experimental writers, we invest significant time and care in the editorial process, and we enable dynamic engagement between authors and readers." Irregular open submission periods; check HERE.
MINERVA RISING PRESS: "We are committed to the power of women’s voices and we want to make those voices heard." Memoir contest; check HERE.
MONKFISH PUBLISHING: "Monkfish is an independent press publishing spiritual and literary books from a diverse range of perspectives. Monkfish publishes fiction and nonfiction books related to the subjects of spirituality and religion. Genres include memoirs, wisdom literature, fiction, and scholarly works of thought." Year-long open submissions, send an email query first. Guidelines HERE.
NEW DIRECTIONS PRESS: There's no ABOUT page on the site. Only accept brief queries, HERE (scroll down).
THE NEW PRESS: "The New Press amplifies progressive voices for a more inclusive, just, and equitable world." Can send proposal any time, though they're clear they rarely accept unsolicited proposals, see guidelines HERE.
NEW RIVERS PRESS: "New Rivers Press publishes the best literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry written by new and emerging authors from around Minnesota and the world." General submissions, March 1-March 31; HERE.
NEW SOUTH BOOKS: "NewSouth Books publishes quality works of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry, with a special interest in regional history, biography, autobiography, non-fiction, folklore, African American, Native American, and civil rights subjects." Submit proposal or ms HERE.
NEW VILLAGE PRESS: "The mission of New Village Press is to promote and enrich public discussion and understanding of issues vital to the development of healthy, creative, and socially just communities. To that end, New Village publishes transdisciplinary books that animate emerging movements in societal transformation." Send query, not proposal: acquisitions AT newvillagepress.net.
NIGHTBOAT BOOKS: " ... a nonprofit organization, seeks to develop audiences for writers whose work resists convention and transcends boundaries, by publishing books rich with poignancy, intelligence and risk." Open submissions in summer; HERE.
NOEMI PRESS: "Founded in 2002, Noemi Press is a 501(c)(3) literary arts organization based in Blacksburg, Virginia, dedicated to publishing and promoting the work of emerging and established authors and artists." Annual contest for (1) poetry, and (2) prose manuscripts; HERE.
NOMADIC PRESS: "Nomadic Press is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that supports the works of emerging and established writers and artists. Through publications (including translations) and performances, Nomadic Press aims to build community among artists across disciplines." Guidelines HERE.
NORTH ATLANTIC BOOKS: "Our strongest categories include bodywork and somatics; ecology and sustainability; health and healing; indigenous cultures and anthropology, psychology and personal growth; social justice and engaged activism; and spirituality and liminality." Year-round open submissions, see guidelines HERE.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PRESS: "From its inception, Northwestern University Press has been at the forefront in publishing important works of scholarship as well as quality works of fiction, drama, nonfiction, and poetry." Accepts proposals year-round, guidelines HERE.
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS: "As academic book publishers, we concentrate in literary and cultural studies of all types, (which includes narrative theory, comics, multiethnic literatures, Victorian studies, and medieval studies, among other areas), American studies, rhetoric and communication, race and ethnic studies (including Black studies and Latinx studies), and gender and sexuality studies." Proposal (which they call "book inquiry") guidelines HERE.
ONEWORLD PUBLICATIONS: "Oneworld was founded in 1986 by husband and wife team Juliet Mabey and Novin Doostdar as an independent publishing house focusing on stimulating non-fiction. Now publishing over 100 books a year, Oneworld has retained its founding commitment to the old-fashioned principles of great writing, editorial excellence, high production values, and marketing flair, to produce books that are read by the intellectually curious all over the world." Accept proposals year-round; guidelines HERE.
OPEN BOOKS PRESS: "Open Books Press is dedicated to publishing quality nonfiction for adults and fiction for all ages. While we accept queries from all genres, we publish only work we truly believe in. We welcome hearing from you at any point in your writing and publishing process. When you are ready to have your work considered, we need your finished [final-edit] manuscript and your marketing/promotion plan or proposal, including details on your current platform." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
ORISON BOOKS: "Actively pursues spiritual and religious perspectives without subscribing to a particular ideological standpoint, and that emphasizes rather than downplays the metaphysical and existential underpinnings of work that may not, on its surface, always seem 'spiritual' ... Spiritually-engaged poetry, fiction, and nonfiction of exceptional literary merit." Open submissions during October; HERE.
