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Willow Springs Books

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About the press

Willow Springs Books is the literary imprint of Willow Springs magazine, founded in 2002 at Eastern Washington University in Spokane. The press emerged from the magazine's long-standing commitment to publishing emerging writers and has since become a vital node in the Pacific Northwest's independent literary ecosystem. Its core mission is to champion short fiction and poetry that might otherwise be overlooked by commercial publishers, with a particular emphasis on work that is formally adventurous yet emotionally grounded. The press operates as a teaching tool for graduate students in the university's creative writing program, who gain hands-on experience in editing, design, and production. This dual role—as both a literary publisher and an educational laboratory—shapes its identity as a place where craft and community are inseparable.

Calls & opportunities

2 listed
OpenDeadline · 2026-11-02

Willow Springs Books — 2026 Spokane Prize for Short Fiction

OpenDeadline · 2026-11-02

Willow Springs Books — 2026 Spokane Prize for Short Fiction

Manuscript submissions

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Willow Springs Books primarily accepts submissions through its annual Spokane Prize for Short Fiction, which is open to all writers regardless of publication history. The press does not typically consider unsolicited manuscripts outside of this contest. Before submitting, carefully review the contest guidelines on the website, as the press values adherence to formatting and thematic parameters. Because the press is affiliated with an academic institution, response times may be longer during university breaks. Writers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with past winners to understand the aesthetic range—work that is often character-driven, place-conscious, and willing to take risks with form. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify the press promptly if your manuscript is placed elsewhere.