Submission Guidelines

Folkways Press welcomes work from both emerging and established writers.

We want stories that often go untold; words that have been collecting dust in old notebooks; tales that inspire us to learn more about the world around us and the people in it.

NOTE: Submissions failing to follow our guidelines will not be read or considered.

OPEN SUBMISSION CALL

Please note that for this anthology we will be only accepting essays between 2,500 and 3,500 words. No poetry or fiction.

DEADLINE: Submissions will be open until October 1st at midnight.

Whilst mental health is a more openly discussed topic within society today, there is still stigma surrounding mental ill-health. This stigma keeps those struggling silent and prevents them getting the help they need. Many health institutions, political figures, and societal structures often overlook mental illness and the importance of providing access to mental healthcare for all, leaving many struggling without adequate help and resources – especially marginalized and/or impoverished communities.

Keeping this in mind, we at Folkways Press want to open this anthology to discussions of mental illness, mental health, and the many circumstances and experiences existing within. We want this anthology to serve as a platform for those living with mental illness, working within the mental health field, those affected by mental illness, and beyond. This is intended to be part of a movement to reduce stigma, raise awareness and understanding, and amplify voices of those who are often silenced by societal judgements and indifferences.

We invite writers of all ages and backgrounds to contribute to our anthology. Topics can be wide-ranging (ex. mental ill-health and trauma; mental health and institutions; mental health and sports; mental health and race/gender/sexual orientation, etc.), but we would ask that you please keep within the overall theme.

Any and all submissions that DO NOT adhere to our submission guidelines WILL NOT be considered.

Please refer to the general guidelines before sending your work.

This is a paid opportunity. Because we are a small press, our funding is limited. However, we believe in paying authors for their contributions. Payment will be $50, but we hope to increase that amount upon publication.

We are looking forward to reading your words and sharing your stories!

General Guidelines

  • Submissions should be sent to folkwayspress@gmail.com
  • Please include your name and the genre of your work in the subject line, like so: [GENRE] – [NAME]
  • If you would like some clarity on that last point, see the example below.
  • Please compile your submission in ONE Word document (.doc/.docx).
  • We ask that your submission be formatted in 12pt Times New Roman or Georgia fonts.
  • When submitting your work, please include a brief synopsis and bio consisting of no more than 100 words
  • We DO NOT accept any work that directs hate/promotes violence toward anyone, this includes work that is homophobic, transphobic, ablest, or sexist.
Email Example

General Manuscript Guidelines

(please note we are currently not accepting manuscripts)

  • Poetry manuscripts must range from 35 to 60 pages.
  • Novellas, memoirs, essay collections, and short story collections must be at least 25,000 to 30,000 words.
  • Flash fiction collections must be at least 15,000 words.