OUTPOST19 BOOKS: Accepts unagented and unsolicited ms.
OVERCUP PRESS: "Overcup Press is an independent book publishing company. Our press specializes in non-fiction titles on these subjects: literary nonfiction, art, travel, design, architecture, music, and epicurean titles." Interested in CNF narrative and journalism, travel, architecture and design, etc. Query letters accepted HERE.
PAGE STREET PUBLISHING: "We publish young adult (YA) fiction (for ages 12 and up), in all genres, and a variety of nonfiction books in such categories as cooking, sports, science, nature, interior design, crafts, and parenting." Submission guidelines HERE.
PALOMA PRESS: "Established in 2016, PALOMA PRESS is a San Francisco Bay Area-based independent literary press publishing poetry, prose, and limited edition books. Paloma Press believes in the power of the literary arts, how it can create empathy, bridge divides, change the world." Some open periods, accepts queries by email, HERE (scroll down),
PANK BOOKS: (There's no About page for the press, magazine says, "Founded in 2006 by M. Bartley Seigel and Roxane Gay, PANK Magazine is a literary magazine fostering access to innovative poetry and prose, publishing the brightest and most promising writers for the most adventurous readers.") Currently, ms submissions are on rolling basis, find guidelines HERE.
PASSAGER BOOKS: "Passager Books was founded in 2005 to give Passager authors the opportunity to publish their books, continuing the mission of Passager to honor the voices of older [60+] writers. We publish: two issues of Passager Journal each year; a number of books of poetry, short stories, and memoir; a biennial book prize for a new poet over 70; and the Pandemic Diaries." Will only consider publishing authors who've been published in their journal, see guidelines and info HERE.
PASSENGERS PRESS: "Passengers Press is a nonprofit publisher of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. We publish work from marginalized voices that challenges, and even offends, societal and literary norms." New publishing company is looking for its first manuscripts; HERE.
PERSEA BOOKS: "Persea has published hundreds of engaging and consequential books covering a wide range of subjects, styles, and genres, including poetry, fiction, essays, memoir, biography, and revived classics. Our list focuses on contemporary issues expressed through individual experience." Accepts queries HERE.
PLEIADES PRESS: "Pleiades Press publishes several books of poetry and prose each year through the Lena-Miles Wever Todd poetry prize, the Pleiades Press Editors Prize for Poetry, the Robert C. Jones Prize for Short Prose, and the Visual Poetry Series." See Guidelines HERE.
PROPERTIUS PRESS: WARNING - This indie publisher is accused of non-payment of royalties, poor editing, and delayed launches. "We publish high-quality literary fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and short-story anthologies. We consider submissions in all genres, including action-adventure, urban contemporary, biography, memoir, high-quality romance and women’s literature, children’s stories, young adult, satire, mystery, historical fiction, thrillers, humor, philosophy, and educational works." Actively seeking works by minority and black writers. Submit at your own risk.
A PUBLIC SPACE: "A Public Space is an independent nonprofit publisher of an eponymous award-winning literary, arts, and culture magazine, and A Public Space Books. Under the direction of founding editor Brigid Hughes since 2006, it has been our mission to seek out overlooked and unclassifiable work, and to publish writing from beyond established confines." Irregular submission periods; check HERE, (scroll down).
PUBLISHING GENIUS: "Everyone should feel welcome to submit. That said, I'm most interested in off-kilter, hard to classify books of short fiction and creative nonfiction by women, people over 55, and writers of color." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
QUERENCIA PRESS: "Querencia Press is an independent publisher, seeking to amplify overlooked voices. We want to create a safe space for writers and artists to share their stories. We are especially interested in work that may have been looked over in the past for shouting too loudly. We want you to shout. We want you to make us listen. Querencia accepts poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and hybrid work. We welcome submissions from emerging and established voices, alike." They accept work through email; guidelines HERE.
RADIX MEDIA: "Radix Media publishes new ideas and fresh perspectives, prioritizing the voices of typically marginalized communities to get to the root of the human experience. The name Radix comes from the Latin root of the word radical, meaning to get to the root. We have been dedicated to the proliferation of beautiful printed matter since 2010." Submit HERE.
