Possibilities (aka submissions)

It is a personal thing, this aversion to the word submission.  Yes, we know that's the typical term we're told, as writers, to use when we send our work out to publishers . . . and maybe other publishers use the term because it's always been used or maybe they really feel like there needs to be that hierarchy, that division between publisher and author . . . but we're all writers here and we care about language, about meaning, and at Red Bird, we don't believe in submitting work. We believe you're entrusting us to read it, to consider it.  We think your work has the possibility of being something we'd like to publish, so we'd like to take a look at it, to read it, to consider it.  

Our team of editors read all the possibilities received for their genre and all of our editors are encouraged to read mixed-genre possibilities. Each editor selects the manuscript they wish to work with the following year.  

We want the writing to speak for itself.  Manuscripts are read blind - our editors do not receive any identifying information about the author or the collection until after a manuscript has been selected.  

Once our editors have made their selections, we work with each manuscript, each author, each artist to find a way to present their work in the best possible light. Each chapbook and pamphlet is a collaboration, and each starts with a manuscript full of possibilities. 

Red Bird welcomes all possibilities.

Considering sending us your work?  Please read the following guidelines carefully.

Chapbook Guidelines Our Chapbook reading period is closed.

Pamphlet Guidelines Pamphlet reading period is closed.

Have a question? Please email us at admin@redbirdchapbooks.com.  

Reading Period

2024 Chapbook reading period will re-open in the fall.

Please do not send manuscripts outside of reading periods.