Getting collections of short stories published is not as easy as publishing a novel. That does not mean it is impossible, but it does mean you have to publish your short stories in literary magazines first. (Very few publishers will take on collections from completely unpublished writers.)
The more prestigious literary magazines, like Ploughshares and Tin House, will give you the greatest advantage, but they are hard to get into. Second tier magazines (those that pay for stories - however little), are preferable over journals that either pay nothing, or have very few subscribers. Journals run by MFA departments of universities are quite desirable, even if they only make a token payment.
Here is a great resource for finding paying markets: 296 Paying Markets for Short Stories, Poetry, Nonfiction. And if you write speculative fiction go here for over 100 science fiction and fantasy markets. You should also check the Poets & Writers database, which contains circulation and payment information.
Once you have published at least a dozen stories, or roughly the equivalent of 150 - 225 manuscript pages, you can begin submitting your collection to publishers. Remember to put your strongest story first! Most editors begin with the first story, so if you don't make a memorable impression with the first, they will never make it to the second.
Note: These publishers do not charge a reading fee to submit manuscripts. However, there are a number of other presses that publish short story collections through annual competitions, for which there is an entry fee. (Those are not included in this list.)
________________________________
Bellevue Literary Press
Bellevue Literary Press is devoted to publishing literary fiction and nonfiction at the intersection of the arts and sciences because we believe that science and the humanities are natural companions for understanding the human experience. With each book we publish, our goal is to foster a rich, interdisciplinary dialogue that will forge new tools for thinking and engaging with the world.
Submissions: Bellevue Literary Press publishes literary fiction and narrative nonfiction geared toward a general readership. We do not publish poetry, single short stories, plays, screenplays, memoir, or self-help/instructional books. If you are unsure whether your manuscript would be a good fit for our list, you may send a query email, using the same subject line as for a submission. See guidelines HERE.
______________________
Black Bed Sheet Books
Black Bed Sheet Books specializes in publishing fiction of a dark nature: Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult, Contemporary, Thriller. Accepting novels, novellas, short story collections. Black Bed Sheet Books has published over 80 authors. Advance: No information. Formats: Print and ebooks. Read guidelines here.
______________________
Black Mountain Press
"Black Mountain Press is a literary press for outstanding emerging writers publishing several different genres of books annually. For the next six years from 2014 through the end of 2021 our focus will be in collections of poetry, memoir, novels and collections of short stories. Our editors are looking for the highest quality literary fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry that combines a distinct voice and vision." Genres: Book-length literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
Submissions: Manuscripts accepted via regular mail only. Send one hard copy of your finished, book-length manuscript, along with a cover letter containing contact information, and relevant biographical information. Manuscripts should be typed on one side of the page only. Read full guidelines HERE.
______________________
BlazeVOX [books]
BlazeVOX [books] is an independent small press publisher located in Buffalo, New York. To date, BlazeVOX has published 280 books and over 1000 writers in their online journal and other publishing outlets. They are seeking poetry, short stories, experimental fiction, literary criticism (including companions, studies and histories), women authors. They pay 10% royalties on fiction and poetry books, based on net receipts. This amount may be split across multiple contributors. No advance. Submissions: Read guidelines HERE.
______________________
Coffee House Press
Coffee House Press publishes emerging and midcareer authors. Nearly all CHP authors have had works published in literary magazines or other publications (a resume including a list of prior publications can strengthen your submission). Although prior publications are important, they are not a requirement; part of our mission is to present promising debut authors alongside those who have been previously published. Coffee House Press publishes literary novels, full-length short story collections, poetry, creative nonfiction, book-length essays and essay collections, and the occasional memoir. CHP does not accept submissions for anthologies. CHP also does not publish genre fiction, such as mysteries, Gothic romances, Westerns, science fiction, or books for children. CHP currently publishes eighteen trade titles annually.
Submissions: The next open reading period will begin September 1, 2017. If you plan to send your work, please do so early. The review process for full-length manuscripts can take up to 4–6 months, or longer in some instances. Manuscripts that seem appropriate for Coffee House Press are given several careful readings, and the final decision rests with our publisher. Read guidelines HERE.
