Guidelines for submissions of unpublished books of prose

 September 30 – December 31, 2025

We welcome submissions of full-length books of prose (novels, memoirs, narrative nonfiction, essay and story collections, and hybrid works) from new, emerging, and established voices and from writers of all backgrounds.

Non-refundable entry fee: $30.

Manuscript anonymity

Identifying information for the author must not be included anywhere in the manuscript, including in the file name or title field in the submission manager. Manuscripts containing identifying information in any way will be automatically disqualified, and the entry fee forfeited.

Previously published material

The manuscript, in its entirety, must be previously unpublished. It may contain some previously published portions, but the majority of the work should be new. Any previously published material in the manuscript must be credited in the cover letter (see cover letter guidelines below). Acknowledgements of previously published material may not be included in the manuscript file. Manuscripts containing acknowledgements will be automatically disqualified.

Originality and AI restrictions

All material must be the author’s own, original composition and free from copyright restrictions. Submissions generated by AI tools or language models are not accepted.

Simultaneous submissions

Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but by submitting a manuscript, the author agrees to notify WTAW immediately if the manuscript is accepted elsewhere for publication and to withdraw it from Submittable.

Multiple submissions

Multiple submissions are accepted, provided each is accompanied by a separate entry fee. Each submission must be unique.

Submission finality

Submissions cannot be edited once submitted. Manuscripts selected for publication will undergo an editing process with the editors.

Manuscript formatting

Manuscripts should be submitted as a .doc or .docx file, in a 12-point standard font such as Times New Roman, double-spaced, with at least 1-inch margins, and paginated. Include a title page with the total word count and, if applicable, a table of contents.

Cover letter guidelines

Cover letters must be entered into the appropriate field in the submission manager. They may not be included in the manuscript file. Submission files that contain a cover letter will be automatically disqualified.

Cover letters must include the following information:

• Author contact information (address, phone, email)
• The work’s title, genre, and word count
• A list of credits for any previously published portions
• A brief synopsis of the work (short paragraph)
• A brief author biography, including author website address and social media handles, and, if applicable, publishing history
• An indication if the manuscript is submitted simultaneously, with acknowledgment of the requirement to withdraw it if accepted elsewhere
• Where you heard about the call for submissions

Disqualification

Any submission that doesn’t follow the guidelines will be disqualified, and the submission fee forfeited.

Responses

WTAW responds to every submission through the submission manager at the email address provided with the submission.

Thank you for considering WTAW Press. 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.