Small Press
jacarpress.comJacar Press
Open nowAbout the press
Publishing focus
Jacar Press is a Community Active press publishing fine poetry from Pulitzer Prize winners to poets not yet known. Proceeds from sales support progressive programs and organizations working to create positive change in their communities. Its annual Gathering of Poets, has featured Diane Seuss, Carolyn Forche, Ilya Kaminsky, Marilyn Nelson, Li-Young Lee, Leila Chatti, Dorianne Laux, Zeina Hashem Beck, Romeo Oriogun, Kevin Prufer, Esteban Rodriguez, Jennifer Franklin, Molly Twomey, Annemarie Ní Churreáin, and more.
Selected authors
Mark Doty, Claudia Emerson, Yusef Komunyakaa, Dorianne Laux, Thylias Moss, Marge Piercy, Chana Bloch, Rita Dove, Jim Daniels, Maxine Chernoff, Jamaal May, Stuart Dischell, Leanne O'Sullivan, Kathryn Stripling Byer, Joseph Millar, Afaa Michael Weaver, Fady Joudah, Zeina Hashem Beck, Gibbons Ruark, Betty Adcock, Lola Haskins, Gary Fincke, Jaki Shelton Green, Sandy Longhorn, Al Maginnes, Jeff Hardin, Debra Kaufman, Stephanie Levin, Sharon McDermott, Chera Miller, Kelly Michels, Maura High, Edison Jennings
Calls & opportunities
3 listedManuscript submissions
Jacar Press accepts submissions through periodic open reading periods, typically announced on its website and social media. They welcome full-length poetry manuscripts (48-80 pages), chapbooks, and proposals for anthologies. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted with immediate notification of acceptance elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter, a table of contents, and a sample of 10-15 pages. Reading fees may apply for contests; check guidelines for each call. Response times can range from 2-6 months. The press values work that demonstrates social consciousness, vivid imagery, and a clear voice—avoid overly academic or trend-driven work. Familiarize yourself with their catalog before submitting to ensure alignment with their aesthetic.
Query first. If not entering a contest, your best time to submit is several months after contest deadlines. Since we often publish finalists from our contests, entering those is the best path to follow for publication.
Read official guidelinesBooks
12 itemsExplore titles from the press’s catalogue.
A Fish Child s Songbook
The Book of Questions
Field Guide to North American Words