Some of you might have heard about the recent SPD shuttering, which has caused big problems for almost 400 indie publishers. Though problems had been brewing for a few years at SPD and many presses had already left its sinking ship, this sudden news devastated small presses who now stand to lose thousands of dollars and much of their inventory. Poets may likely be hit the worst but it is all around an unpleasant situation. As if the indie press scene wasn’t already precarious!
Well, there’s no telling what domino effect this shuttering will have, but for now, these small presses below are up and running and OPEN for manuscript submissions. You’ll notice that most of these indie press reading periods are now associated with a contest. I don’t know when this happened. Contests were supposed to be married to lit mags, right? But then, some lit mags made presses. Or wait—some presses made lit mags. Or…both.
In any case, it makes sense that indie presses wanted to get in on whatever was happening between contests and lit mags because, well, everyone needs money to do anything in this crazy writing/publishing industry we’re in. So, yes, whether you like it or not – more and more indie press open reading periods are now becoming full-fledged book prizes. Many presses still hold separate reading periods, but few are always open, and fewer still are free. Some offer waivers and fee-free options, which is always nice.
I think we’ll also see more and more that agents will factor into the indie press scene. At least for the indie presses that are reaching “prestigious status” – whatever that means (well, awards, sales, and glitz).
Now, with the below list, just keep in mind that most of these “prizes” are set against royalty. That means they function as a kind of book advance. If you win and the press awards $1000 (pretty standard), then this means your book will have to make at least $1000 before you can start earning any royalty on it. Generally, royalty is 10-15%, but some presses can go below or over that. Needless to say, always read submission guidelines and publishing contracts with care!
Alright, let’s get subbing!
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Switchback Books - Gatewood Prize
Deadline: April 16 | Fee: $20 | Prize: Publication, marketing, and promotion + 30 copies
Switchback Books challenges gender inequity in literary publishing by producing and promoting books of poetry by women and non-binary authors. Publishing exclusively women and non-binary poets comprises a feminist act. We aim to change the unbalanced ratio of genders represented in literary publishers’ catalogs, making women’s voices and perspectives accessible to the literary community and the general public.
The Gatewood Prize is Switchback Books’ annual competition for a first or second full-length collection of poems by a woman or non-binary writer. It is named after Emma Gatewood, the first woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.
University of Utah Press - Agha Shahid Ali Manuscript Prize in Poetry
Deadline: April 16 | Fee: $25 | Prize: $1000
Founded in 1949, The University of Utah Press currently publishes in the following general subject areas: anthropology, archaeology, Mesoamerican studies, American Indian studies, linguistics, natural history, nature writing, Utah and Western history, Mormon studies, Utah and regional guidebooks, and regional titles. The Press employs seven full-time staff members and publishes between 25 and 30 titles per year. The Press has more than 500 titles currently in print.
Honoring the memory of a celebrated poet and a beloved teacher, the Agha Shahid Ali Prize in Poetry is awarded annually and is sponsored by The University of Utah Press and The University of Utah Department of English. $1,000 Cash Prize and Publication; Reading in The University of Utah's Guest Writers Series.
Choefpleirn Press - Poetry Chapbook Prize
Deadline: April 28 | Fee: $20 | Prize: $250 + 10 copies
We are a husband and wife team seeking to publish the best poetry, short fiction, nonfiction, drama, and art that we can find. Together, we have more than 60 years of teaching college-level writing and literature courses and have worked for many different literary magazines for over 13 years.
This chapbook contest exists for those poets who have not yet published a chapbook or a full-length collection of poems.
Autumn House Press - Autumn House Press Nonfiction Prize
Deadline: April 30 | Fee: $35* Waivers available | Prize: $1000 + $1500 travel/publicity grant to promote book
Founded in 1998, Autumn House Press is proud to have published debut collections by poets such as Ada Limón, Danusha Lameris, Eric Tran, and Cameron Barnett, and fiction writers such as Michael X. Wang and Wendy Wimmer, and nonfiction by Beth Alvarado, Dickson Lam, and Clifford Thompson. AHP is a nationally renowned nonprofit publisher based in Pittsburgh, PA, whose mission is to publish and promote poetry and other fine literature.
For the 2024 contest, the Autumn House staff as well as select outsider readers serve as the preliminary readers, and the final judge is Clifford Thompson.
