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jacklegpress.org

JackLeg Press

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Independent publishing8 open opportunities listed

About the press

JackLeg Press is an independent literary publisher founded in 2018 by poet and editor Sarah K. Jackson. Emerging from a small poetry reading series in Chicago, the press was established to champion work that sits at the intersection of experimental poetics and accessible narrative. Its catalog features full-length poetry collections, chapbooks, and hybrid texts, with a particular emphasis on voices from the Midwest and other underrepresented regions. The press operates as a non-profit and maintains a commitment to author-first practices, including equitable royalties and collaborative editorial development. Core to its mission is the belief that poetry should be a public good, not a niche commodity, and it actively partners with community spaces to host readings and workshops.

Publishing focus

JackLeg employs an environmentally sustainable publishing model and a rigorous editorial process to bring the best new and familiar voices into the literary world. JackLeg stresses authenticity, collaboration, and bold thinking. Editorial advisors: Beth Alvarado, Laura Van Den Berg, Taylor Byas, Katharine Coles, Ray Gonzalez, Patricia Spears Jones, Ruben Quesada, Richard Siken, and Dan Tobin.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionShort Story CollectionsEssay CollectionsNovelPoetry Collections

Selected authors
V. Joshua Adams, Mark Baumgartner, Scott Shibuya Brown, Michael Chin, Chloe Clark, Rivka Clifton, Brittney Corrigan, Jessica Cuello, Barbara Cully, Allison Cundiff, Curious Theatre Branch, Neil de la Flor, Genevieve DeGuzman, Suzanne Frischkorn, Victoria Garza, Reginald Gibbons, Joachim Glage, Caroline Goodwin, Brett Hanley, Kathryn Kruse, Brigitte Lewis, Jenny Magnus, DK McCutchen, Rita Mookerjee, Mamie Morgan, Alexis Orgera, Zach Powers, Karen Rigby, Jo Salas, Maureen Seaton, Kristine Snodgrass, Cornelia Spelman, Peter Stenson, Melissa Studdard, Gemini Wahhaj, David Welch, Cassandra Whitaker, David Wesley Williams

Calls & opportunities

8 listed
OpenDeadline · 2026-12-31

JackLeg Press — Fiction + CNF Queries

OpenDeadline · 2026-12-31

JackLeg Press — Fiction + CNF Queries

OpenDeadline · 2026-12-31

JackLeg Press — Fiction + CNF Queries

OpenDeadline · 2026-12-31

JackLeg Press — Poetry Queries

OpenDeadline · 2026-12-31

JackLeg Press — Poetry Queries

OpenDeadline · 2026-12-31

JackLeg Press — Poetry Queries

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JackLeg Press — Submissions

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Open

JackLeg Press — Submissions

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Manuscript submissions

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31
Reading feeYes
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

JackLeg Press accepts poetry queries via Submittable during open reading periods, typically announced on its website and social media. Submit 5-10 pages of poetry, a brief bio, and a cover letter that articulates how your work aligns with the press's mission. They prioritize manuscripts that demonstrate a clear voice and a cohesive thematic arc. Response times range from 3-6 months. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify immediately if accepted elsewhere. The press does not charge reading fees for general submissions, though occasional contests may have a fee. For hybrid or cross-genre work, query first with a description and sample.

Be authentic. Poetry editors: Simone Muench, Richard Siken Fiction editor: Juan Martinez

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