Return to Small Presses Database
Where does the information about the presses included in this database come from?
How frequently is this information updated?
What criteria must a small press meet to be included in this database?
How do I apply to have my press included in this database?
How long will it take before my listing appears?
How do I update my listing?
If I have a listing in the database, how often do I need to update it?
Do you have a mailing list of the small presses included in this database?
Can I repost the information I find here on my website?
What if I have questions that are not answered here?
Where does the information about the presses included in this database come from?
The information in each listing is provided and updated by the small press publisher listed. While Poets & Writers’ staff does not fact-check all of the information, we do confirm that each publisher adheres to our standards for inclusion.
How frequently is this information updated?
We request that the information be updated at least every six months. Many publishers update more frequently than that. Each listing includes the date that the information was last updated. Before submitting your writing for publication, it is always advisable to check with the publisher directly for the most current submission guidelines and reading periods.
What criteria must a small press meet to be included in this database?
Poets & Writers includes independent and small presses that meet generally accepted standards for professionalism in literary publishing and that are relevant to writers of poetry and literary prose, the group we primarily serve. All presses are accepted at our editorial discretion, and our approval is based on the following criteria:
Presses must primarily (or significantly) publish poetry and/or literary prose (fiction and creative nonfiction). (We do consider presses that publish genre fiction, translation, and YA, but not those that publish primarily journalism, scholarly texts, and/or children’s literature.)
Presses must not only publish books by members of a group. We do consider cooperative and collective presses if they are open to new members. (Presses may be focused on specific audiences, e.g. women, but not only to members of a group, e.g. a writing or reading group, a closed collective, a college.)
Presses must prove an established track record of publication (at least two original single author books or the equivalent) and should release publications every year.
Presses must have an editorial process in place, and if they have a website, list their editorial staff, contact information, and submission guidelines (if unsolicited submissions are accepted).
Presses must not publish their own editors exclusively or excessively.
We do consider presses that only accept agented submissions.
We do consider presses that do not accept unsolicited submissions.
While we do consider presses that publish using print-on-demand technology, we do not consider vanity presses, self-publishing companies, or any variation thereof (that ask authors to pay all or some of the publishing costs and/or retain the rights to books).
We do consider those presses that charge a reading fee and/or only publish books through contests, but we weigh the press’s other attributes against these practices. We will accept such presses, for example, if they have excellent promotion and distribution of their books or if their practices in general seem to benefit writers.
Presses that do not have a website or an online archive, must send by mail a copy of their submission guidelines, a catalogue, and a book for our review. Please include an SASE if you would like your material returned.
How do I apply to have my press included in this database?
1. Register or log in to an account.
2. Visit the Small Presses Database and click Add Small Press Listing.
3. Review the criteria for listing to be sure your press qualifies, then fill out the form and follow the prompts to complete your application. Be sure to save your changes and then click the “Submit Your Listing” red button at the top of the page to submit it for review. Please only submit one listing per press.
4. If your press has no online presence, mail a copy of a catalogue and a book, as well as your submission guidelines for our review to Poets & Writers, Inc., Attn: Small Presses Database, 90 Broad Street, Suite 2100, New York, NY 10004. Please include an SASE if you would like your material returned.
How long will it take before my listing appears?
Applications are thoroughly evaluated by staff, a process that can take up to one month, depending on the number of applications we receive. You will be notified via e-mail once we have made a decision. Please only submit one listing per press. Your patience is appreciated.
How do I update my listing?
1. Log in to the account associated with your small press listing.
2. Under “My Database Listings,” click the Update link for your small press listing.
3. Review the list of options to edit your listing and save your changes.
If, after logging in, the Update link for your small press does not appear under “My Database Listings,” please e-mail the Database Administrator. Be sure to include your username along with the name of your small press in all correspondence.
If I have a listing in the database, how often do I need to update it?
We require the information to be updated at least every six months. To make updates, log in and scroll down the “My P&W” page to find the “Update” link to your listing. Make any updates needed and remember to save your changes. Take particular care to update your reading period(s) as this information feeds into our Open Reading Periods page. If you’ve forgotten your login information, please contact us at small_presses@pw.org for assistance.
If your listing is not reviewed within six months, an e-mail reminder will be sent. Once you log in, you’ll see a “Confirm the information is current” red button at the top of the page. If the information is current, you can simply click that button to confirm. If you need to update your listing, click the “Edit” tab, make your changes, and be sure to click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom of the page. Please note that your listing risks removal from the database if it is not edited or confirmed within three weeks of the first e-mail reminder. If there is another contact taking over the listing, please send us a message at small_presses@pw.org to let us know.
Do you have a mailing list of the small presses included in this database?
No. Poets & Writers provides this online service for writers. The information included in this database is not intended for any commercial or promotional use.
Can I repost the information I find here on my website?
By providing this online service, Poets & Writers, Inc., does not give anyone permission to reproduce or republish small press listings, in whole or in part. Contents may not be copied, mirrored, or reproduced for any commercial or promotional use. Small press listings may not be held in any paper or electronic form, written, stored, or copied, without the express consent of Poets & Writers, Inc. This and all associated pages are copyright © 2007 Poets & Writers, Inc.
What if I have questions that are not answered here?
Please e-mail the Database Administrator, and we’ll be glad to help.