nw{p} is a trans* & gender-expansive poetry press. we publish new words journal three times per year, along with selected chapbooks & specialty projects. we publish work from emerging & established trans* poets. We want polished work that makes us stop mid-poem to catch our breath & linger. in addition to more traditional forms of poetry, nw{p} is a place for experimentation & hybrid process– work that mainstream journals won’t publish. ultimately, nw{p} to resides in the spectrum of life. We never charge a reading fee. Expect 4-6 weeks for a response, though it's often much faster than that. Payment for journal acceptance is $15 + one copy. please follow the guidelines exactly.
the citizen trans* {project} by new words {press} seeks to publish & archive the voices & experiences of trans* writers in this anti-trans, post-election country. we’re sad. we’re angry. we’re disillusioned, tired & betrayed. as writers, it’s our job to write regardless. to shed light, to truth tell, to burn.
the theme is simple: post-election writing. send us your tears, your rage, your hope, your hopelessness. send us your words. there is no voting process. if it’s on theme, we publish it online. Nothing is off limits except hate speech (decided on a case by case basis). we will be adding work weekly.
- one piece of work per person.
- accepting poetry, art, or short prose (prose can be no more than 500 words) that matches the theme. prose can be short-fiction or nonfiction, journal entry, essay, spell. whatever, as long as it’s on topic & 500 words or less.
- AI generated work not accepted.
- anyone identifying as trans* or gender-expansive in any way is welcome to submit.
- all submissions must be sent as MS Word or plain text document. .jpg and .png accepted for art submissions.
- submissions must go through submittable.
- as always, there is no submission fee.
- there is no payment for the project
- publication is online only (new words {press} website.
- content will be added to the website weekly.
make your voice heard!
new words {press} is excited to announce our first ever open manuscript call. the open call is capped at 40 submissions. those who know us, know that we are a trans* and gender-expansive press. this is an exciting moment for us, and realizes our commitment to elevate trans* and gender-expansive voices in literature. we are seeking polished submissions from trans* and gender-expansive poets & hybrid poets between 60 and 80 pages in length (no exceptions). see the complete guidelines below.
we lean toward fresh work that embodies the trans experience, not simply through content, but rather form, syntax, style, diction or other poetics. we love craft that mirrors the trans* experience and takes risks to find freedom & self, even if that leads us to uncomfortable spaces. while we are not afraid of work that is dark, dangerous, sexual, or provocative, it should be executed with great intention and control. we want your best work; work that resonates with clarity and brings new experiences and ideas to the page– work that leaves a room quiet.
all trans* and gender-expansive poets are encouraged to submit. collections may include visual, artistic poetry such as collage, tactile or other visual medium poetry. it bears saying again, while we absolutely welcome work with trans* themes, it is NOT required. all that is required is that the writer is trans* and/or gender-expansive. our goal is fairly share in any revenues or successes with the author. since nw{p} is financially maintained at the moment by the founder, the most we can offer selected poets is: a $400 payment + 40% of net profits for first 300 copies and 50% royalties on sales >300 (excepting author copies purchased at cost). in addition, we are committed to marketing the chapbook through our social & web channels, as well as some paid advertising.
what you'll get from us.
- a professionally produced final product, published through Ingram (meaning 60k+ stores will be able to order it at a discounted rate. which also includes automatic addition to Amazon)
- author involvement in the production process
- addition to our e-commerce store
- $400 honorarium and 40% of net profits for first 300 copies and 50% royalties on sales >300 (excepting author copies purchased at cost)..
- discount on author copies
- retention of rights to your work.
- sustained 6 month promotion through our social channels & website
- publication announcement through CLMP
what we expect from the poet.
- timely responses before, during, and after production
- self-promotion through your social / web channels
- self-promotion through you social & relevant professional circles
- open-mindedness and kindness
To apply:
- All submissions must go through Submittable. One submissions per person.
- Manuscripts must be 60 - 80 pages not including a title page and table of contents (no exceptions). Title page and TOC are required.
- Hybrid work is welcome (including hybrid poetry manuscripts that have art work).
- File name should be: Submission-[title]. Do not include your name in the manuscript or file name.
- Manuscripts should be submitted as a SINGLE document with NO identifying information in the filename or document. PDF, .docx, and .txt accepted formats.
- Upload a separate document (.docx or pdf) with a short, one-paragraph description of your work and a 1-3 paragraph explanation of why you're interested in new words {press} and how your work is a good fit. This is required. Submissions not including this will not be considered.
- Simultaneous submissions accepted. Please notify us right away if work is submitted elsewhere.
- Author receives $400 + 40% royalties of net profits for first 300 copies and 50% royalties on sales >300 (excepting author copies purchased at cost).
- do not submit AI works.
- We reserve First Rights. All rights revert back to author upon publication. However, future publications/postings of the work should credit new words {press}.