______________________
Manic D Press
Manic D Press is an American literary press based in San Francisco, California publishing fiction novels and short stories, poetry, and graphic novels. It was founded by Jennifer Joseph in 1984 as an alternative outlet for young writers seeking to bring their work into print. Manic D Press books are distributed throughout the US by Consortium, Last Gasp, and wholesalers including Ingram and Baker & Taylor; in the UK and EU by Turnaround PSL; in Canada by Publishers Group Canada; and throughout the world by Perseus.
Submissions: Email submissions are preferred. Printed manuscripts are read twice a year, during the months of January and July ONLY. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, just let them know if your work has been accepted elsewhere or if (and where) it has been previously published. Read full guidelines HERE.
______________________
Milkweed Editions
Milkweed Editions publishes 18-20 books per year of nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and translation. "We believe that literature has the potential to change the way we see the world, and that bringing new voices to essential conversations is the clearest path to ensuring a vibrant, diverse, and empowered future."
Submissions: Milkweed Editions will be open to manuscripts of fiction (novels, novellas, and short story collections) from May 1–31, 2017. They do not publish romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, crime, or westerns. Please submit a query letter with three opening chapters (of a novel) or three representative stories (of a collection). See guidelines HERE.
______________________
Persea Books
Persea Books is an independent, literary publishing house founded in 1975 by Michael Braziller and Karen Braziller, who still own and direct the company. The aim of the press is to publish works that endure by meeting high standards of literary merit and relevance. They publish poetry, fiction, essays, memoir, biography, titles of Jewish and Middle Eastern interest, women's studies, American Indian folklore, and revived classics, as well as works in translation. They do not publish genre fiction (romance, fantasy, science fiction, thrillers), self-help, textbooks, or children's books.
Submissions: Queries should include a cover letter, author background and publication history, a synopsis of the proposed work, and a sample chapter. Please indicate if the work is simultaneously submitted. See guidelines HERE.
______________________
Queen’s Ferry Press
Founded in 2011 as an independent publisher, Queen’s Ferry Press specializes in literary fiction. Inspired by a Scottish coastal estuary through which crossings have occurred for over a thousand years, the press seeks to publish works that convey via structuring and interpretation. At Queen’s Ferry Press, physical crafting and emotional connection are celebrated. The press currently releases 6–12 titles a year, many from debut authors, and is the publisher of Shadows of Men, the 2013 recipient of the TIL Steven Turner Award for Best Work of First Fiction. Queen’s Ferry Press is proud to extend its mission of providing a venue for fine literary collections by branching into other genres of fiction.
Submissions: Reading periods unknown. Check submission manager for open calls.
______________________
Rainfall Books
Rainfall Books is a British publisher of fantasy, horror and science fiction, specializing in modern works inspired by the writing of H. P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard and Clark Ashton Smith.
Submissions: Rainfall has published 150 chapbooks over the past three or four years and have many more waiting in the wings. They are always looking for submissions for chapbooks in the form of poetry and short stories. They are happy to publish reprints. Please read guidelines here.
______________________
Red Hen Press
Red Hen Press is an independent, non-profit press that publishes about twenty books of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry every year. They are looking for novels, memoir, creative nonfiction, hybrid works, and story, essay, and poetry collections of exceptional literary merit that demonstrate a high level of mastery.
Submissions: Writers may submit either the full manuscript or a sample of between 20 and 30 pages. Please keep in mind that full manuscripts take longer to review. All manuscripts should include page numbers on every page. Read guidelines HERE.
______________________
Small Beer Press
Small Beer Press is a small press located in Easthampton, Massachusetts. It was founded in 2000 and is run by Gavin J. Grant and Kelly Link. They publish 6-10 books per year. They pay a small advance and standard royalties. Their ebook royalty rate is 40% of net receipts.
Submissions: Please send a query with a synopsis and the first 10-20 pages of the book (not the full manuscript) in standard manuscript format, and an SASE (with a Forever Stamp or an international reply coupon) by mail. No email queries. See full guidelines HERE.