REDBONE PRESS: "Redbone Press publishes work celebrating the cultures of black lesbians and gay men, and work that further promotes understanding between black gays and lesbians and the black mainstream." Year-round submissions; guidelines (scroll down) HERE.
RED HEN PRESS: "Red Hen Press is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to publishing works of literary excellence, supporting diversity, and promoting literacy in our local schools. Red Hen Press is an independent, nonprofit press that publishes about twenty books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry every year. We’re looking for novels, memoir, creative nonfiction, hybrid works, and story, essay, and poetry collections of exceptional literary merit that demonstrate a high level of mastery." Holds a bi-annual nonfiction book contest, an annual women's prose book contest, and usually has open submissions: HERE.
REGAL HOUSE PUBLISHING: "We take on a limited number of new authors per year, and are always interested in discovering new talent within the genres of literary fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, memoirs, and short story collections." Accepts queries year-round, HERE.
RESCUE PRESS: "Rescue Press is an independent publisher of chaotic and investigative work, founded in the winter of 2009. We publish work by activists, artists, craftsmen, list-makers, philosophers, poets, scientists, writers, and creative thinkers of all kinds. We're interested in collections of artwork, comics, essays, experiments, how-tos, interrogations, manifestos, notes, poetry, stories, and anything else that transforms us." Irregular open submission periods; guidelines HERE.
RIDDLEBROOK PUBLISHING: "Focusing exclusively on narrative non-fiction, Riddle Brook has one primary purpose: to publish new writers with new voices and interesting narratives. We are more than a traditional small press. Choosing only two or three manuscripts each year, we devote our time to working closely with our authors, offering editorial and marketing support. We even offer an advance." Complete the form HERE.
RIVERCLIFF BOOKS: "We are a very indie publisher, with wide open arms. A new imprint of Wetware Media, LLC, we know that this world is infinite in its variety and so is our appreciation of both the written and spoken word. We welcome submissions from all over the authorial map – fiction, nonfiction, essay – from both new and established authors." First books published in Fall 2021. Submissions are open occassionally, check HERE.
RIVERFEET PRESS: "Our books are written, edited and published by people who have a close connection to the natural world, and explore themes of adventure, healing, wildlife and the environment. Our mission is to help readers enhance their outdoor awareness, whether reading beside a campfire, at a national park, in a cabin or from their home." Seem to have some open submission periods for books ms's; guidelines and info HERE.
ROSE METAL PRESS: "Rose Metal Press is an independent, not-for-profit publisher of hybrid genres specializing in the publication of flash fiction and nonfiction; prose poetry; novels-in-verse or book-length linked poems; novellas-in-flash; lyric essays; text and image works; and other literary works that move beyond the traditional categories of poetry, fiction, and essay to find new forms of expression." Open submission period every 2-3 years, next one will be in 2023; check HERE.
RUNNING WILD PRESS: "We believe that great stories don’t fit neatly in a box. Most stories available today are simply run-of-the-mill, unoriginal, and in the end, boring, which makes you feel tired and unheard. Our stories can’t be contained, neatly categorized, or homogenized; just like you." Submit year-round, guidelines HERE.
SADDLEROAD PRESS: "We publish full-length poetry collections, poetry chapbooks, literary fiction, essays, memoir, and hybrid forms, in both print and eBook editions." They publish two or three books per year. Usually two open submission periods per year; check HERE.
SANTA FE WRITERS PROJECT: "SFWP is an independent press dedicated to the craft of writing. We publish exciting fiction and creative nonfiction of every genre, maintain an online literary journal, and run an annual internationally-recognized Awards Program." The awards program is on hiatus now, but I believe they offer open submission periods, check HERE.
SARABANDE BOOKS: "Sarabande Books is a nonprofit literary press founded in Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 1994 to champion poetry, fiction, and essay, we are committed to creating lasting editions that honor exceptional writing." Open essay reading period annually, July; HERE.
SEA CROW PRESS: "We publish creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Our books celebrate our connection to each other and to the natural world with a focus on positive change and great storytelling. We are small but mighty and we work closely with our authors." See guidelines HERE.
SENECA REVIEW BOOKS: "An imprint of Hobart and William Smith Colleges Press. It was founded in 2018 to publish the DEBORAH TALL LYRIC ESSAY BOOK PRIZE SERIES -- A biennial book series to encourage and support innovative work in the essay. Cross-genre and hybrid work, verse forms, text and image, connected or related pieces, and 'beyond category' projects."
