The Poetry Box

Cooperative Publishing Programs

Poetry Books, Chapbooks,
& Illustrated Poetry Collections

 

Congratulations on writing, re-writing, and shaping your work into a polished manuscript. Now you’re ready to choose a publisher—That’s right, I said “choose” your publisher.

Why Choose The Poetry Box® as Your Publisher?

We created The Poetry Box® Cooperative Publishing Program to offer poets a professional, trustworthy, and affordable option for publishing their full-length poetry collections and chapbooks. We began offering our hybrid model of publishing in 2018 and have produced 96 poetry collections under this paradigm so far (as of March 2023). And we attribute this success to the talented authors we’ve had the privilege to work with, as well our commitment to these basic principles—

  • Clear & Timely Communication
  • Authors Retain Rights to Their Work
  • Respect for Copyright & Licensing
  • Adhering to Industry Standards of Practice
  • Straightforward Contracts
  • Expertise in Book Design
  • Promoting & Supporting Our Authors

  • Lana Hechtman AyersLana Hechtman Ayersauthor, When All Else Fails

    Deep gratitude to Shawn Aveningo-Sanders and The Poetry Box for publishing this collection. Attentive to details, brilliant designer, enthusiastic, kind, and gracious, Shawn is editor every poet dreams of working with.

  • Teddy NorrisTeddy Norrisauthor, In Transit

    Trusting The Poetry Box with my manuscript was such a good decision. Thank you, Shawn and Robert, for the lovely way you work with and for poets to make our books something we can be proud to share. Your professionalism and support throughout the publication process and your responsiveness to even the smallest concerns were so gratifying.

  • Mimi GermanMimi Germanauthor, Beneath the Gravel Weight of Stars

    This was so enjoyable. Thank you, Shawn Aveningo Sanders for loving our poetry and making a home for it with you at The Poetry Box!

  • Nathan FrybackNathan Frybackauthor, Shells in the Sieve

    Thank you so much Shawn. It's been a wonderful experience. It was really nice to work with you. What you've done with the Poetry Box is a beautiful thing and I'm very grateful to be a part of it.

  • Susan Coultrap McQuinSusan Coultrap McQuinauthor, What We Bring Home

    My book arrived yesterday. It is absolutely beautiful. You do such a beautiful job on your publications. Thank you.

  • Mark ThalmanMark Thalmanauthor, Stronger Than the Current
    The books arrived this afternoon!  They look great! Holding the book has a nice cushiony feel from the finish on the cover.  And, having just read every word cover to cover, I am extremely happy with how the whole book turned out. If I haven't mentioned it before, the paragraph you wrote for the back cover is superb.  Thanks for making this an enjoyable experience. 
  • Michael B. Carroll Jr.Michael B. Carroll Jr.author, The Dichotomy Between Light & Dark (2019) and Songs of an Indomitable Spirit (2020)

    To say that working with Shawn Aveningo Sanders and “The Poetry Box” was a pleasure would be a profound understatement. As the author of The Dichotomy Between Light and Dark (2019) and  Songs of an Indomitable Spirit (2020), both published by The Poetry Box, I must say that my experience in working with Shawn has exceeded my wildest expectations. From the beginning, Shawn was a consummate professional who more than delivered on every promise. From editing, designing, even down to marketing, The Poetry Box has done a fabulous job. Never once did my creativity throughout the process feel stifled. Shawn collaborated with me over the project, up to and including the review and final approval of the artwork for the cover of my chapbook. What was most amazing, and pleasantly surprising, was Shawn’s decision to release my chapbook just days ahead of schedule. I was over the moon! I truly felt valued and appreciated as an artist and contributor to The Poetry Box.

  • Carolyn MartinCarolyn MartinAuthor, The Way a Woman Knows

    “One of the most professional and creative publishing houses on the West Coast! Shawn and Robert produce eye-popping books of the highest quality.”

