Jackdaw Press is an independent publisher and literary organization rooted in the belief that poetry and short prose can be both intellectually rigorous and formally adventurous. Founded in the early 2000s, it grew out of a small collective of writers and editors who sought an alternative to commercial publishing's narrowing margins. The press's name evokes the jackdaw's reputation for collecting bright, overlooked objects—a fitting metaphor for its editorial eye, which favors work that is precise, strange, and resistant to easy categorization. Over two decades, Jackdaw has built a catalog of chapbooks, full-length collections, and the biannual Jackdaw Review, maintaining a commitment to authors at early stages of their careers alongside more established voices.
Calls & opportunities
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Manuscript submissions
Reading periodOpen now
Jackdaw Press accepts submissions through periodic open calls, including the Express Submissions window for the Jackdaw Review Winter 2027 issue. Before submitting, read at least one recent issue or title to understand the press's aesthetic range—work that is formally alert, emotionally precise, and unafraid of difficulty. Cover letters should be brief and focused on the work itself, not on credentials. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify the press immediately upon acceptance elsewhere. Expect response times of three to six months; do not query before that period. The press values writers who engage with the literary community, so consider subscribing to the Review or attending readings as a sign of good faith.