Compass Press, an imprint of the Community College of Baltimore County, is a rare institutional press that bridges academic and public literary spheres. Having already identified its first two books for publication in late 2025 and spring/summer 2026, the press now opens submissions for its third title. This call is not a contest but a curatorial selection process, with manuscripts evaluated by a jury of student and faculty readers. The press's commitment to full-length works—novels, creative nonfiction, poetry collections, and short story collections—signals a dedication to sustained literary form rather than ephemeral publication. The review process, while potentially extending up to eight months, reflects a deliberate and pedagogical engagement with contemporary writing. Submitters should understand that their work will be read within an educational context, where the act of curation is also an act of teaching. This does not diminish the seriousness of the selection; rather, it situates the press within a tradition of college-affiliated publishing that has launched significant literary careers. The absence of a submission fee further underscores the press's mission to remain accessible, removing economic barriers for writers at all stages. What the press offers is publication itself: a tangible book, brought to life through the resources of the college and the dedication of its readers. There is no cash prize, no residency, no promotional apparatus beyond the book. This is an opportunity for writers whose work is complete, polished, and ready for the slow, careful journey from manuscript to printed volume. The press's vision is one of literary stewardship, not spectacle.