  • Sherri LevineSherri LevineAuthor, Other Voices

    “I am so impressed with the way Shawn and Robert put together my chapbook, In These Voices. I couldn’t have asked for a more professional, caring, and thorough publishers.  The lines of communications between Shawn and myself were open on a continuous basis. She was easily accessible and listened to what I wanted and responded right away.  Shawn did a wonderful job marketing my book, and I read at many bookstores and other places. She and Robert even attended several of my readings. I would highly recommend Shawn and Robert (The Poetry Box) as publishers.”

  • Dr. Paul T.M. JacksonDr. Paul T.M. JacksonAuthor, Impressions

    “It was a real pleasure to work with Shawn and The Poetry Box - extremely professional, efficient, and open from beginning to end, offering excellent advice and support which was very much appreciated. Thank you”.

  • Lynn M. KnappLynn M. KnappAuthor, Giving Ground, 2017

    At The Poetry Box, publishing is an art form. Shawn and Robert were patient and supportive, handling myriad details as well as first-book jitters. They were imaginative and thorough, making sure every element of the design and the text rang true. They understood my vision and created a beautiful book that exceeded my expectations. I wouldn’t trust my books to anyone else!

  • Morley KnollMorley KnollAuthor & Editor-in-Chief, Winneboujou Chronicles I & II

    After working with [the] Poetry Box, I realized the decision to work with Shawn and Robert was one of the best I’ve ever made. Shawn was a joy to work with. I depended on her good advice; she was always there when I needed her and took care of all those pesky details. Shawn and Robert are both talented artists committed to helping others bring their work to life on the printed page.  (Read full testimonial here)

  • Tricia KnollTricia KnollAuthor, Broadfork Farm, 2017

    Robert used photos (taken by my husband, Darrell Salk) to design a cover which corresponds perfectly to my image of the farm. Shawn made suggestions on some of the poetry which only improved the overall publication. Together we set timelines that worked for both of us.We worked collaboratively and seamlessly to create exactly the book I hoped for. I'm very grateful for the work of The Poetry Box.

  • Carolyn MartinCarolyn MartinAuthor, The Way a Woman Knows, 2015

    Working with Shawn and Robert on my second collection, The Way a Woman Knows, was an author’s dream. From the initial explanations of how The Poetry Box works to publish  high-quality books, to involving me in choices of layout and cover-design, to the on-time delivery of an exquisite book I am proud to have my name on: the experience was professional, instructive, and fun. I’d definitely recommend Shawn, Robert, and The Poetry Box to any author who’s ready to turn a manuscript into a book they want to share with the world.

We Are Selective, Yet Inclusive

We do not accept every manuscript that is submitted for publication. We are not a vanity press. We will not put The Poetry Box® imprint on a book that doesn’t meet our standards. We abide by the Hybrid Publisher’s Criteria set forth by the IBPA (Independent Book Publishing Association) and follow their professional publishing industry standards.

Our catalog includes writers from varied backgrounds and level of experience—both prolific and promising. We’ve had the honor to publish many well-established, beloved poets, and we’ve also enjoyed introducing talented, new & emerging voices to the literary landscape.

We enjoy poems of all styles: formal, free verse, lyrical, metered, experimental, nostalgic, political, erasure, abstract, etc. We don’t censor or shy away from tough topics, however we do draw the line at poetry that discriminates against our fellow humans.

ALL Cooperative Publishing Contracts Include:

  • Copyediting & Proofreading the manuscript during various stages of production to ensure accuracy
  • Procurement & Assignment of  ISBN Numbers with The Poetry Box imprint as publisher
  • Formatted EAN/ISBN Barcode with retail price embedded
  • Inclusion in Books in Print through Bowker
  • Library of Congress Registration including pre-control number assignment and sending a final published copy of book to Library of Congress on author’s behalf (for books over 60 pages)
  • Professional Interior Book Layout & Design in accordance with Independent Book Publishing Association (IBPA) practices and Chicago Manual of Style
  • Professional Standard Custom Cover Design (with option to upgrade to Premium)
  • Perfect-bound, paperback book
  • Text on Spine for books with 70+ pages when finished
  • Gloss or Matte finish book cover (dependent on design and what will work best for the book’s aesthetic)
  • Most of our Books and (now) Chapbooks are are printed in standard 6×9 inch format/size.
  • We will advise you if your book is better suited for an alternate size (7 x 10 / 7.5 x 9.25 / 5 x 8 / 5.5 x 8.5) once the design/layout phase begins. 
  • Digital Author’s Proofs (PDF) for review before finalizing print-ready files
  • Digital Advance Review Copies (pdf ARCs) upon request
  • Five (5)  complimentary copies for the author
  • Author’s option to purchase additional copies at below wholesale
  • Dedicated Web Page on ThePoetryBox.com online bookstore
  • Worldwide Distribution available through Ingram Group to over 39,000 bookstores worldwide and online retailers
  • 40% net royalties, reported and payable in February for prior year sales
  • Social Media Promotion on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter
  • Promotion in our Monthly Newsletters (min. 3 newsletter promotions)
  • Digital One Sheets (a.k.a. Sell Sheets / Info Sheets / Flyers) ready for printing and emailing
  • Mini Flyers with QR Code (ready for printing) directing potential readers to order page for your book
  • Marketing Tips  including pre-order sales promotion
  • For our local Portland authors, assistance in setting up a book launch/reading at a local bookstore
  • Opportunity to be a featured reader in Zoom show to help launch/promote your book
  • Estimated publication timeline from signing of contract is approximately 6-12 months, depending on complexity of project and any special add-on services requested

Pricing for Cooperative Publishing Packages

Standard Poetry Chapbooks – $795

  • Finished published chapbooks are generally 34-52 pages total, which includes:
    • Front Matter Pages (i.e., title page, copyright page, dedication/quote page, table of contents)
    • Poems (24-32 formatted pages)
    • Back Matter Pages (i.e., acknowledgments, all blurbs, about the author)
    • Blank pages based on publishing standards regarding recto/verso page placement
  • Add-on services or upgrades for premium custom cover design are an additional fee

Poetry Chapbook with Illustrations/Artwork – $995

  • Finished published illustrated chapbooks are generally 34-58 pages total, which includes:
    • Front Matter Pages (i.e., title page, copyright page, dedication/quote page, table of contents)
    • Poems & Illustrations/Artwork
    • Back Matter Pages (i.e., acknowledgments, all blurbs, about the author, about the artist)
    • Blank pages based on publishing standards regarding recto/verso page placement
  • Illustrations/Artwork can be Black & White or Color
    • Author/Artist to provide high-resolution, print-quality images upon acceptance
    • Use of Color over Black & White will be reflected in retail price of chapbook based on printing cost
  • Add-on services or upgrades for premium custom cover design are an additional fee

Standard Full-Length Poetry Books – $995

  • Finished published full-length poetry books are generally 70-140 pages total, which includes:
    • Front Matter Pages (i.e., title page, copyright page, dedication/quote page, table of contents)
    • Section Divider Pages (if applicable)
    • Poems
    • Back Matter Pages (i.e., acknowledgments, notes, blurb reviews, about the author)
    • Blank pages based on publishing standards regarding recto/verso page placement
  • Add-on services or upgrades for premium custom cover design are an additional fee

Full-Length Poetry Books with Illustrations/Artwork – $1195

  • Finished published full-length poetry books with artwork are generally 70-150 pages total, which includes:
    • Front Matter Pages (i.e., title page, copyright page, dedication/quote page, table of contents)
    • Section Divider Pages (if applicable)
    • Poems & Illustrations/Artwork
    • Back Matter Pages (i.e., acknowledgments, notes, blurb reviews, about the author)
    • Blank pages based on publishing standards regarding recto/verso page placement
  • Illustrations/Artwork can be Black & White or Color
    • Author/Artist to provide high-resolution, print-quality images upon acceptance
    • Use of Color over Black & White will be reflected in retail price of chapbook based on printing cost
  • Add-on services or upgrades for premium custom cover design are an additional fee

Upgrades & Add-Ons

Premium Cover Design Upgrade*

All of our Cooperative Publishing Packages (and also our Select title contracts) include a professionally designed standard custom book cover, using a royalty-free stock image or image provided by the author. Sometimes, an author envisions a book cover that requires extra design expertise and time. Luckily, we have an award-winning professional designer & photographer to create these extra special custom covers for our authors.

