Publishing a book-length poetry collection can be a daunting process, especially after so much effort, time and energy has gone into the writing itself. The publishing landscape is shifting rapidly, and it can be a very confusing and often costly endeavor for those who simply dream of seeing their work in print. Therefore, we offer an affordable, cooperative solution which can be equally rewarding to both the author and the publisher. Writers are freed-up to spend time in their craft – creating more art for the world to enjoy – while we lend our experience and expertise to take care of the design and publishing details for you.
Our cooperative publishing model is an ideal solution for U.S. based writers (both emerging talents and established writers) who are excited to get their work published rather than awaiting multiple contest results. We enjoy introducing new poets to the mix, and we want you to be able to share your new book with the world while you’re still passionate about the writing.
However, keep in mind, we are not a “vanity press.” We do not accept every manuscript that is sent to us for publication. The work has to be well-written, thoughtful, and demonstrate a solid grasp on the craft. We will not put The Poetry Box® imprint on a book that doesn’t meet our standards.
We enjoy poems of all styles: formal, free-verse, metered, experimental, nostalgic, political, erotic, abstract, lyrical, 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. Please keep in mind that your book should have some unifying theme or topic, and yet each poem should be strong enough to stand on its own merit.
(Please note: we are only accepting submissions from U.S. based authors/poets at this time)
Lynn M. KnappAuthor, Giving Ground, 2017At 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!
Tricia KnollAuthor, Broadfork Farm, 2017Robert 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 MartinAuthor, The Way a Woman Knows, 2015Working 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.
Cooperative Publishing Book Contract Includes:
- 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.
- Professional Interior Book Layout & Design following standard publishing guidelines.
- Professional Cover Design.
- Perfect-bound, paperback chapbook, 60-140 pages total (including front/back matter) and 6 x 9 inches in size.
- Gloss or Matte finish for book cover, dependent on design and what will work best for the book’s aesthetic.
- Digital Author’s Proofs (PDF) before finalizing print-ready files
- Digital Advance Review Copies (ARCs)
- Five (5) Complimentary Copies for the author, with additional copies available at below wholesale.
- Dedicated Web Page on ThePoetryBox.com online bookstore.
- Worldwide Distribution available through Ingram to 39,000 bookstores and online retailers
- 40% net royalties, reported and payable in February for prior year sales.
- Social Media/Email Newsletters promotion.
- One-Sheet (digital pdf, ready for printing), also known as Sell-Sheet or Info-Sheet.
- For our local Portland authors, assistance in setting up and hosting a book launch/reading at a local bookstore or other venue. During the pandemic we are using Zoom to help launch our poets’ books, regardless of locale.
- Estimated publication timeline from signing of contract is approximately 6-8 months.
Submission Details
Manuscript Checklist:
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- 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 and no underlines). 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 or Quote to open the book, if desired.
- 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. 200 words)
- Cover Letter containing:
Guidelines:
- Accepted file formats: WORD (.doc or docx) or RTF (rich text format). Do not send as PDF.
- Please use a standard readable font such as Times New Roman in 12pt. Do not embed your poems in graphics or imagery.
- Do NOT put your poem titles in ALL CAPS.
- Do NOT underline your titles.
- Start each poem at the TOP of a new page. Please use “insert page break” function and not by hitting enter/return multiple times.
- Please keep in mind that our books are typically printed in 6 x 9 size, so do 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 The Poetry Box via email (shawn@thepoetrybox.com) immediately if a manuscript becomes accepted/committed elsewhere.
- The reading fee of $10.00 is payable through Submittable (our 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 prefer manuscript submissions made via Submittable.
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!
