General Guidelines
To view our samplers of poetry and prose, click here.
The Aesthetic
- We are open to many literary themes and poetic forms & styles. We enjoy the succinct, the startling, and the sublime. Some humor will keep us turning pages. Nature has been propagating in our roots. We wish for intimate and witty characters & compelling relationships with others and the world.
- Genres we’re not actively seeking: young-adult, romance, erotica, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery/suspense, historical fiction, or conceptual writing. We do not publish plays, screenwriting, academic studies, children’s books, or art books. Maybe for the right manuscript someday.
- A 3rd-person biography containing geographical and publication info is appreciated in the cover letter. We prefer shorter bios.
- There may be periods when we request a specific theme, genre, or manuscript. Please double-check individual guidelines.
The Pragmatic
- All manuscripts must be original and unpublished. Previously published pieces within are fine with included acknowledgment.
- We build your book from the ground up. Reprints of previously published or out-of-print books are considered. Additionally, manuscripts that have been extraneously typeset or have mock cover spreads will be rejected.
- Simultaneous submissions are accepted. If a partial withdrawal is required, please message us which piece(s). If it is a full withdrawal, please use the 'Withdraw' function in Submittable.
- We request that the first page include the manuscript title, your name, and word/page count. Everything else is up to your vision.
The Ethic
- We will not accept any graphic violence, racism, sexual abuse, or actions/symbols targeted toward any or all person's race, religion, sexual orientation, or personal identities.
- We highly encourage writers from historically marginalized demographics and debut authors to submit.
- We reserve the right to reject singular pieces or entire manuscripts at any time, even after publication. This has never happened, so please don't be the first.
- We do not wish to publish AI. Writing and/or images generated with artificial intelligence (AI) will be rejected.
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, we implore you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It is toll-free and available 24/7. Dial 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Thirty West Publishing has entered a new era: monochrome. Our newest printer is here, and we're ready to read your chapbooks once again.
For 10 years, TW has crafted fine, handmade chapbooks for debut writers & seasoned authors who have a lot of heart and are passionate about their writing. We enjoy fierce poetry, punchy prose, a hybrid of styles, and even some stunning photographs. Some limited editions were produced separately from the general print run. Dozens of these chapbooks were bound in various ways. Sometimes, we 'ruinate' the interior with strategic & artful wrinkling, dirtying, and even burning. Readers in the past marveled at our craftsmanship, and we hope you will, too.
As always, it is free ($0) to submit. We encourage you to peruse our samplers to read previous authors and our Afterimages journal to get the full TW picture. If you wish, you may leave a tip or purchase a TW book or chapbook. These funds directly aid our operating costs and give authors royalties. Please email us if you have any questions. Thank you for considering Thirty West. Escape the mundane with us.
Manuscript Specifications
- Ensure the first page includes the manuscript title, genre, your name, and page/word count.
- Historically, our chapbooks range from 26-44 pages. We will still read slightly under/over these numbers.
- We accept only .doc .docx, and PDF formats.
- Only submit one chapbook manuscript. Your best writing, your best project, your best voice.
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Please withdraw if accepted elsewhere. Vice versa, if we accept.
- We strive to respond within 90 days of initial submission. You may send a follow-up after this period.
- We enjoy your readership. If you tip and/or purchase a book, expect an email with a thank you and info.
What TW offers you
- A TW author contract for 6 months with the potential of extension.
- A flat rate royalty structure per unit for both basic and limited editions.
- 12 author copies, free of charge.
- Author discounts and event support for book launches and readings.
- You may be part of a cohort of authors, encouraging camaraderie and mutual support.
- Your chapbook will be for sale and fulfilled with in-house shipping for online orders & in-person events like book fairs & readings.
- All the support and labor we can give with social media, marketing, editing, jacket design, assembly, & more.