Small Press
csupoetrycenter.comCleveland State University Poetry Center
Open nowAbout the press
Publishing focus
The CSU Poetry Center is committed to acquiring stylistically distinctive and skillfully crafted collections of poetry, prose, and translation from an aesthetically diverse range of authors, with a particular interest in producing books that demonstrate originality of voice and explore nontraditional approaches to form and content.
Selected authors
Leora Fridman, Lily Hoang, Martin Rock, Lo Kwa Mei-en, Broc Rossell, Lee Upton, Siwar Masannat, Lily Brown, Elyse Fenton, Emily Kendal Frey, Rebecca Hazelton, Rebecca Gayle Howell, Dora Malech, Shane McCrae, Zach Savich, Sandra Simonds, S.E. Smith, Wendy Xu, Jon Woodward
Calls & opportunities
3 listedManuscript submissions
The Center accepts submissions primarily through its annual poetry competitions, including the First Book Award and the Open Competition, as well as periodic open reading periods. Writers should check the website for specific guidelines and deadlines, as these vary by year. Manuscripts should be carefully proofread, formatted according to the stated requirements, and accompanied by a brief cover letter that conveys the work's aesthetic and thematic concerns without overstatement. Simultaneous submissions are generally permitted, but notify immediately if the work is accepted elsewhere. The Center values originality, emotional precision, and a clear sense of craft; avoid sending work that feels derivative or overly conventional. Response times can range from several months to half a year, so patience is advised. For questions, email the Center directly rather than calling.
Books
10 itemsExplore titles from the press’s catalogue.