Cornerstone Press seeks book-length manuscripts in any genre and makes publishing decisions based on the clarity of thought and the marketability of the manuscripts submitted. We read and evaluate manuscripts throughout the year and publish approximately 30 titles per year in our Legacy Series (short fiction), Portage Poetry Series (poetry), and Back Home Series (creative nonfiction). Cornerstone Press strives to support diverse investigations into and experiences with the Midwest. In particular, we encourage writers of underrepresented communities to submit their work for consideration in all series.
Cornerstone Press Submission Guidelines*
*Note: We will only consider manuscripts sent digitally.
When submitting a manuscript for consideration by Cornerstone Press, please include the following items:
- Indicate either in your cover letter or email submission which series your work will be considered for: Portage Poetry Series (Poetry) OR Legacy Series (Fiction/Nonfiction). If your work falls outside of those series, please indicate why you have chosen to submit your work to the Cornerstone Press.
- A one-page, single-spaced cover letter. Recommended content includes a paragraph describing the manuscript you are submitting, a second paragraph describing your writing experience, and a final paragraph containing any additional information relevant to the work submitted. Please address your letter to: Dr. Ross K. Tangedal, Cornerstone Press. Within your letter, please include your mailing address, email address, and phone number.
- A synopsis (1-2 pages double-spaced) of the work submitted.
- A complete manuscript that is typed, double-spaced, and includes page numbers, along with your name and the manuscript title on the first page.
- If material in your submission has been published elsewhere in literary magazines, journals, or anthologies, please include a complete Acknowledgments page with your manuscript.
Submit the cover letter, synopsis, and manuscript digitally to: cornerstone.press@uwsp.edu
Additional Guidelines:
- Fiction and nonfiction manuscripts should be a maximum of 70,000 words.
- Poetry manuscripts should be a minimum of 10,000 words.
- Poetry submissions for the Portage Series may include a thematic overview in lieu of a synopsis.
Cornerstone Press typically focuses on up-and-coming regional authors, but we are open to all original, well-written, and polished submissions. We edit using the Chicago Manual of Style, so please keep this format in mind when submitting a manuscript. If your manuscript is accepted by another publisher, please inform us via email. We look forward to reading your work. You may contact us at cornerstone.press@uwsp.edu
“It was wonderful to have extended conversations with those involved with the editing and production of the book. They raised good questions and explored various answers.”
Poet Margaret Rozga, “Holding My Selves Together: New and Selected Poems”