SERVING HOUSE BOOKS: "Publishing books that incorporate traditional conventions in unique ways, that are both intimate and universal, that blend the sophisticated with the unexpected." They publish memoir and essay collections, etc. As of March 2022, not accepting submissions; check HERE.
SFK PRESS (stands for Southern Fried Karma): "We are looking for high-quality, compelling content that enriches readers’ lives in the following genres: Contemporary Fiction; Literary Fiction; Transgressive Fiction; Memoir; Non-fiction; Self-help/Game-changing Solutions/Conversation Starters." Mostly Southern writers writing about the South.
Submit query, full ms, and marketing outline HERE.
SHAFFNER PRESS: "... [T]he press has published over 50 titles of the best literary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that deal with themes of universal social concern and social change, such as health, the environment, issues of race, war, and other humanitarian issues." Query Tim Schaffner for nonfiction - tim[at]schaffnerpress.com.
SKYHORSE PUBLISHING: "The core categories of our Skyhorse imprint include outdoor sports, adventure, team sports, nature, and country living, with a strong dose of politics, public health, current events, true crime, history and military history, reference, and humor—practical, literary, and general trade." Submissions seem to be open year-round, HERE.
SLANT BOOKS: "Slant is a literary imprint of Wipf & Stock Publishers specializing in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, philosophy, and belles lettres. Slant books are marked by the kind of meticulous craft and passion for language that are harder and harder to come by in our age of instant publishing and literary gimmickry. These are books that will lodge themselves in readers’ lives." Year-round submissions accepted HERE.
SOFT SKULL PRESS: "We want our books to offer a refuge from, an alternative to, and an argument against mainstream culture and mainstream thinking. We publish every genre. We are primarily seeking and strongly encouraging submissions from BIPOC writers and underrepresented voices of any race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, class, and physical or mental ability." Irregular open submission periods; check HERE (scroll down to bottom of right column).
SOLID OBJECTS: "SOLID OBJECTS is a publisher of fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction. It was founded in 2010 and is based in New York City." Unknown open submission schedule. Check HERE.
SPLIT/LIP PRESS (website is annoyingly hard to read): "Split/Lip Press is dedicated to publishing boundary-breaking fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid books, lifting the transition boards that prevent fluidity and smashing those we cannot pry up. "
October 1 - December 1: Accepting memoir, essays, nonfiction hybrids HERE.
STALKING HORSE PRESS: "Stalking Horse Press is a independent publishing house, launched by James Reich, novelist and chair of Creative Writing and Literature at Santa Fe University of Art and Design, New Mexico. The press is committed to radical voices in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
STEEL TOE BOOKS: "Founded in 2003, Steel Toe Books has published 24 books and is excited to add prose (fiction and nonfiction) books to our diverse catalog of upcoming titles. We publish poetry and prose through our prize, and consider all books for publication." Click HERE for more information.
STILLHOUSE PRESS: "Stillhouse Press is an independent book publisher based in Northern Virginia. We publish fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from writers both emerging and established, and are especially drawn to titles that transcend genre, take risks in form and content, and push the boundaries of the narrative and the lyric." Two opportunities: 1) Disabled Writers Anthology Contest; and 2) Experimental Writing Contest -- check HERE. Also check for open submission periods.
SUNBURY PRESS: "Sunbury Press, Inc., headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is a publisher of hardcover, trade paperback, audio, and digital books featuring established and emerging authors in many fiction and nonfiction categories. We publish about 100 titles per year, a good number of them from our existing authors. Our most successful categories have been history, biography, self-help, historical fiction, horror, police procedurals, and mysteries. When we invest in a manuscript with our time and money, our goal is to produce the best quality book possible, while getting it to the market as quickly as possible. Open submissions year-round, HERE.
TCK PUBLISHING: "We publish fiction and non-fiction eBooks, print books, and audiobooks in all major genres and niches." For nonfiction submissions, they're accepting self-help and personal development; health and wellness; business; finance and investing; relationships; spirituality; advice and how-to; gardening and nature; workbooks and journals. Year-round submissions, see guidelines HERE.