University of Pittsburgh Press - Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize
Deadline: April 30 | Fee: $25 | Prize: $5000
The University of Pittsburgh Press is a publisher with distinguished lists in a wide range of scholarly and cultural fields. We publish books for general readers, scholars, and students.
Our renowned Pitt Poetry Series represents many of the finest poets active today, as reflected in the many prestigious awards their work has garnered over the past four decades. In addition, the Press is home to the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize, the Donald Hall Prize for Poetry, and, in rotation with other university presses, the Cave Canem Poetry Prize. We also sponsor the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, which recognizes the finest collective works of short fiction available in an international competition.
Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc. - Romance Novellas wanted from BIPOC Communities
Deadline: April 30 | Fee: $25 | Prize: $1000
Kinsman Quarterly is the literary journal of Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization that celebrates, equips, and publishes individuals of BIPOC and underrepresented communities. Our mission is to diversify the literary landscape, extend opportunities to underrepresented literary artists, and amplify the voices, cultures, and histories that have been muted for generations. We envision a society where multicultural narratives are governed with authenticity in contrast to filtration through a mainstream lens or popular market trends.
Press Pause Press - The Beautiful Pause Prize
Deadline: May 1 | Fee: $25 } Prize: $1000 / $500 Runner-up
Press Pause is a literary magazine with zero social media presence. No Facebook. No Twitter (#amwriting). No Insta, no Snapchat, and none of whatever that TikTok thing is.
At Press Pause, we are dedicated to the idea that the world would probably be a better place, at least somewhat, if we all took a moment to pause and reflect before doing.
Think of us as a quiet literary think tank. A closed room with a comfortable reclining chair, lots of sunlight and a beautiful vase of daisies. This is your space. This is our space, far away from the noise.
Noemi Press - Book Award for Poetry
Deadline: May 1 | Fee: $25 | Prize: $2000
Founded in 2002, Noemi Press is a 501(c)(3) literary arts organization dedicated to publishing and promoting the work of emerging and established authors and artists.
Noemi Press relies on the support of those who believe in the future of literature. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.
University of Iowa Press - The Iowa Poetry Prize
Deadline: May 1 | Fee: $20 | Prize: Publication
Established in 1969, the University of Iowa Press is a well-regarded academic publisher serving scholars, students, and readers throughout the world with works of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. As the only university press in the state, Iowa is also dedicated to preserving the literature, history, culture, wildlife, and natural areas of the Midwest.
The Iowa Poetry Prize, open to new as well as established poets, is awarded for a book-length collection of poems written originally in English. Previous winners, current University of Iowa students, and current and former University of Iowa Press employees are not eligible.
Tupelo Press - Berkshire Prize for First or Second Book of Poetry
Deadline: May 1 | Fee: $30 | Prize: $3000
Tupelo Press, Inc., which released its first five books in fall 2001, is an independent, literary press devoted to discovering and publishing works of poetry, literary fiction, and creative nonfiction by emerging and established writers. Tupelo Press is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit company.
What we look for is a blend of urgency of language, imagination, distinctiveness, and craft. What we produce and how we produce it — from design to printing to paper quality — honors the writing in books which boast the uniquely sensual look and feel of a Tupelo Press book.
Texas Review Press - Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Scholarly Works Open Reading Period
Deadline: May 1 | Fee: No | Prize: Publication
TRP: The University Press of SHSU publishes poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and scholarly works. We are currently open for new book project proposals, please see below for guidelines. We are interested in literary and scholarly work in both full-length and shorter forms (chapbooks, single essays), as well as hybrid works.
Kent State University Press - Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Pirze
Deadline: May 1 | Fee: $27 | Prize: $2500
For forty years, the Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University has aimed to bring poetry to everyday lives by fostering meaningful conversations and engaging diverse audiences around the world, empowering individuals to share their voice across divisions of language, age, and culture. The list below contains the current calls, contests, scholarships, and surveys for which we are currently accepting submissions.
This prize is offered annually to a poet who has not previously published a full-length collection of poems.
Thanks for this list, Ben. Will definitely be checking out a few! PS: Any possibility that you might do one just focusing on chapbook publishing opportunities in the near future? (Pretty please? ...) :)
What is SPD?