Writers Guidelines
Alternate Way Press publishes books and other written works meant to inspire readers to think deeply and live passionately in accordance with timeless principles. We are looking for works that are crisp and cutting-edge, and humanistic at the same time. We want to build long-term relationships with quality artists who are serious about their craft.
AWP publishes hardcover, trade paperback, and mass market originals and reprints, approx. 10-15 titles/year. We accept simultaneous submissions.
- Nonfiction: Publishes full-length books. Nonfiction books must address significant topics in a fresh way, must speak boldly on controversial issues, and must be clear and accurate.
- Fiction: Publishes full-length books, graphic novels, children’s books ages 6-12, and Young Adult 12+. Fiction must be engaging, clear and seamlessly address AWP’s vision/Mission.
- Poetry: Publishes chapbooks on topics suited to AWP’s vision/Mission.
Query Guidelines
In your query, briefly describe your work’s importance, intended audience, and publishing credits, if any. Submit complete poems. Mail with SASE to Alternate Way Press, Attn: Submissions, 318 Excelsior Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112. Submit complete poems. Queries will not be accepted via phone, fax, or email, nor without SASE.
Proposal Guidelines
If in response to your query our editorial staff requests a proposal, please submit the following items:
- Cover Letter—This should include your intended audience, why your approach is unique, and a short background explaining your qualifications for writing this particular book.
- Synopsis—A one or two page summary.
- Outline/Table of Contents—An overview of the manuscript.
- Annotated Outline—An expansion of the outline including a one paragraph summary of each chapter.
- Sample Chapters—The first three chapters.
- Market Analysis—A list of books published within the past five years which cover the same subject, and a description of how your manuscript is different/better than these works.
Email Submissions:
writersubmit@altwaypress.com
Subject line: Written Works Submission
Attn: Editor-in-Chief
Standard Mail Submissions:
Kristine Wilson-Slack
Alternate Way Press Submissions
318 Excelsior Ave
San Francisco, CA 94112
Please Note:
- The process of reviewing your submissions may take up to several weeks, if not months.
- You will receive an email after we have reviewed your work to let you know if we have decided to it for a particular project, or keep it in our archives for possible future use should you have agreed to this option on the submission form. If your work does not fit the criteria for our current or upcoming projects we will notify you and destroy any electronic files you sent, or return (if you provided the means for doing so) your hardcopy materials.
- Alternate Way Press will notify you ahead of time should we wish to utilize any work you submitted which was kept in our archive. If at the time of notification we cannot contact you, then we will dispose of any stored files. If when contacted you wish to rescind your submission you may do so by replying that you no longer wish to participate.
