Independent publisher of contemporary literature offering contests, open reading periods, and chapbook series.

Black Lawrence Press is an independent publisher of contemporary poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. We also publish the occasional translation from German. Founded in 2004 by Colleen Ryor, Black Lawrence became an imprint of Dzanc Books in 2008. In January 2014, we spread our wings and became an independent company in the state of New York. Our books are distributed nationally through Independent Publishers Group to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and various brick and mortar retailers. We also make our titles available through our website and at various conferences and book fairs. Black Lawrence Press publishes three periodicals: Sapling is a weekly newsletter for writers, specifically those actively publishing and trying to get published by literary journals, small presses, and independent publishers. ​tr. is an international literary journal that celebrates and highlights the cultural power and vital contributions of literature in translation to the English-speaking world. Fair Copy is a journal of prose and process.

Where does the name "Black Lawrence" come from?
Black Lawrence Press was founded in upstate New York in the land between two rivers, the Black River and the beautiful St. Lawrence River, hence the name Black Lawrence Press.

Questions for BLP? Email us: editors@blacklawrencepress.com

A targeted resource for short story placements with potential for Pushcart recognition.

Fiction Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

Specialized publications that recognize exceptional brief fiction through Pushcart nominations.

A comprehensive guide to journals that regularly nominate work for the Pushcart Prize.

Literary Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

All-time most competitive literary magazines. Getting published in these is a significant achievement for any writer.

Most Competitive Literary Magazines of All Time

Explore the all-time most competitive speculative fiction literary magazines. These magazines are revered in the fiction world for their editorial rigor.

Most Competitive Speculative Fiction Magazines of All Time

Check out the all-time most popular speculative fiction literary magazines. These publications have a long-standing reputation for quality speculative fiction.

Most Popular Speculative Fiction Magazines of All Time

Highlights publications that regularly put forward essays, memoirs, and other creative nonfiction for Pushcart consideration.

Nonfiction Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

Focuses specifically on poetry journals with established histories of Pushcart nominations.

Poetry Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

Black Lawrence Press

Each year Black Lawrence Press will award The Big Moose Prize for an unpublished novel. The prize is open to new, emerging, and established writers. The winner of this contest will receive book publication, a $1,000 cash award, and ten copies of the book. Prizes will be awarded on publication. 
The Big Moose Prize is open to traditional novels as well as novels-in-stories, novels-in-poems, and other hybrid forms that contain within them the spirit of a novel.
Entries are read blind by senior Black Lawrence Press editors and a rotating panel of former Big Moose Prize winners.
All manuscripts should include a title page (listing only the title of the work), and when appropriate, an acknowledgments page and table of contents. Manuscripts should be paginated and formatted in an easy-to-read font such as Garamond or Times New Roman. Manuscripts should be 90-1,000 pages in length, not including front and back matter (table of contents, title page, etc.). Identifying information for the author should not be included anywhere on the manuscript itself. You are welcome to include a brief bio or something about yourself in your cover note on Submittable, which will only be made accessible to the editorial panel after the group of Semi-Finalist and Finalist manuscripts has been chosen.
Manuscripts containing previously published excerpts are absolutely eligible–please simply note previously published work on an acknowledgments page. On the other hand, if your manuscript has been previously published as a whole (including publication with a press, self-publication, online/digital publication, and publication in a small, limited-edition print run), then the manuscript is not eligible.

  Simultaneous submissions are acceptable and encouraged, but please notify us by withdrawing your manuscript on Submittable immediately if it is accepted for publication elsewhere.
  Multiple submissions (the submission of more than one manuscript to the contest) are permitted.
  Collaborative manuscripts are welcome.

The annual deadline is January 31.
The previous winners of The Big Moose Prize are Tracy DeBrincat, Jen Michalski, Betsy Robinson, Genanne Walsh, Megan McNamer, Robley Wilson, Shena McAuliffe, Colin Hamilton, Ron Nyren, Caroline Patterson, Jill Stukenberg, Sara Johnson Allen, Leslie Li, Kevin Fenton, and Emily Mitchell. Below, you will have the option to purchase a selection of their novels for a discounted fee, which includes the cost of shipping. While authors from around the globe may submit to the Big Moose Prize, these discounted book prices are only available to those with U.S. mailing addresses.