TEXAS REVIEW PRESS: "Founded in 1979, Texas Review Press is committed to publishing quality poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and scholarship. TRP currently publishes sixteen titles each year. Topics we are interested in include 20th/21st Century American Poetry, Environmental Writing, Ecopoetics, Contemporary Poetics, Creative Writing Pedagogy, Southern Literature, Southern Issues, Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas/Louisiana Literature, Texas/Louisiana History, Folklore, Cajun-Creole Studies, African-American Literature, African-American Studies, Latinx Literature, Latinx Studies, & Texas/Mexico History." Only accepts non-agented/non-solicited submissions during open submission periods April 1 - May 31; guidelines HERE.
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY PUBLISHING: "Texas Tech University Press (TTU Press) has been the book publishing arm of Texas Tech University since 1971 and a member of the Association of American University Presses since 1987. ... In addition to a diverse list of nonfiction titles focused on the history and culture of Texas, the Great Plains, and the American West, the Press publishes in the areas of natural history, border studies, and peace and conflict studies. Additionally, the Press publishes select titles in literary genres ranging from biography and memoir to young adult and children’s titles." Information and submission guidelines HERE.
THE 3d THING: "Please do not submit unless you identify as a womxn, queer, nonbinary, Indigenous, or as a person of color. If you have to work hard to locate yourself in this list, we’re probably not the right press for you. We publish what we call “necessary alternatives.” When we make editorial choices, we ask ourselves: Is this work necessary? Is it alternative? Ask yourself the same questions before you submit to The 3rd Thing." Open submission period: March 1-April 1, 2021: HERE.
THIRTY WEST PUBLISHING: "Thirty West was founded as a passion project when our founder was an undergraduate at Temple University. It essentially started as a logo and a single chapbook with a very limited print-run. That was in 2015. Ever since, the hand-made aspect of the chapbook has been paramount, augmenting the reading experience with both common and unique materials. We publish primarily poetry, literary fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, and our imprint literary journals." TBA open submission period (and also a chapbook contest), check HERE.
THREE ROOMS PRESS: "Three Rooms Press serves as a leading independent publisher of diverse, cut-the-edge creative, including fiction, memoir, biography, young adult, LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction, and fiction and nonfiction by under-represented voices in the literary world." Year-round submissions, see guidelines HERE.
TINDERBOX EDITIONS: "Launched in 2015, Tinderbox seeks to commit to the career of each of its authors, and its authors seek to become involved in their communities by expanding the audience for poetry and literary prose." Open period for prose submissions is July 1 - August 31 (July 1-7 is fee-free; later is $25.00); HERE.
TOLSUN BOOKS: "We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based out of Flagstaff, Arizona. We publish daring, energetic books that use separate parts to construct a whole: poetry, short stories, comics poetry, hybrids, photo stories, flash memoir, and more. We treasure creativity, and so we may not know we love something until we see it. Art, like the jackalope, cannot be constrained by classification or form." Open submissions for essay collections March 1-May 31; check HERE.
TORREY HOUSE PRESS: "Torrey House Press publishes 8-10 books per year including literary fiction, full-length short story collections, essay collections, creative nonfiction including literary journalism, and the occasional anthology and memoir. We are interested in well-crafted work with environmental justice, natural history, or land stewardship themes, and writing that engages deeply with place. THP does not currently accept submissions for poetry or books for children." Year-round open submissions, HERE.
TOUCHPOINT PRESS: "Our staff is comprised of professionals whose collective experience in publishing, editing, journalism, design, and marketing set the stage behind our growing list of fiction and nonfiction titles." Faith-based. Year-round submissions; HERE.
TRAIL TO TABLE PRESS: "Trail to Table seeks to publish literary works that transform our thinking about how we engage with the earth and each other as thoughtful, generous stewards in our actions and interactions, whether on the trail, as consumers and makers, or around the table through genuine connection and respect for life. We wish to share lyric and narrative works that serve both to entertain and enrich others' lives through insight, compassion, and a pure and beautiful expression of experience." Open submission period every March 1 - 31; HERE.
TRANSIT BOOKS: "Transit Books publishes a carefully curated list (6-8 titles per year) of award-winning literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, essay, and prose that falls somewhere in between." Open submissions period May 1 - June 15, HERE.
TRINITY UNIVERSITY PRESS: Welcomes submissions for very specific categories, HERE. Topics Include humans and their environments, and social change, equity and inclusion. Can submit full ms or query an idea.
