We welcome submissions from new and previously published authors, with or without an agent.
We want fiction and nonfiction manuscripts that tackle challenging environmental issues and offer hope—either potential solutions or ways to adapt. Beyond that, we're open to whatever you believe will broaden readers' understanding of the world and inspire them to seek action.
We are especially interested in manuscripts for early, young adult, and new adult readers.
Current Call for Submissions
Celebrating the 2nd Annual Bangor Authors’ Book Fair and Literary Festival, December 9, 2023
Submissions: Closed
Title: Rivers of Ink: Literary Reflections on the Penobscot
Editor: Steven Long
Theme: Immerse yourself in the magnificent Penobscot River and its lush, sprawling watershed alongside 12 Willows Press and the second annual Bangor Authors’ Book Fair and Literary Festival! Join us in crafting the anthology Rivers of Ink: Literary Reflections on the Penobscot as a tribute to the captivating essence of this majestic river and watershed.
Picture a network of streams and tributaries emerging near the Canadian border and gradually converging to form the awe-inspiring Penobscot. Meandering through miles of vibrant forests, the river flows southward, gaining strength long before passing beneath the iconic Penobscot Narrows Bridge and merging with the Atlantic Ocean. This is the Penobscot River—a cherished thread intricately woven into Maine’s narrative, serving as a lifeline for travel, communication, and recreation.
We invite writers of all backgrounds and ages to explore the profound connection between their craft and the Penobscot. Whether you’re a poet, a skilled storyteller, or a keen observer of life’s wonders, we eagerly await your submissions of poems, flash fiction, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays—each inspired by the river that flows through our hearts.
How has the Penobscot and its enchanting forested surroundings ignited your imagination and influenced your personal and professional journey? Reflect on its profound impact, letting your words paint vivid portraits of the river’s role in shaping your identity and connecting you to its rich heritage.
Submission Guidelines:
*Submissions must be in English
*New works are preferred, but previously published pieces will be considered
*Up to three short poems
*Flash fiction, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays should not exceed 2,000 words
*In lieu of compensation, we will include a brief bio and offer you a free copy of the anthology (your choice: print or ebook)
*All profits from Rivers of Ink will be donated to Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters’ Katahdin Woods and National Monument fundraising campaign
*DOC, DOCx, or RTF format
*Only one submission or three poems per author
Dear writers: The deadline for submissions has been extended to August 31, 2023, allowing more time to perfect your work while enjoying your summer. Quality remains paramount! Thank you for your dedication and creativity. Make this summer unforgettable!
Send to submissions@12willowspress.com
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General Submission Info
Fiction submissions:
We are interested in these subgenres:
- Eco-fiction
- Environmental fiction
- Science fiction
- Climate fiction
- Anthropocene fiction
- Apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic fiction
Nonfiction submissions:
We are not interested in doom and gloom or pointing fingers. We want manuscripts that tackle environmental problems head-on—like nuclear waste, recycling turbine blades, carbon sequestration, deforestation, and monocropping—by detailing their history, human and environmental impacts, and, if possible, previous attempts to correct them. As for possible solutions to these problems, the sky is the limit. For inspiration, check out The Long View.
Guidelines:
Your cover letter must include the following:
- A brief bio and whether you are a new or previously published author
- Manuscript title and a short overview of the manuscript
- Marketing suggestions
Your manuscript:
- Name/penname on the first page, content warnings, email address, and word count
- Double spaced
- DOC, DOCx, or RTF format
Your writing must be original
Your writing should not promote racism, intolerance, or an us-versus-them mindset
Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but please notify us if your work is accepted elsewhere
Send your submissions to: submissions@12willowspress.com
Some more things to note:
We do reprints
We aren't a vanity or subsidy press
We don't accept plagiarized work—all manuscripts are checked for this
If you're still working on your manuscript and think we might be interested, please send us some samples!