WTAW Press is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit publisher that cares deeply about the literary arts and its makers. We know literature is essential to a successful and evolving society and to the human beings who make up society—all human beings. 

 

We publish and champion exceptional literary books that possess a mastery of craft and artistry, are unafraid to risk, and showcase a variety of voices and experiences—books that are likely to be overlooked in mainstream corporate publishing. We believe in literature's power to help develop self-understanding, empathy, resilience, and connection with one another, and to move and inspire us.

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When it comes to small press publishing, opportunities often go to authors who can bolster a publisher's reputation, since that helps with fundraising and financial support so essential to keeping the lights on. WTAW Press carefully selects manuscripts, not authors, for publication. We are especially interested in voices and experiences that have been excluded in publishing.

 

WTAW is devoted to discovering and publishing enduring literary works. We publish and champion a carefully curated list of titles across a range of genres (literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and prose that falls somewhere in between), subject matter, and perspectives. We welcome submissions from writers of all backgrounds and especially encourage submissions by women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ or nonbinary gender people, persons with disabilities, and other traditionally underrepresented groups 

 

Typically, we publish two full-length books of prose annually.  In fall 2022, we launched our WTAW Alcove Chapbook Series competition and opened for submissions of chapbooks. 

 

Manuscripts are chosen from open reading periods for publication. Charging a submission fee enables us to publish books: fees go directly to paying authors, to book production (print and e-book), marketing and promotion, and to supporting authors. We aim to support our authors throughout their careers, not just when

we publish their books. WTAW Press does not charge authors for any aspect of book publishing and promotion. 

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We offer authors standard contracts with royalties, and we strive to publicize, promote, and market books with

all we’ve got. We create collaborative publicity and marketing plans with authors that include appearances at book stores, festivals, conferences, reading series; podcast and other media interviews; social media promotions; and more. We print and distribute Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) of each title to the trades magazines and other significant review journals and online venues six months before publication. Each book we publish is entered into appropriate contests for post publication awards. 

 

While some small publishers charge authors for printing and distributing ARCs, or for copies of books and fees

to enter their titles into contests — or neglect these important matters that are costly in terms of money, time,

and labor — we undertake them as a standard matter of course. You can read about authors' experiences with WTAW here.

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We've been gratified with the media coverage, reviews, and awards our books have received. Our authors are regularly invited to present at book festivals and conference panels and widely interviewed. More here.

 

Our books are professionally designed, both interiors and jackets, professionally edited, copyedited, and proofread. When WTAW Press contracts for these jobs, we strive to hire professionals who identify with groups who’ve been traditionally underrepresented in publishing, prioritizing BIPOC. 

 

Each manuscript selected for publication is carefully, thoroughly, and sensitively edited, and requires an author’s collaboration and commitment to the editing process. When appropriate, we employ sensitivity readers to advise us on manuscripts under consideration. WTAW Press will only publish books that make us proud — that's our return on investment of a true labor of love. 

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