Are you a searching for a list of publishing houses for poetry with a view to finding a suitable publisher for your poems?
The post is especially for you.
Below you’ll find 17 poetry book publishers spread across the United States, the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia.
1. Wipf and Stock Publishers
John Wipf founded Wipf and Stock Publishers in 1995 to meet the growing demand for scholarly books. And from originally conducting operations in a humble bedroom, the company now boasts six imprints (including Cascade books and Stone Table Books), more than 500 new titles each year, and an office in Eugene, Oregon.
Last December, Wipf and Stock Publishers released two distinct yet equally stunning poetry collections: Eleanor Limmer’s Home in the Stream and Michelle Rebidoux’s The Last Thing is Longing.
So, if you want them to publish your own set of poems, simply head to the proposal submission page. Wipf and Stock Publishers currently accepts unsolicited entries for nearly all of its entries, so just follow the instructions and read the author’s guide linked under the “publish with us” section.
2. Four Way Books
Located in New York, New York, Four Ways Books had its origins in 1993. Jane Brox, Dzvinia Orlowsky, Helen Fremont, and Martha Rodes worked diligently to achieve their first three publications of poetry collections in 1995 within two years. Twenty-eight years since its founding, the esteemed literary press now releases up to 18 new books annually and has an online literary journal.
From Carl Adamshick’s wondrous 72-page creation Hotel to Peter Coyote’s debut poetry book Tongue of a Crow, the publisher unfailingly delivers superb writing. In other words, Four Way Books is a testament to the appeal of quality over quantity.
Starting on the 1st of June this year, this literary press will conduct a month-long open reading period. Poets can send their collections online and pay only $30. Furthermore, you can compete for the Leviz Prize to be held until the 31st of March.
3. Plan B Press
Are you working on a poetry chapbook? If so, you might be interested in Plan B Press, an indie publisher based in Alexandria, Virginia. Its initial primary goal was to share the works of those who joined a poetry fest in Pennsylvania known as Bard Fest. Now, Plan B Press continues to illustrate that art exists in both written words and in how they’re presented.
The catalog of poetry books here is nothing short of astounding. Chapbooks such as Sabrina Ito’s The Witches of Lila Springs and Alan W. King’s Crooked Smiling Light are quick reads. Nevertheless, they conjure vivid imagery of humanity in all its forms.
Plan B Press is looking for poetry writers who have published no more than two titles. And while the publisher won’t reject full-length collections, the primary focus is on chapbooks. You can read more about the manuscript submission process for a better idea.
4. Giramondo Publishing
Located in Artarmon, New South Wales, Australia, Giramondo Publishing began in 1995 and strives to discover and publish literary titles regardless of their assumed commercial value. Over the years, the indie publisher has seen many of its titles—in not only poetry but also fiction and nonfiction—garner awards and acclaim.
Giramondo Publishing constantly introduces its audience to new perspectives. For one, Andy Jackson’s Human Looking tackles the intimacy and complexity of disability. Then there’s Jane Gibian’s Beneath the Tree Line, which deals with nature, time, and people.
As of writing, this independent publisher is open to unsolicited proposals. Authors have until the start of March to send a manuscript of their poetry collection.
5. Autumn House Press
Michael Simms launched Autumn House Press in 1998. Situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this press yearns to cultivate the next generation of brilliant storytellers. Hence, the team focuses on publishing works from first-time writers and authors who’ve crafted stunning books but have yet to receive the recognition they deserve.
From poetry and anthologies to fiction and nonfiction, Autumn House Press consistently releases quality titles. Interested authors are encouraged to check its recent releases to better understand what they’re looking for. You can browse Natalie Homer’s Under the Broom Tree or Carly Inghram’s award-winning The Animal Indoors and.
You still have time to prepare your poems! Autumn House Press resumes its open reading period from September to November. However, they might close early if they receive 300 manuscripts. Otherwise, you can enter their poetry competition, which accepts entries from now until the 31st of May.
6. Mansfield Press
Denis De Klerck founded Mansfield Press in 1999 to help daring authors find their audience, particularly in the field of poetry. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, it’s an independent company fostering strong local communities of readers and writers.
Mansfield Press is the home of insightful poetry books such as Corrado Paina’s The Dowry of Education and Marianne Apostolides’s essential and immersive The Lucky Child.
The publisher is looking for complete manuscript submissions of poetry, but it only accepts entries from Canadian individuals. In addition, Mansfield Press favors writers who have already published their work — including not just in books but also in journals and magazines.
7. Counterpath Press
With more than 70 books in its catalog, Counterpath Press is more than just your regular publisher. It holds exhibits, donates books to local communities, and has held at least 200 events since its founding in 2006. And if you can’t make it to the main location in Denver Colorado, Counterpath Press has a place in New York, New York.
