Pen & Anvil Press is an independent literary publisher in New England producing and co-publishing books, journals, anthologies, chapbooks, and other literary works in other print and digital formats across a variety of imprints and editorial partnerships.

Our publishing activity encompasses both ongoing periodicals and one-off projects, each with its own editorial vision, scope, staff, submission guidelines. This portal serves as a central point of entry for writers, translators, editors, artists, and other prospective contributors. It is updated periodically to reflect our current and recent calls for submissions, including opportunities associated with individual imprints, journals, contests, and special projects.

Please consult the individual listings below for details about each opportunity, including eligibility, submission requirements, deadlines, and editorial preferences. We ask contributors to familiarize themselves with the scope and character of the publication or project to which they are submitting, to follow the applicable guidelines, and to send work that is ready for editorial consideration. Simultaneous submissions are generally welcome unless otherwise indicated; please notify us promptly if work submitted to us is accepted elsewhere.

We generally favor cover letters that express curiosity, good will, familiarity with the Press, and personality, rather than those which duplicate the submitter's CV.

Our website, penandanvil.com, provides general guidelines for unsolicited, full-length book and chapbook manuscript submissions. All other submissions should be made through this portal page using the appropriate open call. Please do not submit work by email unless specifically invited to do so.

We recognize that not every project or prospective contribution fits neatly into a published set of guidelines. When in doubt, ask. We welcome reasonable inquiries about suitability, eligibility, submission procedures, and opportunities for collaboration.

A note about our home and community. Pen & Anvil Press is in residence at Bonfire Bookshop in Fitchburg, North Central Massachusetts. The bookshop is part of a broader effort to sustain a lively and accessible literary culture in our region, providing books, book-related services, cultural programming, and opportunities for readers, writers, and other members of our community. Equally important to that mission is building a sustainable enterprise that provides meaningful work and livelihood income for the people who staff it. We understand literary publishing and bookselling as complementary parts of the same cultural endeavor: bringing worthwhile writing into the world, connecting it with readers, and helping sustain the people and communities that make literary culture possible.

For more information about the press, our publications, and our editorial activities, visit our website.