Proposals & Submissions
UPDATED 2026
The task of proposing a project is often unclear. Many publishers have their specific guidelines depending on the genre of your manuscript. Still, the following is an overview of some of the most general guidelines that I found across the board.
I have learned to follow a particular model that includes seven parts. Each part addresses a different component of the final publication. Try it for practice of an idea.
Manuscript Description: In 2-3 sentences, describe your book project.
Manuscript Details: Provide more specific details about the project, including the content and organizational structure. You may include word or page count, illustration information (if applicable), anticipated date of a completed manuscript.
Contents: Provide an outline of the manuscript, including information about acknowledgments, preface, introduction, chapters, index, contributor information, credits.
Sample Chapters: You’ll include it here to provide content that will be part of the manuscript. The length and content can vary, but having something for editors to read will give a clearer sense of the focus of your manuscript.
Author: Provide information about yourself. How are you positioned to be the right person for this project? What have others said about your work? Including blurbs may be helpful. Attach a CV for review.
Research or Voice and Style: What makes this manuscript valuable? What contribution is it making to the field of study or genre? You can use this space to address what exists and how your manuscript fills any gaps that may exist.
Audience: Who will benefit from this publication? How can you address the longevity of this manuscript by focusing on its audience?
Small nonprofit presses are the lifeblood of contemporary poetry, prioritizing artistic merit and diverse voices over commercial bottom line. Below is a curated list of influential nonprofit publishers currently shaping the literary world. I have read hundreds of their books.
Copper Canyon Press
Submission Guidelines. A legendary independent publisher exclusively dedicated to poetry, known for its high-quality production and a roster that includes Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Graywolf Press
Submission Guidelines. One of the most prestigious nonprofit literary presses in the U.S., Graywolf publishes genre-defying poetry, fiction, and essays that frequently appear on national award lists.
Milkweed Editions
Submission Guidelines. Milkweed focuses on transformative literature that explores our relationship with the natural world and each other through various prizes like the National Poetry Series.
Alice James Books
Submission Guidelines. Founded as a feminist collective, this press is now a major force in the industry, offering a supportive home for both emerging and established poets through its annual Alice James Award.
Tupelo Press
Submission Guidelines. An independent nonprofit recognized for its exquisite book design and its commitment to publishing “the best of the best” through several competitive annual contests.
BOA Editions, Ltd.
Submission Guidelines. A cornerstone of the nonprofit scene since 1976, BOA is dedicated to publishing American poetry and literary adaptations that might otherwise go unheard.
Black Lawrence Press
Submission Guidelines. A reliable and prolific press that publishes poetry, fiction, and hybrid works, maintaining a high volume of annual contests to discover new talent.
Coffee House Press
Submission Guidelines. Based in Minneapolis, this press is a vanguard of experimental and culturally diverse literature, often seeking work that pushes the boundaries of traditional form.
When preparing your manuscript for any of these publishers, keep the following Industry Standards in mind:
Formatting: Use a standard 12-point font (Times New Roman is safest). Always ensure pages are numbered. Most poetry manuscripts range from 48 to 80 pages, while chapbooks are usually 14 to 36 pages. Page formatting for digital versus printed books may vary. Check with the publisher for latest guidelines.
Simultaneous Submissions: Most presses allow you to submit to multiple publishers at once, provided you withdraw the manuscript immediately, if it is accepted elsewhere. Offering any explanation is often optionall. No excuses needed.
The “Blind” Review: Many of the awards listed above use a blind judging process (often the jurors are authors, friends, or academics in that field or subject). Ensure your name and contact info appear only in your cover letter or Submittable profile, not on the manuscript pages themselves.
Acknowledge Previous Wins: Include an acknowledgments page listing any journals or magazines where individual poems from the collection have previously appeared.
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This is incredibly clear and helpful, Ruben. Thank you!