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. WTAW believes in literature’s power to move and inspire, and to help develop self-understanding, empathy, resilience, and connection with one another.

 

WTAW is devoted to discovering and publishing enduring books of literary prose that showcase a variety of voices and experiences—books that are likely to be overlooked in mainstream corporate publishing. We carefully curate titles across a range of genres (literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and prose that falls somewhere in between), subject matter, and voices. 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.

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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 carefully selects books, not authors, for publication.

 

Beginning in 2023 we will open for submissions to the annual Kevin McIlvoy Book Prize for full-length books books of prose. The winner will receive a $2500 honorarium, publication, and a standard contract with royalties. All manuscripts submitted will be considered for publication. 

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The annual Alcove Chapbook Series competition publishes chapbooks of prose. The winner receives a $250 honorarium, publication, and a standard contract with royalties. All manuscripts submitted are considered for publication.

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WTAW has launched the imprint Betty, books by women for everyone. This innovative publishing program will open for submissions late in 2023.

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Manuscripts are chosen from open reading calls for publication. Submission fees go directly to paying authors, to book production (print and ebook), 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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WTAW offers authors standard contracts with royalties, and strives to effectively publicize, promote, and market books. We create collaborative publicity and marketing plans with authors that include appearances at bookstores, festivals, conferences, and reading series; podcast and other media interviews; social media promotions; and more. We print and distribute Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) 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.

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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.

 

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

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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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