Small Press Publishers That Deserve to be On Your Radar
Dorothy, A Publishing Project
This feminist press is doing things entirely differently, and I can always get behind innovation. Named for the editor’s great-aunt, who was a “head librarian, author, gardener, animal-lover, and Woodie Wagon bookmobile-driver,” Dorothy, A Publishing Project publishes just two books a year (simultaneously). They aim to pair books that “draw on different aesthetic traditions,” and they encourage readers to “approach them as a conversation (a project).”
As a feminist press (and an award-winning one at that), they publish books mostly by female writers; their titles are described as “fiction or near fiction or about fiction.” Bonus points for their fantastic owl bookplate logo.
Notable titles: The Taiga Syndrome by Cristina Rivera Garza, The White Dress by Nathalie Léger
Accepting submissions? The next submission period will be open sometime around September 2021.
Handheld Press
Based in the UK, Handheld Press spans across a range of books and genres with their three imprints—Handheld Classic, Handheld Research, and Handheld Modern. Their catalogue is resplendent with categories such as Crime/Thriller, Humour, Womens’ Lives, LGBT+, Fantasy & Science Fiction, and Disability. They’ve made a name for themselves mostly in their reprintings of “forgotten fiction and authors who need to be rediscovered,” but they are also unique in their eagerness to publish research, including biography, letters, and “the study of modern marginalised lives.”
As if that’s not enough, they host a monthly online book club, and also run a 3-day writing retreat in Worcestershire specifically for sci-fi and fantasy writers. Swoon.
Notable titles: Kingdoms of Elfin by Syliva Warner Townsend, What Not: A Prophetic Comedy by Rose Macaulay.
Accepting submissions? Currently accepting for Handheld Research and Handheld Classics.
Arsenal Pulp
A small but mighty publishing house with a staff of six, based in Vancouver, Canada, Arsenal Pulp is “interested in literature that engages and challenges readers, and which asks probing questions about the world around us.”
I first discovered Arsenal Pulp in my early twenties, when I purchased one of their cookbooks. Little did I know that it would be the beginning of a love affair with this little press, whose catalogue is focused largely on social and cultural issues, BIPOC and LGBTQ authors, graphic novels, youth culture, and diversity. They have a knack for picking award-winners, and every book I’ve read from them has been terrific.
Notable titles: Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi, Lost Boi by Sassafras Lowrey
Accepting submissions? Considering submissions in particular subject areas only; see website for details.
Persephone Books
Perhaps the most elegant press on this list, Persephone Books is located on the very British-sounding Lamb’s Conduit Street in London, England. I had the pleasure of stumbling by accident upon their shop 10 years ago when I was in the UK, and I haven’t looked back. Persephone publishes “neglected classics” by mostly female writers, and their catalogue so far stands at 139 titles.
Their books fall under the umbrellas of “novels, short stories, diaries, memoirs and cookery books.” You can spot a Persephone book a mile away because they are all bound in perfect, plain dove grey. As an added touch, the endpapers of each book are printed with a reproduction of a vintage fabric that has been specially chosen to match the era and subject matter of the book. I mean, does it get any better than that? I think not.
Pre-pandemic, if you were lucky enough to be in London, Persephone Books hosted literary talks and cream teas in their flower-filled shop, taking you effortlessly through time to bygone eras.
Notable titles: The Victorian Chaise-longue by Marghanita Laski, Tea with Mr Rochester by Frances Towers
Accepting submissions? Probably not yours, but if you are looking to publish your great-grandma’s manuscript, they want to hear from you.
Forest Avenue Press
Based in Portland, Oregon, Forest Avenue Press publishes “literary fiction on a joyride and the occasional memoir.” This press is particularly focused on championing authors and building community; their website states that they “applaud the successes of other authors and independent presses,” which is absolutely the kind of energy I love to see in the world.
Not only do they publish fantastic books, they also launched the Main Street Writers Movement, with an aim to supporting indie authors, supporting regional literary communities, and “strengthening the literary ecosystem.” Recognizing the challenges that can come with small press publishing, they offer a way for authors and other literary-minded folk to connect with, amplify, and support one another.
Notable titles: The Alehouse at the End of the World by Stevan Allred, The Royal Abduls by Ramiza Shamoun Koya
Accepting submissions? Unfortunately, not at this time. Financial constraints due to COVID have necessitated a pause, however they are clear that this is not a closure. Watch this space!
Invisible Publishing
This Canadian press’s tagline is, “We’re small, scrappy, and publish top-shelf books.” Their catalogue consists of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, and they are notable for being a not-for-profit publisher. They are committed not only to publishing diverse voices in stunning and affordable editions, but also to “building communities that sustain and encourage engaging, literary, and current writing.”
They have an excellent and entertaining blog (the “Invisiblog”), and they also have free downloadable reading guides to go along with many of their titles, in which they have mined their author’s resources to provide “everything from thoughts on themes to musical playlists.”
They are also the publisher of the Little Bird Stories anthologies, in partnership with the Sarah Selecky Writing School. The Little Bird Writing Contest is an international contest based on bizarre prompts, and the anthologies collect the top three stories in one slim volume. As a bonus, proceeds from the anthologies go to the Pelee Island Bird Observatory.
Notable titles: Daniil & Vanya by Marie-Hélène Larochelle, Enya: A Treatise on Unguilty Pleasures by Chilly Gonzales
Accepting submissions? Yes! One at a time, please.