______________________
Tartarus
Tartarus is a small British independent press founded in 1990. They specialize in collectible hardback limited editions of literary supernatural/strange/horror fiction. They also publish paperbacks and ebooks. Tartarus has been the recipient of four World Fantasy Awards, and in 2010 received a "Stoker" from the Horror Writers Association.
Submissions: Tartarus is looking for short story collections and novels of between 75,000 and 120,000 words. They are not interested in high fantasy, violent horror or young adult fiction. Electronic submissions should be sent to rosalieparker@btinternet.com as a Word or rtf attachment. Please send a synopsis or first two or three chapters/stories when first getting in contact. Additionally, they are now accepting single short story submissions for Strange Tales V. Please read full guidelines here.
______________________
Uncial Press
Uncial Press is seeking submissions of complete manuscripts. "Our present needs are for futuristic, contemporary, paranormal and historical romance, other fantasy and paranormal stories; cozy and traditional mysteries; Science Fiction; and nonfiction how-to books and humor. Please feel free to query us about stories in other genres, because the list of what we would like to see is far too long to include here. We will consider both book-length works (at least 50,000 words) and superlative shorter fiction (at least 5,000 words.)" Read submission guidelines HERE.
______________________
Academic Presses
Arte Público Press
Arte Público Press, affiliated with the University of Houston, specializes in publishing contemporary novels, short stories, poetry, and drama based on U.S. Hispanic (Cuban American, Mexican American, Puerto Rican, and others) cultural issues and themes. Submissions: Arte Público uses an online submission form. See submission guidelines HERE.
______________________
Northwestern University Press
Prestigious authors first published by Northwestern University Press have been the recipients of numerous prizes, including the Nobel Prize in Literature and the National Book Award. Publishes sixty books per year. Read submission guidelines HERE.
______________________
University of Nebraska Press
The University of Nebraska Press publishes scholarly and trade publications. Founded in 1941, they publish scholarly monographs, literary works, and general interest books in select areas. Read submission guidelines HERE.
You might also like:
The more prestigious literary magazines, like Ploughshares and Tin House, will give you the greatest advantage, but they are hard to get into. Second tier magazines (those that pay for stories - however little), are preferable over journals that either pay nothing, or have very few subscribers. Journals run by MFA departments of universities are quite desirable, even if they only make a token payment.
Here is a great resource for finding paying markets: 296 Paying Markets for Short Stories, Poetry, Nonfiction. And if you write speculative fiction go here for over 100 science fiction and fantasy markets. You should also check the Poets & Writers database, which contains circulation and payment information.
Once you have published at least a dozen stories, or roughly the equivalent of 150 - 225 manuscript pages, you can begin submitting your collection to publishers. Remember to put your strongest story first! Most editors begin with the first story, so if you don't make a memorable impression with the first, they will never make it to the second.
Note: These publishers do not charge a reading fee to submit manuscripts. However, there are a number of other presses that publish short story collections through annual competitions, for which there is an entry fee. (Those are not included in this list.)
________________________________
Bellevue Literary Press
Bellevue Literary Press is devoted to publishing literary fiction and nonfiction at the intersection of the arts and sciences because we believe that science and the humanities are natural companions for understanding the human experience. With each book we publish, our goal is to foster a rich, interdisciplinary dialogue that will forge new tools for thinking and engaging with the world.
Submissions: Bellevue Literary Press publishes literary fiction and narrative nonfiction geared toward a general readership. We do not publish poetry, single short stories, plays, screenplays, memoir, or self-help/instructional books. If you are unsure whether your manuscript would be a good fit for our list, you may send a query email, using the same subject line as for a submission. See guidelines HERE.
______________________
Black Bed Sheet Books
Black Bed Sheet Books specializes in publishing fiction of a dark nature: Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult, Contemporary, Thriller. Accepting novels, novellas, short story collections. Black Bed Sheet Books has published over 80 authors. Advance: No information. Formats: Print and ebooks. Read guidelines here.
