Submissions

Submission Guidelines

General Submission Information

We periodically invite unsolicited manuscripts of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and hybrid work during announced reading periods. While our current reading period is closed, we encourage prospective authors to explore these guidelines and determine whether Yawning Fox Press may be a good fit for their work.

What We're Looking For

We seek manuscripts that reflect our mission and offer literary excellence, originality, and a distinctive voice. We welcome both emerging and established writers whose work pushes boundaries or explores new creative territory.

Submission Categories

• Poetry collections

  • approx. 60-90pp

• Fiction (short story collections, novellas, novels)

  • approx. 125 k words

• Creative nonfiction (includes memoir)

  • approx. 125 k words

• Hybrid

  • approx. 60–90 pp

Submission Format

• When our next reading period opens, manuscripts should be submitted through the submission form on this page.

• Attach your manuscript as a PDF, Word, or plain text file (.pdf, .docx, .doc, .txt)

• Use a readable 12-point serif font (e.g., Times New Roman)

• Double-space prose; single-space poetry

• Include a page number and title on each page

• Do not put your name anywhere on the fle

• Simultaneous submissions are welcome; please withdraw the work immediately if it is accepted elsewhere

AI Policy

• Yawning Fox Press does not accept AI-generated work. All submissions must be fully copyrightable under U.S. Copyright Office guidelines.

• Any use of AI tools must be disclosed during the submission process. Our expectations align with the ethical guidelines of the Authors Guild.

• Read our AI Policy →

Cover Letter Requirements

Include a brief cover letter with:

• Your contact information

• A Short bio (2-3 sentences)

• Relevant publication history (if applicable)

• A synopsis of your manuscript (1–2 paragraphs)

Response Time and Process

During active reading periods:

• Initial response time: up to 3 months

• We respond to all submissions

• Select submissions may be read by trusted volunteer readers who assist our editorial process in confidence.

• Publication timeline: 12–18 months after acceptance

What Not to Submit

• Previously published work

• Work that does not reflect the Yawning Fox mission (see above link)

• Genre fiction (unless primarily literary)

• Self-help, academic, or technical works