WTAW Press provides several opportunities to submit manuscripts for publication during open reading periods. To stay  current with our open reading periods and other news, sign up for our newsletter.  Links to submit manuscripts are available only during the open reading periods. 

Be sure to review and follow the guidelines carefully. Submissions that don't follow the guidelines are automatically discarded and entry fees are forfeited.

We welcome submissions from writers of all backgrounds, including from new, emerging, and established voices.

WTAW offers the annual Kevin McIlvoy Book Prize 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 annual 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. Betty aims to play a crucial role in fostering diversity, representation, and inclusivity within the literary world. 

Learn more at our website.

Thank you for considering WTAW Press and Betty. We look forward to reading your work.

Before applying, please familiarize yourself with WTAW Press, including our Alcove Chapbook Series and imprint Betty via our website and our social media platforms.

Publishing Associate

WTAW Press seeks a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Part-Time Associate Publisher to assist the Publisher with all operations of WTAW Press, including taking charge of business, administrative, scheduling, staffing, and fundraising areas, and working closely with the Publisher in planning, managing, and executing the work of the press. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled publishing professional who is passionate about literary works and thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. The role offers the potential for growth, with opportunities to assume greater responsibility for the operations and leadership WTAW over time.

Part-Time, Remote. 20 hours per week, some flexible scheduling possible. Reports to Publisher. 

This is an independent contractual position with a starting pay of $18,000–20,000 annually, depending on experience, with potential for growth. 

Qualifications include a minimum of 3–5 years of experience in book publishing.

To apply: 

  • Review the detailed job description available at WTAW Press.
  • Submit a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in this role, along with your resume, to wtaw@wtawpress.org. In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your experience in publishing. 

Other Open Positions

Our positions offer a great opportunity for those who want to get involved in publishing or want to understand the operations of nonprofit organizations: students, recent graduates, aspiring writers, those who are changing careers, or those who seek to connect with writers and devote time to a literary life. Successful candidates work closely with our director to gain or enhance hands-on experience and firsthand knowledge of the rewarding and challenging work of small press book publishing.

We look for candidates who are ambitious, curious, and detail-oriented; who possess excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills; and who are excited about leaning into new opportunities with a willingness to embrace challenges. We value proactive and positive attitudes; an interest in thinking creatively, collaboratively, and strategically; the ability to take initiative and to work well both independently and with others; and the capacity to juggle various deadlines.

Eligibility for all positions:  We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. 

While positions are not salaried, those who complete the minimum contractual period will receive a modest financial compensation. For interns who are in school and eligible to receive credit for participation in an internship, WTAW is glad to meet the necessary requirements. All positions are part-time.

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT

Prospective assistants should enjoy social media and content-creation, particularly literary and writing-related content, and either be actively engaged or enthusiastic about becoming actively engaged with those communities online. The ideal candidate will have experience within communications and social media management, specifically with literary arts organizations, publications, or presses or other nonprofit organizations. The Social Media Assistant will be responsible for maintaining and updating the press's social media channels. 

Responsibilities include maintaining the social media calendar; creating and curating collateral, graphics, and videos for social media platforms; and maintaining best practices to engage readers and the literary community.

Qualifications include familiarity with and enthusiasm for building community through social media; experience with other literary arts organizations, publications, or press; video and graphic design skills using Canva or similar tools.

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

The ideal candidate will have experience within literary arts organizations, publications, or presses. Reporting to the Director, the Publishing Assistant will assist with selected projects from all areas of our operation, including editorial, production, publicity, marketing, community engagement, and development. The Publishing Assistant will gain an overview of the current publishing climate and the nature of independent publishing, as well as the operational nuts and bolts and nitty-gritty details of running a small nonprofit business. 

Responsibilities include assisting in the design, development, and execution of communication, publicity, and marketing materials and collateral; assisting in the preparation of work for publication; assisting in the planning and execution of events and fundraising activities; and conducting relevant research and analysis. 

Qualifications include knowledge of contemporary literature or genuine desire to develop it; experience with other literary arts organizations, publications, and/or presses, and/or other nonprofits; passion for publishing and curiosity about the inner workings of the publishing industry; and interest in learning the business of publishing and/or operations of small nonprofit organizations. 

TO APPLY: 

To answer the questions in making your application, be prepared to provide:

  • a brief introduction to yourself that includes why you're applying for the position(s) and that speaks to the qualifications you would bring to WTAW
  • a resume that outlines your experiences

For these positions we consider applications on a rolling basis. 

$25.00

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!

WTAW Press