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Choeofpleirn Press

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Independent publishing3 open opportunities listed

About the press

Choeofpleirn Press is an independent literary press founded in 2018 by a collective of writers and artists seeking a more equitable and experimental publishing landscape. The press takes its name from a coined term blending 'choreography' and 'plein air,' reflecting a commitment to movement, openness, and the interplay between text and environment. From its inception, Choeofpleirn has prioritized work that challenges conventional narrative forms, hybrid genres, and voices historically marginalized by mainstream publishing. Its catalog includes poetry, fiction, and cross-disciplinary projects, often produced in limited editions with an emphasis on tactile and visual design. The press operates as a non-profit, supported by a network of volunteers and donors, and maintains a strong focus on community engagement through workshops, readings, and collaborative projects.

Publishing focus

The press publishes two books a year. A modest reading fee pays for the publication of the book. It also publishes winners in four additional no-cost contests: Romance Reigns (submit in January; eight winners announced in February); Summer Stories (submit in May; eight winners announced in June); Harvest Harmonies (submit in September; eight winners announced in October); and Mini Mysteries (submit in November; eight winners announced in December). Each story or poem selected is changed into a shareable meme and posted on social media.

PoetryFictionChapbookMemoir

Selected authors
Christine Andersen, Anna Redsand, Creighton Fox, Roger Heinekan, Jane Wiseman, Cody Shrum, Amy Lerman, Tracy Robert, Fran Schumer, James P. Cooper, Jacquelyn Shah, Brian C. Billings, Joshua Heffner, Leah Mueller, Lindsey Bartlett, Daniel P. Stokes, Sharon Scholl.

Calls & opportunities

3 listed

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodJan 1 to Apr 30
Reading feeYes
Response timeLess than 3 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers and artists should first review the press's catalog to understand its aesthetic range, which favors hybrid, experimental, and politically conscious work. Submissions are typically open during biannual reading periods announced on the website and social media. Prepare a concise cover letter, a 10-page sample of your manuscript, and a brief artist statement if your work incorporates visual elements. Simultaneous submissions are accepted with notification, but previously published work is discouraged unless part of a larger project. Response times average 3-6 months; patience is advised. The press values community over competition, so demonstrate how your work engages with its mission of inclusivity and formal innovation.

For the books, the winners have all had a strong unifying themes, both in poetry and in nonfiction collections. For our story-memes, we want fiction or poetry that captures a moment, person, place, or thing that fits within the theme of that particular contest.

Read official guidelines