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 We do not publish plays, screenwriting, academic studies, children’s books, or art books.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  • All manuscripts must be original and unpublished.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
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Onward to Afterimages: General Submissions

Afterimages

ISSN: 3066-2621

Afterimages, the literary journal of Thirty West, wants your writing (and more). Crafted literary fiction. Steadfast reviews, particularly indie books. Send us something unique and timely. You blink twice, and it’s gone; hasty ideas in your notes.

All accepted articles will obtain a light editorial from the TW staff, remain on Afterimages in perpetuity, and reach 1,000+ subscribers via email on the chosen publication day. We request that TW obtain first publication rights and be acknowledged if the work is submitted elsewhere or compiled into future manuscripts. Please consult our General Guidelines before submitting any questions. We wish that you read widely and at the speed of Afterimages.

*NEW for 2026*

Afterimages is now a paying market! See details below.

 

What we read and publish:

  • Personal essays.
  • Flash fiction/nonfiction.
  • Short stories.
  • Memoirs.
  • Book/chapbook reviews.

A proposal and sample are required for the following:

  • Craft essays.
  • Semi-regular columns.
  • Author interviews.
  • Original photograph and artwork galleries. 

Document details:

  • Default formatting (unless the work requires a different style) in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
  • A maximum of 3,000 words per submission (see below for info on serials).

Payment:

  • FLASH FICTION OR NONFICTION ≦1,000 WORDS: $5
  • TRADITIONAL SHORT STORY/MEMOIR ≦3,000 WORDS: $10
  • SERIAL FICTION OR NONFICTION ≦6,000 WORDS: $10 each (3 installments max)
  • BOOK REVIEW/CRAFT ESSAY/INTERVIEW/GALLERY: $15 

Disclaimer: Payment issued as a paper check (U.S. only), CashApp, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or reputable wire transfer. If no payment information is given to TW within 30 days of acceptance, or if we cannot successfully send you the money, the honorarium will be forfeited. Regardless, your writing will still be published.

Serials and Pitches:

Do you have a longer project you wish to submit? Are you interested in guest-editing for Afterimages in the future? Do you possess a craft essay, a series of non-AI artwork?

Pitch it to us! 

Please provide the following:

  • An artist statement/summary of the project
  • A sample of the project
  • Preferred month of publication
  • Your website, social media, and links to works
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Onward to 2026 Book Manuscripts

Thirty West Publishing is searching for our 2027 & 2028 catalog. We request manuscripts in their prime. The call is open from 5/23/26 at 12:00 AM EST and will close on 7/5/26 at 11:59 PM EST. We encourage historically marginalized writers and debut authors to submit. As always, it is free to submit, with the option of tip jars or book purchases. We encourage you to peruse our samplers to read previous authors and our Afterimages journal to get the full TW picture.

Categories 

(Numbers below are a range per category and include title page, table of contents, acknowledgments)

  • Full-length poetry and short story collections: under 120 & 240 manuscript pages, respectively.  
  • Novellas: ~ 100 manuscript pages or up to 28k words. Novellas have priority reading this period.
  • Novels, essays, mixed genres, or creative non-fiction manuscripts: up to 400 manuscript pages or 80k words

Technical Specifications

  • Ensure the first page includes the manuscript title, subtitle (if applicable), your name, & page + word count.
  • We accept only .doc .docx and PDF files. 
  • No proposals; manuscripts only.
  • Only submit once per category per submission period.

 Communications 

  • Simultaneous submissions are allowed. If we accept your submission, we request that you withdraw from all other outlets.
  • Do not withdraw and resubmit if there's an error with the form or manuscript. Doing so prevents another submitter an opportunity during this narrow window. Please request an edit from TW through Submittable and we will assist you.
  • We strive to respond within 120 days of submission. You may email us a follow-up only after 120 days.
  • We will periodically review submissions for tip jar and/or book purchases. We will reach out to you regarding such options independently of your submission.  

Thank you for considering Thirty West for the home of your manuscript. Best of luck!

Thirty West Publishing House