WTAW Press is a traditional, distributed independent press that acquires literary titles through an anonymous open submission process. In seeking to elevate and publish traditionally underrepresented authors, WTAW provides several opportunities to submit manuscripts for publication during open reading periods. We welcome submissions from writers of all backgrounds, including from new, emerging, and established voices. To stay current with our open reading periods and other news, sign up for our newsletter. Links to submit manuscripts are live only during open reading periods.
For each opportunity, be sure to review and follow the guidelines carefully. Anonymity is mandatory. There can be no identifying information on the manuscript, including the file name, headers, and title page. Manuscripts containing identifying information will be automatically disqualified and any feed forfeited.
The annual Kevin McIlvoy Book Prize is for a full-length book of prose (novel, memoir, creative nonfiction, collection of stories or essays, hybrid forms, etc.) The winner will receive $2500, book publication with a standard publishing contract that pays royalties, and 25 copies of their book. All submissions will be considered for publication.
WTAW offers the Alcove Chapbook Series Competition. The winner will receive book publication, a $250 honorarium, and 25 copies of their book. All submissions will be considered for publication.
WTAW Press's imprint Betty accepts submissions by authors who identify as women, including trans women, nonbinary and intersex authors, and authors whose gender is fluid or nonconforming. Betty has its own newsletter; sign up to keep current with open submission periods and more. You can find the imprint on social media platforms @thebettybooks.
Learn more about these opportunities and more at our website.
Thank you for considering WTAW Press and Betty. We look forward to reading your work.
Submission guidelines for Betty
Betty is a traditional, distributed independent imprint of WTAW Press. Our mission is to elevate and publish historically underrepresented voices. We welcome submissions from all self-identified women, including trans women, nonbinary and intersex authors, and authors whose gender identity is fluid or nonconforming. We value excellent writing, seeking authors with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, and acquire literary titles through our anonymous open submission process.
Betty authors are organized into cohorts. Authors connect with one another during the publishing cycle, share advice and encouragement, and support one another’s events and readership. This collaborative spirit helps build momentum for each title and for Betty overall. By submitting a manuscript, an author is expressing their interest in participating in the cohort for a three to four-year term that includes the pre-publication and one-year post-publication of their book.
Before entering a manuscript for consideration, please familiarize yourself with Betty and our books.
Submissions are accepted only via our submission manager during the submission period, June 1–August 31, 2026, accompanied by a nonrefundable submission fee of $30.
● Manuscripts should be full-length books of prose (novels, memoirs, narrative nonfiction, collections of stories or essays, hybrid prose) in English.
● All material must be the author’s own, original composition and free from copyright restrictions. We do not accept submissions generated by AI tools or language models.
● Identifying information for the author must not be included anywhere on the manuscript, including on the name of the file or on the title field in the submission form. Manuscripts containing identifying information in any way will be automatically disqualified and the entry fee forfeited.
● A manuscript in its entirety must be previously unpublished. It may contain some previously published portions, but it should contain a majority of new work.
● Any previous published material contained in the manuscript must be credited in the cover letter (see more about the letter below).
● Acknowledgements of any previously published material may not be included in the manuscript file. Manuscripts containing acknowledgments will be automatically disqualified.
● Ensure manuscript pages are numbered.
● Include a title page with a total word count.
● Include a table of contents, as appropriate.
● Use a standard, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman in twelve-point size. Manuscripts must be double-spaced with at least 1 inch margins.
● Authors may submit more than one manuscript as long as no material is duplicated between submissions. Each submission requires a separate entry fee.
● Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but the writer must agree to notify Betty immediately if the manuscript is accepted elsewhere for publication and to withdraw it from our submission manager.
● Submissions cannot be edited once they are submitted. Manuscripts selected for publication will go through an editing process with the editors.
● Cover letters must be entered into the appropriate field on the submission manager. They may not be included in the submission file itself. Submission files that contain a cover letter will be automatically disqualified.
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Cover letters must include the following information:
● Author contact information (address, phone, email)
● The work’s title, genre, and word count
● List of credits for any previously published portions
● A brief synopsis of the work (short paragraph)
● A brief author biography with publishing history, if applicable, and that includes an author website address and social media handles
● Indication if the manuscript is submitted simultaneously and pledge to withdraw it if accepted elsewhere
● Where you heard about the open call for Betty submissions
Any submission that doesn’t follow the guidelines will be disqualified and the submission fee forfeited.
Thank you for sending us your manuscript. We look forward to reading it.
Join the WTAW Press Team
Before applying, please familiarize yourself with WTAW Press, including our Alcove Chapbook Series and our imprint Betty, via our website and social media platforms.
Our staff positions offer an immersive opportunity for those looking to engage deeply with the literary world—including students, recent graduates, aspiring writers, or career changers. Successful candidates work closely with our Director to gain firsthand knowledge of the rewarding, fast-paced world of small-press nonprofit publishing.
What We Look For
We value candidates who are:
- Ambitious & Curious: Eager to lean into new opportunities and embrace challenges.
- Communicative: Possessing excellent writing and organizational skills.
- Collaborative: Able to work well independently and as part of a mission-driven team.
- Reliable: Capable of juggling various deadlines with a proactive, positive attitude.
Open Positions
SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT
The Social Media Assistant maintains and updates the press's social media channels and builds community engagement.
- Responsibilities: Maintain the social media calendar; create and curate graphics/videos; and implement best practices to engage readers.
- Ideal Candidate: Enthusiastic about literary content-creation with experience in social media management (specifically for nonprofits or arts organizations). Proficiency in Canva or similar design tools is required.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT (NEWSLETTER)
The Communications Assistant is responsible for assisting with the strategy, assembly, and distribution of newsletters, ensuring our subscribers stay connected to our authors, imprints, and events.
- Responsibilities: Plan and manage the newsletter calendar; draft engaging copy; create graphics; manage subscriber lists; and monitor performance metrics.
- Ideal Candidate: An excellent writer who knows how to write a compelling subject line. Highly organized and comfortable working within email marketing platforms. Meticulous about proofreading and link-checking. Proficiency in Canva or similar design tools.
PUBLISHING ASSISTANT
Reporting to the Director, the Publishing Assistant assists with projects across all areas of operation, including editorial, production, marketing, and development.
- Responsibilities: Assist in designing marketing materials; help prepare work for publication; support event planning and fundraising; and conduct relevant research.
Ideal Candidate: Someone with a passion for contemporary literature and a desire to learn the "nuts and bolts" of independent publishing and nonprofit operations.
Eligibility & Compensation
- Commitment: All positions are part-time and remote.
- Compensation: While these are not salaried staff positions, those who complete the minimum contractual period will receive a modest financial stipend.
- Academic Credit: For interns eligible to receive school credit, WTAW is happy to provide the necessary documentation and requirements.
- Inclusion: We strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
How to Apply
We consider applications on a rolling basis. Please be prepared to provide:
- A brief introduction (Cover Letter) explaining why you are applying and how your qualifications align with WTAW’s mission.
- A current resume outlining your relevant experience.
If you're so inclined to support the activities of WTAW Press, we gratefully accept.
Please note: this is not an opportunity to submit a manuscript.
Manuscripts are only accepted during our open reading periods and through the direct categories reserved for submissions. If you don't see any categories for submitting a manuscript, try another time. You can keep up with our open submission periods on our website and by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for your support!