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wavepoetry.com

Wave Books

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Independent publishing0 open opportunities listed

About the press

Wave Books is an independent poetry press founded in 2005 by Charlie Wright and Matthew Zapruder, with editorial operations based in Seattle and New York. From its inception, the press has been dedicated to publishing poetry that is formally adventurous, intellectually rigorous, and emotionally resonant, often championing work that resists easy categorization. Its catalog includes established voices and emerging poets, with a commitment to bookmaking as an art form—attention to typography, design, and the physical object that reflects a deep respect for the reader's experience. Wave Books operates with a curatorial ethos that values risk, precision, and the transformative potential of language.

Publishing focus

Wave Books is an independent poetry press based in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to publishing poetry and books by poets. Wave Books is: Charlie Wright, Publisher Joshua Beckman, Editor in Chief Heidi Broadhead, Senior Editor Matthew Zapruder, Editor at Large Lillie Walsh, Editorial Assistant & Office Manager

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionTranslationChapbookPoetry Collections

Selected authors
Joshua Beckman, Anselm Berrigan, Garrett Caples, CAConrad, Michael Earl Craig, Timothy Donnelly, Lisa Fishman, John Godfrey, Christian Hawkey, Caroline Knox, Noelle Kocot, Dorothea Lasky, Anthony McCann, Chelsey Minnis, Eileen Myles, Maggie Nelson, Hoa Nguyen, Geoffrey Nutter, Geoffrey G. O’Brien, Matthew Rohrer, Mary Ruefle, Rod Smith, Susie Timmons, Joe Wenderoth, Dara Wier, Jon Woodward, Rachel Zucker, Don Mee Choi, Douglas Keareny, Renee Gladman, Sawako Nakayasu, Fred Moten

Calls & opportunities

3 listed
Closed

Wave Books — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
Closed

Wave Books — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
Closed

Wave Books — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31
Reading feeNo
Simultaneous submissionsNo
Unsolicited submissionsNo

Wave Books accepts unsolicited poetry manuscripts during occasional open reading periods, announced on its website and social media. They do not accept submissions by email or mail outside these windows. When open, submit a full-length manuscript (typically 48–80 pages) via their online portal. Include a brief cover letter with your contact information and publication history, but avoid lengthy biographical narratives. The press values work that demonstrates a distinctive voice, structural awareness, and a willingness to take aesthetic risks. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify immediately if accepted elsewhere. Response times vary, often several months; do not query before the stated period. For updates, follow Wave Books on social media or subscribe to their newsletter.

Wave Books is not currently accepting any unsolicited manuscripts. We do occasionally have open reading periods, so please check our submissions page for updates or sign up for our newsletter. Please note that we do publish fiction, essays, and criticism but only by poets or related to poetry. Please do not email us outside of our open reading period.

Read official guidelines
2 items

Explore titles from the press’s catalogue.

Wave Books Gift Card

2000
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Wave Books Gift Card

Preview cover