Analytics on Missa

With your consent we measure which opportunities and flows are useful so we can improve them. We do not sell data or run advertising. Privacy notice

Skip to content
Beta
Log inCreate account
Back to independent presses

Small Press

wordworksbooks.org

Word Works

Open now
Visit website Calls & opportunities
Independent publishing2 open opportunities listed

About the press

The Word Works looks for dynamically arranged manuscripts of well crafted poems. No subject, style, or form restrictions. Manuscripts are read anonymously by poet-readers, editors, and (sometimes) judges, all of whom care about strong voice and original work.

Publishing focus

PoetryTranslationEssay CollectionsPoetry Collections

Selected authors
Jennifer Barber, Chee Brossy, Nicole Callihan, Cheryl Clarke, Deborah Kuan, Fred Marchant, Kevin McLellan, Julie Marie Wade.

Calls & opportunities

3 listed
ClosedDeadline · 2026-07-15

Tenth Gate Prize

Official listing
OpenDeadline · 2027-01-15

Word Works — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
OpenDeadline · 2027-01-15

Word Works — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodJan 15 to Mar 15
Reading feeYes
Response timeGreater than 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

The Word Works seeks brave, well-crafted work that is doing something new. For the Washington Prize (March 15 deadline), poets at all stages of their career may submit. The Hilary Tham Capital Collection (May 15 deadline) is reserved for poets who volunteer for literary nonprofits; nomination form available at our website. The Tenth Gate Prize, open to poets with at least 2 published full-length collections, accepts manuscripts June 1-July 15. Series Editor Jennifer Barber works with a new judge each year. May/June is an open reading period for all poets writing in English. Accepts all full-length collections including collaborations, New & Selected, and hybrid work. Check website for guidelines and a link to online submission manager.

Read official guidelines

Explore titles from the press’s catalogue.

Book covers aren’t available yet

Visit the press’s website to explore its catalogue.

Visit press website ↗