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headmistress-press.com

Headmistress Press

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About the press

Headmistress Press is an independent publisher dedicated to poetry and prose by women, with a particular emphasis on lesbian and feminist voices. Founded in 2013 by poet Mary Meriam, the press emerged from a desire to create a dedicated space for work that often circulates at the margins of mainstream literary publishing. Its catalog reflects a commitment to aesthetic range and intellectual rigor, publishing full-length collections, chapbooks, and anthologies that explore identity, desire, and formal experimentation. The press operates with a clear curatorial vision: to champion writing that is unapologetically female, queer, and often overlooked by larger houses. While its list is selective, it has become a vital node for readers and writers seeking poetry that engages with feminist and lesbian experience without compromise.

Publishing focus

Founded in 2013, Headmistress Press specializes in poetry and art by lesbians, and their mission is to increase lesbian visibility in the arts. For many years, they held the Charlotte Mew Chapbook Contest, but now hold one annual contest: Sappho’s Prize in Poetry.

PoetryPoetry Collections

Selected authors
Robin Becker, Maureen Bocka, Nicole Brossard, Flower Conroy, Risa Denenberg, Dinah Dietrich, Laura Foley, Janice Gould, Judy Grahn, Marilyn Hacker, Joan Larkin, Ruth Lehrer, Eleanor Lerman, Amy Lowell, Jill McDonough, Jenn Morea, Mary Meriam, Constance Merritt, Jenn Morea, G.L. Morrison, Lesléa Newman, Samantha Pious, Minnie Bruce Pratt, Alison Prine, Rita Mae Reese, Naomi Replansky, Rachel Rose, Carter Steinmann, Lynn Strongin, Abe Louise Young

Calls & opportunities

3 listed
ClosedDeadline · 2026-10-01

Headmistress Press — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
ClosedDeadline · 2026-10-01

Headmistress Press — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
ClosedDeadline · 2026-10-01

Headmistress Press — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodOct 1 to Oct 31
Reading feeYes
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsNo

Headmistress Press accepts submissions during specific reading periods, typically announced on its website and social media. Writers should send a polished manuscript of 48–80 pages for full-length collections, or 20–30 pages for chapbooks, with a clear table of contents and acknowledgments page. Include a brief cover letter that situates your work within the press’s mission—lesbian and feminist perspectives are central, but formal innovation and emotional precision are equally valued. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify the press immediately if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere. Response times can be lengthy, so patience is advised. Before submitting, read at least one book from the catalog to understand the press’s aesthetic range and editorial sensibility.

Our definition of “lesbian” includes both women who identify as lesbians and people who identify with lesbians. We recognize that lesbian communities have been and continue to be informed by bi women, trans women, Two Spirit, genderqueer, gender-noncomforming, and nonbinary people, and that many of these labels are not mutually exclusive categories. In that spirit, we welcome submissions from all poets who feel an intimate connection with the term “lesbian.”

Read official guidelines

Explore titles from the press’s catalogue.

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