Submitting to Unencumbered Press? Here’s What We’re Looking For
At Unencumbered Press, we are passionate about publishing work that challenges perspectives, inspires growth, and fosters meaningful conversations. We’re on the lookout for compelling, boundary-pushing stories and voices that resonate deeply with readers.
This post outlines the specific types of submissions we seek, from literary fiction to creative nonfiction and contemporary poetry. Megan J. and I have curated lists of some of our favorite works in these genres on our bookshop.org affiliate profile. If your book aligns with the themes and styles we admire, we encourage you to submit it to Unencumbered Press.
We’re Looking For
Literary fiction that…
- Offers insights into the human experience.
- Is thought-provoking and engaging.
- Emphasizes language, form, and rich character and/or setting development.
We welcome genre-bending works and accept submissions in the following genres, provided they align with the broader scope of literary fiction:
- Fantasy: Imaginative worlds and mythic tales.
- Historical Fiction: Compelling narratives set against the backdrop of meticulously researched history.
- Magical Realism: Stories that seamlessly weave the extraordinary into the ordinary.
- Science Fiction: Tales that challenge our understanding of the future or alternate realities.
- Short Story Collections: An assembly of stories that collectively paint a broader picture of life’s intricacies.
- Speculative Fiction: Innovative narratives that explore the ‘what ifs’ of our existence.
Creative nonfiction that…
- Informs.
- Blends compelling narratives with factual depth.
- Engages readers with a unique voice and perspective.
We welcome works in the following areas, provided they are insightful, thought-provoking, and creatively presented:
- Biography/Memoir: Personal journeys that offer deep insights and emotional resonance.
- General Nonfiction: Thoughtful explorations of a wide range of topics, from history, current events, and cultural themes to academic and education content.
- Narrative Nonfiction: True stories told with the flair and depth of fiction, providing both knowledge and entertainment.
Contemporary poetry that…
- Evokes strong emotions.
- Experiments with form and plays with structure, line breaks, spacing, and visual elements.
- Is culturally and socially engaged.
We welcome submissions in various styles, including:
- Narrative Poetry: Poems that tell a compelling story, blending the art of storytelling with the precision of poetic language.
- Lyric Poetry: Expressive and personal poems that focus on emotions and reflections.
- Experimental and Visual Poetry: Works that push the boundaries of traditional poetry, incorporating visual elements or unconventional structures.
- Cultural and Identity Poetry: Poems that explore cultural heritage, identity, and social issues, offering a unique and powerful voice.
Other products that…
- Enhance Reader Engagement.
- Complement our literary aesthetic and reflect the themes and style of our publications.
- Foster community and learning.
We’re want to explore creative projects beyond traditional books at Unencumbered Press and may be interested in producing:
- Zines: Small works that allow bold, experimental content for niche topics and unique storytelling.
- Card Decks: Thematic decks, like oracles or inspirational cards.
- Coffee Table Books: Visually stunning books that combine rich photography or illustrations with engaging, thought-provoking content.
- Anthologies: Curated collections of short stories, essays, letters, or poetry from multiple authors, offering diverse voices on a unifying theme.
- Chapbooks: Small, limited-edition collections of poetry or short fiction, often focusing on a single theme or voice, providing an intimate reading experience.
- Collaborative Art Books: Books that pair authors with visual artists to create a cohesive, multi-sensory reading experience, blending text and imagery in innovative ways.
- Literary Maps: Artistic maps that visually represent settings or journeys.
If your creative project fits these categories and aligns with our vision, we’d love to explore it with you.
We’re excited to see how your work can contribute to our growing community of boundary-pushing authors and artists. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, please feel free to leave a comment below. We’re here to help and eager to connect with you.
Publisher's Picks for September 2024 - Unencumbered Press
September 1, 2024 @ 10:02 pm
[…] deeper by reading or watching the author’s video essay on the press’s MobyLives blog. Until, of course, you can get your hands on a copy from the publisher or your local library or […]