These premium cover designs might include:

    • A complex design incorporating artwork or multiple images provided by the author
    • Custom digital illustration creation for the cover design
    • A photoshoot to create custom imagery for the cover
    • Research in sourcing specific imagery for the cover
    • Fees for acquiring licensing for specific image(s) used in the cover design

*Price for a premium cover designed by Robert Sanders will be quoted to the author after a design consultation call.

Add-On Promotional Items**

    • Postcards to promote pre-orders and/or release of your book
    • Custom bookmarks that coordinate with your book cover
    • Artistic poster prints of your book cover
    • Custom event posters for an in-person book launch or special event
    • Got an idea? Just ask and we’ll see if we can make it happen for you.

**Prices quoted upon request once we’ve entered an agreement to publish your book.

Ready to Submit Your Manuscript? 

(Please note: We only accept submissions from U.S. based writers)

Manuscript Checklist:

    • Cover Letter containing:
      • Proposed Book Title
      • Legal Name of Poet
      • Poet Name as it should appear on the cover
      • Brief synopsis/description of the collection (approx 100-150 words)
      • Contact Information including:
        •  Email Address
        •  Shipping Address
        •  Phone Number
        •  Social Media links, if applicable (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Author Website, YouTube Channel, etc).
      • Why you’re interested in having The Poetry Box publish your work.
      • Whether or not this is a simultaneous submission.
    • Complete Manuscript including:
      • List of Poems in order (NOT all caps). Do not include page numbers.
      • All poems in order, with each poem beginning at the top of a new page.
      • Acknowledgments for any previously published poems.
      • Dedication and/or Quote to open the book, if desired.
      • Notes (if applicable)
      • Author Bio written in 3rd person, noting any literary awards, publications, and anything you’d like to share with the readers as it related to the topic of your book, etc. (Approx. 100-150 words)
      • Artist Bio (for illustrated books or chapbooks with art, when artist is not the author)

Guidelines:

  • Accepted file formats: WORD (.doc or docx) or RTF (rich text format).  We will also allow a PDF (but require text portions of the manuscript as Word Document or RTF,  upon acceptance for publication)
  • Please use a standard readable font in 12pt.
  • Do NOT use ALL CAPS for poem titles.
  • Start each poem at the TOP of a new page.
  • Please keep in mind that most of our books & chapbooks are printed in standard 6×9 size, so consider how your poems are currently formatted and adjust accordingly. 
  • Individual poems of the manuscript may have been previously published in magazines, journals, or anthologies, but the work as a whole must be unpublished. Poems that are previously published should be included in “Acknowledgments” section.
  • Simultaneous submissions are permissible; please notify us immediately if a manuscript has been accepted/committed elsewhere.
  • A reading fee of $10.00 — payable through Submittable (submission manager system).
  • We will acknowledge receipt of your manuscript immediately via automatic email.
  • We aim to respond with a decision regarding your manuscript within 60 days
  • We accept manuscript submissions via Submittable. Click on corresponding button below to go to submittable form for your type of manuscript.

 

Submit Chapbook
 
Submit Illustrated Chapbook

 

Submit Poetry Book
 
Submit Illustrated Poetry Book

 

Need help with using the Submittable submissions manager?  Visit https://submittable.help/submitters

If you have any questions, you can contact the editor, Shawn Aveningo Sanders via Shawn@thePoetryBox.com.

We look forward to reading your work!