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Sundress Publications

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Independent publishing3 open opportunities listed

About the press

Sundress Publications is an independent, online literary press founded in 2009 by Erin Elizabeth Smith. Operating without a physical office, it has built a reputation for publishing innovative poetry, fiction, and hybrid works, with a particular emphasis on supporting emerging and underrepresented voices. The press is also known for its annual literary journal, *The Wardrobe*, and its commitment to accessible, digital-first publishing. Its core mission is to foster a diverse literary community through rigorous editorial curation and collaborative projects, including the Sundress Academy for the Arts (SAFTA) residency program in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Publishing focus

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit literary press collective founded in 2000, Sundress Publications is entirely volunteer-run, publishes chapbooks and full-length works in both print and digital formats, and hosts a variety of online journals. Their mission is to champion great work—especially by persons under-represented in literary publishing—and they welcome writers and artists regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, religion, class, veteran status, and educational background.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionChapbookNovellaShort Story CollectionsEssay CollectionsNovelMemoirPoetry Collections

Selected authors
Donna Vorreyer, Kristy Bowen, Amorak Huey, Kristina Marie Darling, Margaret Bashaar, Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, Karen Craigo, Sarah Chavez

Calls & opportunities

3 listed
OpenDeadline · 2026-11-30

Sundress Publications: Full-Length Poetry Collections

OpenDeadline · 2026-11-30

Sundress Publications: Full-Length Poetry Collections

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodMar 1 to May 31
Reading feeYes
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Sundress Publications opens submissions for full-length poetry collections during specific reading periods, typically announced on their website and social media. They prioritize manuscripts that demonstrate formal risk, emotional resonance, and a clear voice. Before submitting, read several titles from their catalog to understand their aesthetic range. They charge no reading fee for most calls, but do not accept simultaneous submissions for full-length works unless explicitly stated. Include a brief cover letter with your bio and publication history, and ensure your manuscript follows their formatting guidelines (e.g., 48-80 pages, table of contents, acknowledgments). They value professionalism and patience; response times can be several months. For *The Wardrobe*, submit individual poems or short prose during their regular reading windows.

Read official guidelines