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About the press

Awst Press is an independent publisher based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2014 with a commitment to literary and visual arts. The press operates with a dual focus: publishing full-length books and a limited-edition art series, often blending text and image. Its ethos is rooted in supporting emerging and underrepresented voices, with a particular emphasis on innovative, cross-genre work that challenges conventional boundaries. Awst Press has gained recognition for its carefully designed books and its annual print series, which pairs writers with visual artists. The press is known for its discerning editorial eye, favoring work that is formally adventurous and emotionally resonant.

Publishing focus

Awst Press publishes a wide range of work across perspectives, genres, and subjects. In addition to full-length books, they have hosted essay series, and their Pocketbooks series features small texts with big impact. To understand their aesthetic and literary interests, read the work they’ve published: a wealth of stories, poems, and essays is available for free online.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionTranslationNovellaShort Story CollectionsEssay CollectionsNovelMemoirPoetry Collections

Selected authors
A. Anupama, Sarah Arthur, Shushan Avagyan, Eman Beshtawii, Dan Bevacqua, Ka Bradley, Bridget Brewer, Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, Deanna Cachoian-Schanz, Justine Champine, Karissa Chen, Susanna Childress, Edward M. Cohen, Vida Cross, Jayy Dodd, Nalini Edwin, Kendra Fortmeyer, P. E. Garcia, Bruce Owens Grimm, Alice Harding, Marcelle Heath, Liz Howard, Mike Ingram, RE Katz, Jennifer Kemnitz, Gene Kwak, Lillian Kwok, Rudy Landeros, Diane Lefer, Ella Longpre, Micheline Aharonian Marcom, Chelsea Martin, Felix Morgan, Katherine D. Morgan, Denne Michele Norris, Jun Ogata, David Olimpio, Erin Pringle, John Proctor, Donald Quist, Alicia Jo Rabins, Anne Ray, Victorio Reyes, Allison Schuette, Sophfronia Scott, Normandy Sherwood, Bob Schneider, Sonya Vatomsky, Lindsey Verrill, Robert Vivian, Laura Warman, LaToya Watkins, Sarah M. Wells, Melanie Westerberg, Brian Phillip Whalen, Alexa Winik, Andrew Yoon

Calls & opportunities

3 listed

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodFeb 15 to May 15
Reading feeNo
Response timeLess than 3 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsNo

Awst Press accepts submissions during specific reading periods, typically announced on their website and social media. They seek full-length manuscripts (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or hybrid) and proposals for their art series. Before submitting, carefully review their catalog to understand their aesthetic—they favor work that is innovative, risk-taking, and often blends genres. Include a cover letter that articulates your vision and how it aligns with the press's mission. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify them promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Response times can be lengthy due to a small staff; patience is advised. For art series proposals, include a clear concept and sample images. Always follow their formatting guidelines precisely.

Read official guidelines