Blue Light Press

Manuscript submissions

Blue Light Press accepts submissions primarily through its annual poetry prize and occasional open reading periods. Poets should consult the website for specific guidelines, as reading periods are limited and often announced via newsletter. Manuscripts should reflect the press's aesthetic: lyrical, accessible, and emotionally resonant. Avoid overly experimental or highly conceptual work. Include a brief cover letter, a table of contents, and a self-addressed stamped envelope if submitting by mail. Simultaneous submissions are typically accepted with immediate notification of acceptance elsewhere. Response times can be slow due to the volunteer nature of the press, so patience is advised. For the contest, follow the theme or judge preferences if announced, and always proofread carefully.

Send us your best work! A book is ready for publication when you're proud of every page. We love to see the transformation of experience into art and especially enjoy poems that take the leap to a larger place. The best poems speak to body, mind, heart and soul. Our anthology, River of Earth and Sky: Poems for the Twenty-First Century , showcases more than a hundred poets we deeply admire. This book was a #1 bestseller.