Fernwood Press

Manuscript submissions

Writers should approach Fernwood Press with a clear sense of how their manuscript fits the press's aesthetic—formally inventive, emotionally grounded, and attentive to the possibilities of the book as an art object. Before submitting, read several titles from the catalog to understand the range and sensibility. The press accepts submissions through periodic open reading periods, typically announced on its website and social media; unsolicited submissions outside these windows are generally not considered. Include a brief cover letter that contextualizes your work within contemporary poetics and explains why Fernwood is the right home for it. Simultaneous submissions are accepted with prompt notification of acceptance elsewhere. Response times vary, often taking several months due to the volume of submissions and the care taken in review.

Don’t apologize for your work, and don’t be afraid to follow up from time to time. The work of making a book is a very different process from the creation of the work, so we’re not always communicating on the same frequency or wavelength. Ask questions. Tell us what you hope for, what you envision, and what you want. Writers who follow up and follow through help us to help them bring their book into the world.