Analytics on Missa

With your consent we measure which opportunities and flows are useful so we can improve them. We do not sell data or run advertising. Privacy notice

Skip to content
Beta
Log inCreate account
Back to independent presses

Small Press

bigtablepublishing.com

Big Table Publishing Company

Open now
Visit website Calls & opportunities
Independent publishing3 open opportunities listed

About the press

Big Table Publishing Company is an independent literary press founded in 2008 by poet and editor Timothy Gager. Based in Massachusetts, the press emerged from the vibrant small-press poetry and fiction scene of the Boston area, with a mission to publish work that is accessible, emotionally resonant, and unpretentious. Its name evokes the communal table where stories are shared, reflecting an ethos of inclusivity and direct engagement with readers. Over the years, Big Table has released a diverse catalog of poetry collections, short story anthologies, and novels, often by emerging writers who might be overlooked by larger commercial houses. The press maintains a modest but dedicated presence, prioritizing the literary merit and sincerity of a manuscript over market trends or academic pedigree.

Publishing focus

If they love your manuscript and offer you a contract, Big Table Publishing Company will provide editing, advice and direction (if you need it), the services of their art department to create your book cover, like-minded authors to blurb your book, and a printed galley for your review. They are known for our prompt replies and turnaround, because they know how hard it is to wait!

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionNovellaShort Story CollectionsEssay CollectionsNovelMemoirPoetry Collections

Selected authors
Timothy Gager, Michael C. Keith, Christopher Reilley (Poet Laureate of Dedham, MA), Zvi Sesling (Poet Laureate of Brookine, MA), Craig Fishbane, Brady Peterson, Jon Sindell, Robert Scotellaro, Jennifer Jean, Jennifer Martelli Amye Archer, Richard Fox, John Sheirer, Glenn Bowie, Keith Tornheim, Tina Barry, John Stanizzi, Lois Cuddy, Paul Beckman, Laurette Folk

Calls & opportunities

3 listed
Open

Big Table Publishing Company — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
Open

Big Table Publishing Company — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
Open

Big Table Publishing Company — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31
Reading feeNo
Response timeLess than 3 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should approach Big Table with a clear sense of its aesthetic: it favors work that is heartfelt, narrative, and free of irony or excessive formalism. Before submitting, read several titles from the catalog to gauge the tone. The press typically accepts full-length poetry manuscripts, short story collections, and novels, and it is advisable to query first via the website rather than sending unsolicited full manuscripts. Include a brief, professional cover letter that conveys the human core of your work. Patience is key, as response times can be slow due to the small staff. Simultaneous submissions are generally discouraged unless explicitly stated otherwise.

We prefer working with authors and poets who have a professional, up-to-date website, and who are active in their writing community and on social media.

Read official guidelines

Explore titles from the press’s catalogue.

Book covers aren’t available yet

Visit the press’s website to explore its catalogue.

Visit press website ↗