Independent publishing11 open opportunities listed
About the press
Unleash Press is an independent literary press and creative platform dedicated to amplifying emerging and underrepresented voices. Founded with a commitment to process-driven writing, the press operates as both a publisher and a contest host, most notably through its Work-in-Progress Contest. This contest invites writers to submit partial manuscripts, emphasizing the generative potential of unfinished work and offering a rare window into a writer's evolving craft. By prioritizing works-in-progress, Unleash Press positions itself as a champion of literary development rather than solely finished products, fostering a community that values revision, experimentation, and the risks inherent in early-stage writing.
Publishing focus
Treating each book as a work of art, Unleash Press publishes a limited number of single-author manuscripts each year. The editors are currently looking for works-in-progress that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives via our Work-In-Progress Prize. Unleash also runs an online literary journal, Unleash Lit .
PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionChapbookNovellaShort Story CollectionsEssay CollectionsNovelMemoirPoetry Collections
Selected authors Khanh Ha, Jamie Smith, Richard C. McPherson, Bronwen Carson, Richard C. McPherson, Ashley Holloway, J. Eric Smith
Calls & opportunities
11 listed
Manuscript submissions
Reading periodJan 1 to Jul 31
Reading feeYes
Response timeLess than 3 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes
Writers should approach Unleash Press with a clear sense of their manuscript's trajectory, even if incomplete. The Work-in-Progress Contest values a compelling excerpt accompanied by a thoughtful synopsis or statement of intent. Avoid submitting overly polished but static work; instead, demonstrate how the project is evolving. Carefully review guidelines for length and genre, and consider that the press favors voices that challenge conventional narratives. Response times may vary, so patience is advised. Simultaneous submissions are generally acceptable, but notify promptly if accepted elsewhere.
We are currently accepting submissions for our Work-in-Progress and Unleash Lit opportunitites only.