______________________
Black Mountain Press
"Black Mountain Press is a literary press for outstanding emerging writers publishing several different genres of books annually. For the next six years from 2014 through the end of 2021 our focus will be in collections of poetry, memoir, novels and collections of short stories. Our editors are looking for the highest quality literary fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry that combines a distinct voice and vision." Genres: Book-length literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
Submissions: Manuscripts accepted via regular mail only. Send one hard copy of your finished, book-length manuscript, along with a cover letter containing contact information, and relevant biographical information. Manuscripts should be typed on one side of the page only. Read full guidelines HERE.
______________________
BlazeVOX [books]
BlazeVOX [books] is an independent small press publisher located in Buffalo, New York. To date, BlazeVOX has published 280 books and over 1000 writers in their online journal and other publishing outlets. They are seeking poetry, short stories, experimental fiction, literary criticism (including companions, studies and histories), women authors. They pay 10% royalties on fiction and poetry books, based on net receipts. This amount may be split across multiple contributors. No advance. Submissions: Read guidelines HERE.
______________________
Coffee House Press
Coffee House Press publishes emerging and midcareer authors. Nearly all CHP authors have had works published in literary magazines or other publications (a resume including a list of prior publications can strengthen your submission). Although prior publications are important, they are not a requirement; part of our mission is to present promising debut authors alongside those who have been previously published. Coffee House Press publishes literary novels, full-length short story collections, poetry, creative nonfiction, book-length essays and essay collections, and the occasional memoir. CHP does not accept submissions for anthologies. CHP also does not publish genre fiction, such as mysteries, Gothic romances, Westerns, science fiction, or books for children. CHP currently publishes eighteen trade titles annually.
Submissions: The next open reading period will begin September 1, 2017. If you plan to send your work, please do so early. The review process for full-length manuscripts can take up to 4–6 months, or longer in some instances. Manuscripts that seem appropriate for Coffee House Press are given several careful readings, and the final decision rests with our publisher. Read guidelines HERE.
______________________
Manic D Press
Manic D Press is an American literary press based in San Francisco, California publishing fiction novels and short stories, poetry, and graphic novels. It was founded by Jennifer Joseph in 1984 as an alternative outlet for young writers seeking to bring their work into print. Manic D Press books are distributed throughout the US by Consortium, Last Gasp, and wholesalers including Ingram and Baker & Taylor; in the UK and EU by Turnaround PSL; in Canada by Publishers Group Canada; and throughout the world by Perseus.
Submissions: Email submissions are preferred. Printed manuscripts are read twice a year, during the months of January and July ONLY. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, just let them know if your work has been accepted elsewhere or if (and where) it has been previously published. Read full guidelines HERE.
______________________
Milkweed Editions
Milkweed Editions publishes 18-20 books per year of nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and translation. "We believe that literature has the potential to change the way we see the world, and that bringing new voices to essential conversations is the clearest path to ensuring a vibrant, diverse, and empowered future."
Submissions: Milkweed Editions will be open to manuscripts of fiction (novels, novellas, and short story collections) from May 1–31, 2017. They do not publish romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, crime, or westerns. Please submit a query letter with three opening chapters (of a novel) or three representative stories (of a collection). See guidelines HERE.
______________________
Persea Books
Persea Books is an independent, literary publishing house founded in 1975 by Michael Braziller and Karen Braziller, who still own and direct the company. The aim of the press is to publish works that endure by meeting high standards of literary merit and relevance. They publish poetry, fiction, essays, memoir, biography, titles of Jewish and Middle Eastern interest, women's studies, American Indian folklore, and revived classics, as well as works in translation. They do not publish genre fiction (romance, fantasy, science fiction, thrillers), self-help, textbooks, or children's books.
Submissions: Queries should include a cover letter, author background and publication history, a synopsis of the proposed work, and a sample chapter. Please indicate if the work is simultaneously submitted. See guidelines HERE.