The Big Moose Prize

Black Lawrence Press welcomes proposals for bold and engaging anthologies that have the potential of contributing to our understanding of literature and the genres within it. Proposals by and/or about historically marginalized groups are especially encouraged.

Please include bios for the anthology editor(s), an abstract and proposed outline, and sample selections. Manuscripts should be paginated and formatted in an easy-to-read font such as Garamond or Times New Roman.

Anthology Proposals

Black Lawrence Press is happy to select many of our titles through our twice-annual Open Reading Periods in June and November. 

Biography & Cultural Studies

Creative Nonfiction

Black Lawrence Press is happy to select many of our titles through our twice-annual Open Reading Periods in June and November.

Novel

Novella

Poetry Collection - Full Length

Short Story Collection - Full Length

Poetry Chapbook

Manuscripts should be 45-95 pages in length (poetry) or 120-280 pages in length (prose)

Collaborative collections are welcome.

Hybrid/multi-genre submissions are also welcome; please enter under the submission category that best fits your work.

St. Lawrence Book Award

​tr. is an international literary journal that celebrates and highlights the cultural power and vital contributions of literature in translation to the english-speaking world. ​
​
tr. publishes poetry and prose translated from any language. we read submissions on a rolling basis. we publish work on a rolling basis. 
 
tr. reads the world. join us. . .

Submissions should be formatted in an easy-to-read font such as Garamond or Times New Roman. Please attach your work as a .pdf, .doc, or .docx file and include a copy of the original text as well as a cover letter and bios for the author and the translator. 
It is the translator’s responsibility to secure all relevant and appropriate translation rights.
All submissions must be previously unpublished. Simultaneous submissions are allowed. 
If you have a pending submission, please wait for a response before submitting again. Our average response time is 2–3 months. 
General submissions require a submission fee of $2.00 per submission.   
Fiction and Nonfiction (up to 3000 words)  
Poetry (no more than 5 poems)

The immigrant narrative is at the heart of the American experiment. However, despite the contributions of immigrants to the cultural, financial, scientific, and artistic makeup of the United States, there is no clear home for new immigrant writings in the United States. To remedy this, Black Lawrence Press proudly announces the Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series, an innovative program designed to provide a home for new immigrant writings in the United States and bridge a gap in the American literary community. The Series will remain a self-standing body with complete autonomy within Black Lawrence Press, and its editorial and advisory boards will be composed of immigrant writers and/or authors whose works explore the immigrant experience.
Mission Statement:
The Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series aims to provide a clear and consistent home for new Immigrant Writings in the U.S. Book selections will be made by a four-member editorial board composed of writers in the U.S. who are either immigrants or whose works focus on the immigrant experience. Selections will be based on merit with the goal of publishing the best works by immigrants. Poets and authors, at any stage of their careers, who identify as immigrants are welcome to submit a book manuscript of poetry or prose or a hybrid text for consideration. Submissions are accepted year-round. However, selections are made in June and November for a total of two books per year. In addition to publication, marketing, and a standard royalties contract from Black Lawrence Press, authors chosen for the Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series will receive a travel stipend of $500, which can be used for book tours or in any manner chosen by the authors.
Editorial Board:
  Sun Yung Shin
  Rigoberto Gonzalez
  Ewa Chrusciel
  Abayomi Animashaun
Advisory Board:
  Barbara Jane Reyes
  Ilya Kaminsky
  Omofolabo Ajayi-Soyinka
  Virgil Suarez
Rules & Eligibility
1. Works by immigrants will be considered for the Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series. 

 2. Submission is open to any individual living in the U.S. who identifies as an immigrant and who either (i) was born in another country, (ii) has at least one parent who was born in another country (iii) is a refugee, or (iv) lives in the United States under Asylum or a Protection Program, such as TPS or DACA .
 
