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

bkmkpress.org

BkMk Press

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

About the press

BkMk Press, founded in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is one of the oldest independent literary presses in the United States. Established with a commitment to publishing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction that might otherwise be overlooked by commercial houses, the press has long served as a vital platform for emerging and mid-career writers. Its ethos is rooted in a quiet, persistent dedication to literary craft, often favoring work that is formally accomplished, emotionally resonant, and unafraid of complexity. Over five decades, BkMk has maintained a modest but influential presence, prioritizing the book as a durable object of art and thought rather than a vehicle for market trends.

Publishing focus

Since 1971, BkMk Press (pronounced “bookmark”) has been committed to finding and publishing outstanding Writers. BkMk Press publishes primarily poetry and short fiction collections, and occasionally creative nonfiction and the literary novel. BkMk seeks to provide its audience with quality literature that, despite its merits, is overlooked by the major commercial publishing houses. BkMk offers a laboratory setting for students and community members to learn about and contribute to literary book publishing.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionShort Story CollectionsEssay CollectionsPoetry Collections

Selected authors
Susan Aizenberg, Robert Day, Walter Bargen, Howard Schwartz, Lorraine Lopez, Stephanie Powell Watts, Christian Barter, Gary Gildner, Charlotte Holmes, Mary Troy, Alice Friman, Kelly Cherry, Dina Elenbogen

Calls & opportunities

3 listed
OpenDeadline · 2027-02-01

BkMk Press — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
OpenDeadline · 2027-02-01

BkMk Press — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
OpenDeadline · 2027-02-01

BkMk Press — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodFeb 1 to Jun 30
Reading feeNo
Response timeGreater than 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

BkMk Press accepts submissions during specific reading periods, typically announced on its website and through calls for manuscripts. Writers should submit complete poetry manuscripts (48–80 pages), short story collections, or novels that demonstrate a high level of literary polish. The press values work that is character-driven, linguistically precise, and emotionally honest. Before submitting, review recent BkMk titles to understand its aesthetic range. Include a brief cover letter with a bio, and adhere strictly to formatting guidelines. Response times can be lengthy, so patience is essential. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted with immediate notification of acceptance elsewhere.

Do seek to build a track record in publishing your work in journals before trying to publish a full book. Do sample some of our titles before submitting to us.

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 ↗