TURTLE POINT PRESS: "We promote the work of emerging and neglected authors alongside those who are better known. The mix creates a publishing program that is both iconoclastic and challenging, revealing lives not usually seen in books that are playful, poignant, and poetic." Irregular open submission periods; check HERE.
TUPELO PRESS: Charges $45 reading fee and only publishes 1-2 nonfiction books/year – aside from contests (all poetry) submissions all year round, HERE. Seems a long-shot. An expensive one.
TWO DOLLAR RADIO: "Two Dollar Radio is a family-run outfit founded in 2005 with the mission to reaffirm the cultural and artistic spirit of the publishing industry. We aim to do this by presenting bold works of literary merit, each book, individually and collectively, providing a sonic progression that we believe to be too loud to ignore." Annual contest, Sator New Works Award, for author identifying as trans or non-binary, check HERE. General submissions, check HERE.
UGLY DUCKLING PRESS: "Ugly Duckling Presse is a nonprofit publisher for poetry, translation, experimental nonfiction, performance texts, and books by artists. Through the efforts of a volunteer editorial collective, UDP was transformed from a 1990s zine into a mission-driven small press that has published more than 300 titles to date, and produced countless prints and ephemera." Last open submission period was summer 2020; also accept chapbooks; check HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA PRESS: "The University of Georgia Press publishes scholarly and general-interest books in the following areas." List of what they publish and query instructions HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF HELL PRESS: "We are a deliberately genre-less press because we like to be surprised by what crosses our desks, we have published books that might not have otherwise seen the light of day if we had been a genre-specific press. We have published a number of poetry and prose collections, memoirs, fiction, and creative nonfiction." Irregular open submission periods, check HERE.
UNIV OF IOWA PRESS: Check HERE for what they're looking for. Guidelines for proposals HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS PRESS: "Founded in 1963, the University of Massachusetts Press publishes scholarship, literature, and books for general readers that reflect the quality and diversity of intellectual life on our campuses, in our region, and around the world." See guidelines for proposals HERE.
UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS PRESS JUNIPER PRIZE FOR CREATIVE NONFICTION: "The Juniper Prize for Creative Nonfiction is awarded annually to one original manuscript. The University of Massachusetts Press publishes the winning manuscript and the author receives a $1,000 award upon publication." Annually, August 1-September 30.
UNIV of NEBRASKA PRESS: "Founded in 1941, the University of Nebraska Press is a nonprofit scholarly and general interest press that publishes 150 new and reprint titles annually under the Nebraska, Bison Books, and Potomac Books imprints, and in partnership with the Jewish Publication Society, along with 30 journals. ... Native studies, history, sports, anthropology and geography, American studies and cultural criticism, and creative works." Accepts unagented and unsolicited proposals HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO PRESS: "We produce scholarly books in the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences—more specifically, in the areas of fine arts, Western history, Latin American studies, literature, poetry, environmental studies, archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. In recognition of the university’s educational outreach and public role, we also publish books of general interest and significance for our state and our region." Accept query letters and proposals year-round; guidelines HERE.
UNLEASH PRESS: "Unleash Press is an independent publishing house focused on partnering with authors of novels, short story collections, personal essays, reimagined fairytales, and innovative narrative nonfiction." for "[n]ovels, short story collections, and creative nonfiction manuscripts ... Full-length, completed manuscripts only. Reprints allowed." See guidelines HERE.
UNNAMED PRESS: "The Unnamed Press is a leading independent publisher of fiction and non-fiction, based in Los Angeles and founded in 2014. Our books represent a diverse list of voices—ones that challenge conventional perspectives while appealing to a broad general audience: exciting, radical, urgent. We nurture emerging talent and partner with more established authors to help their platform grow." Send queries to infoATunnamedpressDOTcom. Info HERE.
UNSOLICITED PRESS: "We focus on literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Whether you craft short stories, novels, chapbooks, memoirs, or essay collections, we want to read it. ... We are actively seeking essay collections, poetry of all lengths, experimental hybrids, literary novels, novellas, short story collections, memoirs, and nonfiction (literary criticism, history, cooking, health, science, and long-form journalism). " Email after following the guidelines HERE.
V PRESS LC: "I want to give those writers who have a great story to tell or stellar poems to share an outlet for their voice. I want to publish authors I believe in. ... I publish works that are fresh and original, works that empower, educate, encourage or inspire--the best works are those that get into the bones." Very small press, beautiful website. Open submissions year-round, guidelines HERE.