3. No more than two book manuscripts can be submitted per year per author.
 
4. A third book manuscript submitted in a given year by an author will not be considered for the Writing Series.
 
5. All manuscripts received after May 31st will be considered for the November Reading Period.
 
6. All manuscripts received after October 31st  will be considered for the June Reading Period.
 
7. Only full length manuscripts of poetry (at least 45 pages), prose (fiction or nonfiction), and hybrid texts of poetry and prose (at least 100 pages) will be considered for the Writing Series. We are not accepting chapbook manuscripts at this time.
 
8. An author whose book manuscript has previously been selected for the Writing Series and published through Black Lawrence Press will not be considered a second time for the Series. However, the author in question is welcome to send new book manuscripts to Black Lawrence Press (BLP) for consideration during BLP’s June and November Open Reading Periods.
 
9. Only authors who have not previously published with Black Lawrence Press will be considered for the Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series.
 
10. Aside from Rules 1 through 9, there are no conditions for submitting manuscripts.
 
11. There are no entry fees.
 
12. Submissions are accepted year-round.
 
*13. Only one book manuscript will be selected for the June Reading Period, and only one book manuscript will be selected for the November Reading Period, for a total of two books per year. (* If no book manuscript is chosen for a June Reading Period, the Series Editors reserve the right to choose two book manuscripts (instead of one) in the November Reading Period immediately following the June Reading Period in question)
 
14. The Series Editors reserve the right to choose no book manuscript for the Writing Series during any given year or any Reading Period.

 
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you define an immigrant?
 Anyone who identifies as an immigrant and who either (i) was born in another country, (ii) has at least one parent who was born in another country, (iii) is a refugee, or (iv) lives in the United States under Asylum or a Protection Program, such as TPS or DACA
2.  I live outside the United States, can I submit my work?
 No, immigrant authors must be living in the United States when they submit their work for consideration
3. Can I submit an anthology for consideration?
 No, anthologies will not be considered for the Writing Series. However, Black Lawrence Press (BLP) welcomes proposals for anthologies during its June and November Open Reading Periods
4. Are collaborations welcome?
 No, works should be by one author only. However, collaborations are welcome during BLP’s June and November Open Reading Periods
5. Are BLP’s June & November Open Reading Periods the same as those of the Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series?
 No, these are different and distinct programs within the Press. While the readings occur concurrently, The Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series is a self-standing entity with its own eligibility and rules and editorial and advisory boards. The editorial board, composed of immigrant authors, has complete autonomy in selecting book manuscripts for the Writing Series. Each year, these editors recommend up to two books for publication through Black Lawrence Press. Please see the program’s mission statement , rules and eligibility, and bylaws.
6. How many book manuscripts can I submit in a given year?
 Only two book manuscripts will be considered each year per author
7. Can I submit two book manuscripts in different genres?
 No, each author can submit no more than two manuscripts in a given year, regardless of genre
8. I am an immigrant and I have two book manuscripts, can I submit both at once or at different times of the year?
 Yes. Each author is welcome to submit a maximum of two books per year either together or at different times in the given year
9. It’s the end of June or November and there’s been no announcement yet on the manuscript selected for the Writing Series. What’s going on?
 Thanks for your patience. The four-member editorial board will announce the selected manuscript as soon as they’ve made a decision. That said, the editors also reserve the right to choose no manuscript during a reading period.
10. I have other questions not addressed here. Who should I contact with my questions?
 Please send questions to immigrantwritingseries@blacklawrencepress.com. 
You may send an email to the same address to request a copy of the Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series bylaws.7. Only full length manuscripts of poetry, prose (fiction or nonfiction), and hybrid texts of poetry and prose will be considered for the Writing Series. We are not accepting chapbook manuscripts at this time.

Submission is open to any individual living in the U.S. who identifies as an immigrant and who either (i) was born in another country, (ii) has at least one parent who was born in another country (iii) is a refugee, or (iv) lives in the United States under Asylum or a Protection Program, such as TPS or DACA .   