______________________
Queen’s Ferry Press
Founded in 2011 as an independent publisher, Queen’s Ferry Press specializes in literary fiction. Inspired by a Scottish coastal estuary through which crossings have occurred for over a thousand years, the press seeks to publish works that convey via structuring and interpretation. At Queen’s Ferry Press, physical crafting and emotional connection are celebrated. The press currently releases 6–12 titles a year, many from debut authors, and is the publisher of Shadows of Men, the 2013 recipient of the TIL Steven Turner Award for Best Work of First Fiction. Queen’s Ferry Press is proud to extend its mission of providing a venue for fine literary collections by branching into other genres of fiction.
Submissions: Reading periods unknown. Check submission manager for open calls.
______________________
Rainfall Books
Rainfall Books is a British publisher of fantasy, horror and science fiction, specializing in modern works inspired by the writing of H. P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard and Clark Ashton Smith.
Submissions: Rainfall has published 150 chapbooks over the past three or four years and have many more waiting in the wings. They are always looking for submissions for chapbooks in the form of poetry and short stories. They are happy to publish reprints. Please read guidelines here.
______________________
Red Hen Press
Red Hen Press is an independent, non-profit press that publishes about twenty books of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry every year. They are looking for novels, memoir, creative nonfiction, hybrid works, and story, essay, and poetry collections of exceptional literary merit that demonstrate a high level of mastery.
Submissions: Writers may submit either the full manuscript or a sample of between 20 and 30 pages. Please keep in mind that full manuscripts take longer to review. All manuscripts should include page numbers on every page. Read guidelines HERE.
______________________
Small Beer Press
Small Beer Press is a small press located in Easthampton, Massachusetts. It was founded in 2000 and is run by Gavin J. Grant and Kelly Link. They publish 6-10 books per year. They pay a small advance and standard royalties. Their ebook royalty rate is 40% of net receipts.
Submissions: Please send a query with a synopsis and the first 10-20 pages of the book (not the full manuscript) in standard manuscript format, and an SASE (with a Forever Stamp or an international reply coupon) by mail. No email queries. See full guidelines HERE.
______________________
Tartarus
Tartarus is a small British independent press founded in 1990. They specialize in collectible hardback limited editions of literary supernatural/strange/horror fiction. They also publish paperbacks and ebooks. Tartarus has been the recipient of four World Fantasy Awards, and in 2010 received a "Stoker" from the Horror Writers Association.
Submissions: Tartarus is looking for short story collections and novels of between 75,000 and 120,000 words. They are not interested in high fantasy, violent horror or young adult fiction. Electronic submissions should be sent to rosalieparker@btinternet.com as a Word or rtf attachment. Please send a synopsis or first two or three chapters/stories when first getting in contact. Additionally, they are now accepting single short story submissions for Strange Tales V. Please read full guidelines here.
______________________
Uncial Press
Uncial Press is seeking submissions of complete manuscripts. "Our present needs are for futuristic, contemporary, paranormal and historical romance, other fantasy and paranormal stories; cozy and traditional mysteries; Science Fiction; and nonfiction how-to books and humor. Please feel free to query us about stories in other genres, because the list of what we would like to see is far too long to include here. We will consider both book-length works (at least 50,000 words) and superlative shorter fiction (at least 5,000 words.)" Read submission guidelines HERE.
______________________
Academic Presses
Arte Público Press
Arte Público Press, affiliated with the University of Houston, specializes in publishing contemporary novels, short stories, poetry, and drama based on U.S. Hispanic (Cuban American, Mexican American, Puerto Rican, and others) cultural issues and themes. Submissions: Arte Público uses an online submission form. See submission guidelines HERE.
______________________
Northwestern University Press
Prestigious authors first published by Northwestern University Press have been the recipients of numerous prizes, including the Nobel Prize in Literature and the National Book Award. Publishes sixty books per year. Read submission guidelines HERE.
______________________
University of Nebraska Press
The University of Nebraska Press publishes scholarly and trade publications. Founded in 1941, they publish scholarly monographs, literary works, and general interest books in select areas. Read submission guidelines HERE.
You might also like:
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