adrien.lee.combs@gmail.com
Appalachian Publishers
Mountain State Press- a publisher in West Virginia. They ask for the first three chapters. They publish fiction: literary and contemporary, short story collections and also creative nonfiction, such as memoir and collections of personal essays. They do not publish children’s books or erotica. They will consider genre fiction, written in a literary style. Link to submissions
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Appalachian Book Co- We will publish original stories rooted in central Appalachia dependent upon broadly defined notions of speculative fiction, written by authors with strong ties to the region. All the elements of good fiction are, of course, required, but Appalachia is made up of its people, so strong characterization is an absolute necessity. These Dreaming Hills will not include poetry or flash fiction. Reprints, simultaneous submissions, and multiple submissions will not be considered. We are looking for original works of fiction between 1,000-6,000 words. Please submit all manuscripts in William Shunn’s “modern” version of “Proper Manuscript Format.” https://www.shunn.net/format/story/ Link to submissions
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Howling Hills Publishing- We're accepting book proposals We accept nonfiction book proposals that include a first chapter, a thorough outline, marketing ideas, and the author’s qualifications. Our promise We will publish both first-time and experienced authors and will work closely with you throughout the publishing process. Our team has decades of writing, editing, design, marketing, advertising, and public relations experience. We’re committed to fully promoting each of our offerings and won’t take on a book unless we’re confident it can be successful. We are not accepting fiction submissions at this time. Please email your book proposals to submissions@howlinghillspublishing.com Link to submissions
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University of Kentucky- We welcome inquiries about the University Press of Kentucky and our publishing program. We are active in the humanities and social sciences and seek quality manuscripts for our list in those areas. If you are working on a manuscript or have completed one in the fields of our interest, we encourage you to contact one of our editors about your work. Please note that the University Press of Kentucky is not accepting submissions at this time. We will reopen to queries in February 2026. Nonfiction – Submissions are accepted January 15 – November 15 each year (see above note; the next round of submissions opens February 2026). Fiction – Fiction submissions without agent representation are only accepted through New Poetry and Prose and Screen Door Press. Not accepted – Drama, screenplays, translations, children’s books, or any manuscript over one hundred thousand words in length. Link to submissions
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Sarabande Books- Sarabande is an award-winning, internationally-distributed, nonprofit, independent literary publishing house founded in 1994 in Louisville, Kentucky. Our catalog is home to more than three-hundred works of poetry, fiction, literary nonfiction, and literature in translation. Our authors are Nobel laureates, Pulitzer winners, Guggenheim recipients, and winners of the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and many other awards, honors, and distinctions. Link to submissions
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Backwoods Literary Press- Publishing, workshops, and gathering spaces for rural storytellers Backwoods Literary Press exists to reclaim, expand, and document the stories of rural life—including small towns, hollers, reservations, and borderlands—through the voices of those too often pushed to the margins. In an era of book bans, censorship, and political erasure, we champion artists and storytellers rooted in or connected to rural places—especially 2SLGBTQIA+ people, Black and Indigenous creators, people of color, immigrants, and disabled communities. Through publications, digital media, and gatherings—workshops, open mics, and other space-making events—we work to reshape how rural culture is understood, amplifying the complexity, resilience, and beauty of our communities. Link to contact
Opportunities and Contests for Appalachian Writers
The 2026 Appalachian Writer’s Workshop at the Hindman Settlement School (in Hindman, KY) is now open for applications. They have a great lineup this year (Silas House is going to be there!), and they are offering scholarships for first-time attendees, BIPOC participants and LGBTQ+ participants. The dates are July 26-31, 2026!