In its portfolio, you’ll discover intriguing books like Monica McClure’s Concomitance and Allison Parrish’s Articulations, the latter of which combines human storytelling and advancements in artificial intelligence.
You can send your unsolicited submissions and queries to Counterpath Press online throughout the year.
8. Ekstasis Editions
Richard Olfason founded Ekstasis Editions to jumpstart the careers of poetry writers in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. And while the literary press now releases other books like children’s literature and literary fiction, it’s still a formidable publisher of prestigious poetry.
From the lyrical Seaborn Eyes by Arianna Dagnino to the personal and eye-opening Persian Pony by the acclaimed Michael McClure, the poetry books in Ekstasis Editions are always worth the read and their price tag.
Unsolicited submissions should contain at least 20 poems. More importantly, Ekstasis Editions suggests checking your proposal for any grammatical mistakes before sending it. Likewise, your work should meet several factors such as thematic consistency and a unique voice.
9. Codhill Press
Realizing that there was a considerable segment of readers looking for eccentric and purposeful writing, David Appelbaum established Codhill Press in 1998. From its humble beginnings of releasing titles on art and Buddhism, the publisher from New Paltz, New York, has since doubled down on one of its big goals: printing stellar modern poetry.
In particular, some of the most compelling poetry collections in Codhill Press include Brenda Bufalino’s Circular Migrations and the translated edition of Kim Hu-Ran’s A Warm Family.
Currently, writers can send unsolicited submissions. They’ll receive a response within three months if the publisher is interested in their work. You may also check if Codhill Press will hold another poetry contest this year.
10. Red Hen Press
COO Mark E. Cull and Executive Director Kate Gale are the co-founders of Red Hen Press, which began in 1994. Located in Pasadena, California, the literary press welcomes gifted writers who’ve been ignored by much bigger publishing companies.
Every year, Red Hen Press prints around 25 new titles in the fields of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. For one, it is the publisher of Nikki Moustaki’s first poetry book titled Extremely Lightweight Guns. Similarly, it handled the release of Dexter L. Booth’s emotional and expansive Abracadabra, Sunshine.
Unsolicited and agented submissions alike of extraordinary and untamed poetry are much welcome in Red Hen Press.
11. Tupelo Press
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Tupelo Press was launched by award-winning poet Jeffrey Levine. Apart from high-caliber poetry collections, this indie press from North Adams, Massachusetts also prints literary fiction and nonfiction from veteran and beginner authors alike.
As an esteemed publisher, its production standards are in a league of its own. Readers often praise the exquisite book covers of Tupelo Press publications — and the same goes for the written content. From Laurel Nakanishi’s Ashore to Geri Doran’s wildly imaginative Epistle, Osprey, you’ll appreciate its titles from front to back.
The open reading period is from the 1st of July to the end of August. Authors in and outside the US are free to send their poetry manuscripts. Other than this, you can compete for one of their prizes like the Dorset Prize and Snowbound Chapbook Award.
12. Luath Press
For poets residing in Edinburgh Scotland, they can always rely on Luath Press. Tom and Rene Atkinson launched the company in 1981. The first publications were part of the Luath Guides Series, filling the demand for vivid travel books about numerous idyllic spots in Scotland.
Today, the Luath Press catalog has fiction, history books, children’s literature — and it’s brimming with great poetry collections. Mike Harding’s Cosmos Mariner is an essential read while Christine De Luca’s The North End of Eden is abundant with a sheer sense of identity and place.
Unlike other publishers, Luath Press only accepts hardcopy submissions. Check the full details to ensure that they receive and review your work.
13. Black Mountain Press
Upon its founding in 1994, Black Mountain Press initially concentrated on printing books about outdoor adventures. Since then, it has relocated to Asheville, North Carolina, and has switched to new categories: short stories, poetry collections, and novels.
If you’ve read Stephen Todd Booker’s The Reharkening or Bill Henderson’s pained yet humorous The Family Bible, you know that this literary press has a knack for one-of-a-kind storytelling.
Poetry writers can send unsolicited yet complete manuscripts online until December 2028. You have to pay a processing fee, but it’s much cheaper compared to when they still allowed hardcopy submissions.
14. Fremantle Press
Based in North Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia, this non-profit organization has been around since 1976. From its publishers to its illustrators and writers, the group has always had the goal of promoting fresh and distinctly Australian storytelling—from poems to fiction and nonfiction—to as many people as possible.
Throughout the years, Fremantle Press has garnered the attention of the reading public with its titles such as Danijela Kambaskovic’s riveting Internal Monologues and John Kinsella’s revelatory Peripheral Light.
Authors who live in Western Australia or have origins in the aforementioned location are welcome to send unsolicited manuscripts. Similarly, poetry collections from writers who do not meet these criteria may still get published if it significantly deals with Western Australia.