VELIZ BOOKS: "Veliz Books is an independent literary press dedicated to discovering, publishing and promoting work from emerging and established authors. We offer a vehicle where contemporary literature can travel. We are invested in fostering a community of readers and writers passionate about words and language, regardless of where they live." They accept non-fiction submissions March 5-May 5; guidelines and info HERE.
VINE LEAVES PRESS: "Here at Vine Leaves Press, we like to blur the line between commericlal and experimental works. We publish book-length vignette collections, writing reference books, short story collections, memoir/autobiography, and character-driven novels with a literary bent." Strong online presence (website, facebook, twitter, and instagram) required. Info about open submission periods and guidelines HERE.
VIOLET WINDING STARS PRESS: "Our dedication lies in publishing a wide range of genres, including poetry, short story collections, novels, memoirs, and historical fiction and non-fiction." Nonfiction: Interested in memoir, history, and art. See guidelines HERE.
WANDERING ANGUS PRESS: "Wandering Aengus Press is a small, literary press with a growing list of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid books. We publish books that bring the joys as well as the injustices of the human experience into vivid focus. Each year, we publish up to three winning manuscripts in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or hybrid. The winning manuscripts are published as perfect-bound books. Authors receive 50 copies of their book." Book Contest runs July 1-August 31; HERE.
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS: "The Wayne State University Press combines an educational mission with a commitment to publishing and promoting Michigan writers and works of local interest and national importance. Thank you for your interest in sustaining our region’s nonprofit publisher — a publisher that strives to present remarkable works that do not fit the traditional trade publishing mold." Submission guidelines HERE.
WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY PRESS: "Wesleyan University Press quickly established itself as one of the nation’s outstanding scholarly publishers of interdisciplinary work in the humanities and poetry."
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY PRESS: Wants place-focused essay collections. Can submit proposal any time.
WOODHALL PRESS: "Woodhall Press is committed to publishing diverse voices and welcomes submissions from women and under-represented writers." One-page query letters only, instructions HERE.
WORKMAN PUBLISHING (note various imprints): "Workman Publishing Co., Inc., is an independently owned family of publishers, including Workman Publishing, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, Algonquin Young Readers, Artisan, Storey Publishing, and Timber Press. We are also partners with The Experiment, duopress, Erewhon Books, and Familius." Look at ALGONQUIN BOOKS ("Algonquin as an independent press devoted to publishing literary fiction and nonfiction by undiscovered writers, mostly from the South.") HERE; THE EXPERIMENT ["The Experiment is an independent publisher, launched in 2008 and distributed by Workman since 2011. We publish a wide range of nonfiction—much of it practical—including food (and how to grow, cook, and enjoy it), health and fitness, psychology and personal development, parenting, relationships, sexuality, science, and nature. "] HERE; and TIMBER PRESS ("Timber Press is devoted to sharing the wonders of the natural world by publishing books from experts in the fields of gardening, horticulture, and natural history.") HERE.
WTAW PRESS: "WTAW Press publishes full-length books of prose (novels, memoirs, creative nonfiction, collections of stories and essays, hybrids etc.) We welcome submissions from writers of all backgrounds and encourage submissions by women, minorities, LGBTQ or non-binary gender people, persons with disabilities, and other traditionally-underrepresented groups. We want to publish books that show us more things on heaven and earth than we have dreamt of. We open for submissions yearly, and select books to publish from the open reading periods."
YELLOW ARROW PUBLISHING: "Yellow Arrow Publishing supports and inspires writers identifying as women through access to publication and the literary arts. We strive to create an inclusive and collaborative experience that allows all women to feel safe to create, take risks, learn, and further their writing and publishing goals. ... Creating diversity in the literary world is a deeply important work. It is our belief that when we share our stories with each other, it creates a ripple effect of empathy, compassion, and understanding." Also accept chapbooks. Check for next open submission period HERE.
ZONE THREE CREATIVE NONFICTION BOOK AWARD: "Manuscripts that embrace creative nonfiction’s potential by combining lyric exposition, researched reflection, travel dialogues, or creative criticism are encouraged. Memoir, personal narrative, essay collections, and literary nonfiction are also invited." Submission guidelines HERE.