Gasher Press — 2026 Open Reading Full-Length Poetry (BIPOC WRITERS)

Overview
Gasher Press has established itself as a discerning independent publisher with a commitment to poetry and hybrid texts that resist easy categorization. This open reading is specifically for BIPOC writers, a deliberate curatorial focus that acknowledges the historical barriers faced by poets of color in traditional publishing while affirming the press's dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices. The press seeks manuscripts that demonstrate formal ambition and intellectual rigor, whether in verse or in hybrid forms that push against the boundaries of genre. The selected poet will receive publication of a full-length book, with the press offering editorial guidance through the revision process. The manuscript should be between 50 and 100 pages, excluding front and back matter, and must be unpublished as a whole, though individual poems or chapbook sections may have appeared previously. Gasher Press does not accept work generated by AI, underscoring a commitment to authentic, human craft. The press's catalogue reflects a curatorial vision that values lyric innovation, cultural specificity, and work that engages with the complexities of contemporary experience. This opportunity is not a contest with a cash prize but a pathway to publication with a press that prioritizes careful editing and design. The $10 fee is a modest barrier, and simultaneous submissions are permitted, though immediate withdrawal is required upon acceptance elsewhere. The press's guidelines are precise: no revisions after submission, no preambles or bios in the manuscript, and a required table of contents. These parameters signal a professional, no-nonsense approach that respects the time of both the editors and the submitting poets.