15. Coach House Books
Coach House Books is another fantastic option for writers in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Stan Bevington established the publishing company way back in 1965 and—as its name implies—involved the renting of a coach house early on. Today, it publishes poetry, plays, nonfiction, and translated works, among others.
In 2020, it published Sarah Dowling’s LGBTQ poetry collection Entering Sappho. The following year, it released Sarah Burgoyne’s Because the Sun, which was nominated for the A. M. Klein Prize for Poetry.
Understandably, Canadian writers are most preferred to send complete poetry manuscripts. In particular, Coach House Books hopes that people from marginalized sectors consider submitting their work.
16. LSU Press
Louisiana State University established its own press in 1935. Even back then, LSU Press was already turning heads with its initial catalog of scholarly titles and general interest books. With this publisher from Baton Rouge, Louisiana having nearly 3,500 titles today, it’s easy to find great reads in fields like fiction, southern history, media studies, and poetry.
In particular, poetry books from LSU Press are filled with deft writing. For example, Laura Davenport’s Dear Vulcan examines the women’s identity, patriarchy, and the South. Consequently, Rodney Gomez’s Geographic Tongue explores politico-geographic tensions and race through visual poetry.
LSU Press is open to unsolicited proposals, especially if they focus on the South. Look for the appropriate acquisitions editor by viewing the submissions page.
17. Kore Press Institute
For at least 26 years, the Kore Press Institute has made a name for itself with its bravery and kind heart. With a team that values intersectionality and feminism, the organization based in Tucson, Arizona uses literature to highlight social issues, enlighten readers, and encourage conversations about sensitive but important topics.
A couple of the most famous poetry books from Kore Press Institute are July Westhale’s Via Negativa and Monica Ong’s innovatively crafted Silent Anatomies.
Unfortunately, the publisher is still closed for unsolicited manuscript submissions — and the same is true for its poetry contests. Still, you can open the submissions page at a future date for any possible updates.
Some More Top Publishing Houses for Poetry
18. City Lights Press
Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin are the co-founders of one of the most historic names in the US book industry. Located in San Francisco, California, City Lights started as an indie bookstore in 1953 and was the first-ever bookstore in the nation to house only paperback titles. And by 1955, Ferlinghetti introduced City Lights Press to the world.
The bookstore and publishing venture values fiction, nonfiction, and brave poetry from both local and international authors. Two of its best poetry books are Michael McClure’s Mule Kick Blues and Tongo Eisen-Martin’s widely celebrated Blood on the Fog.
As of writing, the publisher does not accept unsolicited submissions. City Lights may change their policy in the future, so keep the manuscript submission section in mind.
19. Platypus Press
Peter Barnfather and Michelle Tudor—the latter of whom lives in Shropshire, England—established Platypus Press in England, UK, in 2015. Despite its young age, this independent company has made a mark with poetry books and beguiling titles across fiction and narrative nonfiction.
Platypus Press publishes some of the most refreshing poetry in all of the UK. These include Do Nguyen Mai’s acclaimed Ghosts Still Walking and Angela Gabrielle Fabunan’s first poetry collection The Sea That Beckoned.
According to the official website, the publisher already has titles lined up until Autumn. Thus, you’ll have to check the submissions page at a later date to see if Platypus Press will resume accepting manuscripts.
20. Yorkshire Publishing
Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Yorkshire Publishing is the stupendous amalgamation of multiple publishers. Kent Denmark MD and Laura Denmark, RN, currently lead the company, which has amassed thousands of titles since its inception in 2002.
Given its size, the publisher has everything from biographies and memoirs to historical fiction and YA novels. One of its most inspiring poetry books is Carolyn Fuller’s The Secret Place. On the other hand, Ahmed Elbeshlawy’s Unappeasable Ghosts from just last year is just as incredibly vivid and moving.
Yorkshire Publishing is open to unsolicited submissions of poetry collections. However, you must already be an established author or have a sizable platform to reach more people — and it’s much better if you meet both criteria.
21. Copper Canyon Press
Copper Canyon Press is easily the best indie publisher of poetry books in Port Townsend, Washington. Established by a group of like-minded individuals including Sam Hamill and Tree Swenson in 1972, the nonprofit organization has an international following. Moreover, it has the generous support of people and institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Starbucks Foundation.
As of writing, Copper Canyon Press has more than 400 poetry books. Some of these are Jericho Brown’s The Tradition—winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2020—and Lightning Falls in Love, which is a breathtaking poetry collection from the multi-award-winning poet Laura Kasischke.
Sadly, this independent press is currently closed to new poetry submissions. Thankfully, Copper Canyon Press will state key details about the future open reading period this month.
Do you know of any other publishing houses for poetry? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
Hiten Vyas is the Founder and Managing Editor of Writing Tips Oasis.