Immigrant Writing Series

Twice each year Black Lawrence Press will run the Black River Chapbook Competition for an unpublished chapbook of poems or prose between 16-36 pages in length. The contest is open to new, emerging, and established writers. The winner will receive book publication, a $500 cash award, and ten copies of the book. 

PROSE - Black River Chapbook Competition

Twice each year Black Lawrence Press will run the Black River Chapbook Competition for an unpublished chapbook of poems or prose between 16-36 pages in length. The contest is open to new, emerging, and established writers. The winner will receive book publication, a $500 cash award, and ten copies of the book. Prizes are awarded on publication.

POETRY - Black River Chapbook Competition

Black Lawrence Press Open Call: AAPI Adoptee Poetry Anthology!

We’re seeking work from AAPI Adoptee Poets for a collection of poems featuring emerging + established poets across the US.

Tie Your Roots To Mine, an AAPI Adoptee Anthology will gather contemporary voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Adoptee Poetry to explore identity, ancestry, and the complexities of adoption. This collection offers a rare and necessary perspective on diaspora, family, and culture. Highlighting both established and emerging writers, we aim to create a space where grief, resilience, love, and transformation coexist. We are searching for poetry that bends form, breaks structure, and moves around the page.

We invite you to submit 2-3 poems, with no page or word limit, as well as a short statement (300-500 words) about your experience being an adoptee, your perspective of adoption, or your relationship to an AAPI identity. Both items will be featured in the publication!

We are accepting submissions until June 1st, 2026 with planned publication in May, 2028.
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Editors: Ani Jones, Nina Smilow

Ani Jones is a poet, editor, and workshop host in the Midwest. They hold a BA from the University of Cincinnati, and their first chapbook, Iris, debuted in October, 2023. They are a 2025 Pushcart Prize nominee, and their poems can be seen inTiny Spoon Magazine and Auskleiden Magazine, among others.

Nina Smilow received an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a BFA in Theatre from NYU Tisch. She is a writer of all genres and her fiction, poetry, and non-fiction can be seen in Literary Mama, Black Fox Literary Magazine, Porridge, and Pacifica Literary Review. She splits her time between New York and Portland, OR.

Black Lawrence Press - Tie Your Roots To Mine, an AAPI Adoptee Anthology

Open Call for Best Small Fictions 2027
The 2027 issue of Best Small Fictions will be a 1.5-year issue representing the best flash fiction published in 2025 and the first half of 2026.
This is an open call to journal, magazine, and book editors who publish flash fiction. Note that writers cannot submit their own work for consideration.
Editors are encouraged to send up to five works of flash fiction published between January 1 and July 31 of 2026.
Important submission guidelines to follow:
Please submit each nomination separately as its own submission.
In the title field, place the title of the piece only.
In the cover letter field, include the title of the piece, the author’s name, the journal or magazine or book in which the piece was published, publication date, and if the piece was published online, a link to the piece.
If possible, please also include the author’s email address.
Please also include your own name and email address.
Submit the story as a Word doc or PDF. Please do NOT include the author’s name on the file.
Times New Roman, font size 12, double-spaced is preferred, but we’re not too picky about the formatting as long as it’s reader-friendly.
We encourage an eclectic array of work, including more experimental forms. Our main criterion is excellence. We want to be wowed. We want pieces that speak to us long after we finish reading.
Submissions should be under or barely over 1,000 words. Please do not submit work longer than 1,100 words maximum.
Finally, if you missed the submission window for submitting 2025 stories for consideration, you may also nominate up to 5 flash fictions published in 2025. Please do not resubmit if you already submitted your nominations for 2025. If you have any questions about these guidelines or want to confirm that your previous 2025 submissions were received, please contact us at bestsmallfictionsanthology@gmail.com
*We will not consider work written with AI. If your journal publishes work created with the assistance of AI, please submit only pieces that were written by humans without AI assistance.

Black Lawrence Press

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Best Small Fictions Nominations — Fiction

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