George Mason University 

Independent publisher affiliated with George Mason University, focusing on innovative literary works.

Stillhouse Press publishes surprising, gutsy fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that can’t or doesn’t want to find a home in big publishing. We are drawn to the strange, the unconventional, the transcendent, the risky. We’re looking for work that pushes boundaries.

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

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

Stillhouse Press

Stillhouse Press is open from November 1st, 2025 to March 10th, 2026 for submissions of full-length, complete memoirs between 50,000 and 100,000 words. Exceptional works with longer or shorter word counts may be considered.
We particularly enjoy work that pushes boundaries, that examines the world as well as the self, and that questions who we are, what we feel, and why we as human beings matter more than ever. Experiments in form, style, and/or subject matter are welcome.
Stillhouse Press will accept manuscripts only through Submittable. Unsolicited manuscripts received through email will be rejected unread. We are also open for essay collections—that call can be found separately on our Submittable page.
Please note that we do not accept submissions of AI-generated prose, previously published full books, and submissions from writers currently or recently affiliated with George Mason University’s English Department or Creative Writing MFA/BFA programs. Submissions that meet these criteria will be automatically declined.
Guidelines

  We take time in considering all of our submissions. If you have not received a response within six months of submitting, your submission is still under editor review. We appreciate your patience as we carefully review each submission.
  Only complete, full-length manuscripts will be considered. Our ideal manuscript is between 50,000 – 100,000 words for prose; please include word count in the top right corner of the first page for all prose submissions.
  All manuscripts should include a query letter and short synopsis or overview of the work.
  Authors are also invited to share information about their writing background, online presence, involvement with the writing community, and inspiration for their submission.
  Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Please notify us immediately if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.
  All attachments should be in either PDF or Word.doc formats.
  All work must be original. Translations will not be accepted.
  Submissions must be made through Submittable. Paper and email submissions are not accepted.
  There is a $7 fee/submission for regular submissions, to defray administration and Submittable costs. We offer fee-free submissions for authors who have a financial need. Fee waivers can be requested through the contact form on our website.
  We are unable to accept agented submissions at this time.

Memoir Open Call 2025

Stillhouse Press is open from November 1st 2025 to March 10th, 2026 for submissions of essay collections between 50,000 and 100,000 words. Exceptional works with longer or shorter word counts may be considered--see guidelines below for details.
There are no restrictions on essay forms, style, or subject matter. Send us collections of essays that consider a central topic or theme, the self, the world, or preferably more than one at the same time. We encourage writers to include previously published essays in their submission, and ask that published essays are credited according to our guidelines in the acknowledgements page.
Stillhouse Press will accept manuscripts only through Submittable. Unsolicited manuscripts received through email will be rejected unread. We are also open for memoirs—that call can be found separately on our Submittable page.
Please note that we do not accept submissions of AI-generated prose, previously published full books, and submissions from writers currently or recently affiliated with George Mason University’s English Department or Creative Writing MFA/BFA programs. Submissions that meet these criteria will be automatically declined.
Guidelines

  We take time in considering all of our submissions. If you have not received a response within six months of submitting, your submission is still under editor review. We appreciate your patience as we carefully review each submission.
  Our ideal manuscript is between 50,000 – 100,000 words for prose; please include word count in the top right corner of the first page for all prose submissions. For collections that are under this word count, please include a note in your cover letter with a brief justification. Why is the work complete at this length? Why is it incomplete, but we really should consider it anyway? If you are willing or eager to further develop the manuscript with editorial guidance, please state that in your cover letter.
  All manuscripts should include a query letter and short synopsis or overview of the work.
  Authors are also invited to share information about their writing background, online presence, involvement with the writing community, and inspiration for their submission.
  Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Please notify us immediately if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.
  All attachments should be in either PDF or Word.doc formats.
  All work must be original. Translations will not be accepted.
  Submissions must be made through Submittable. Paper and email submissions are not accepted.
  There is a $7 fee/submission for regular submissions, to defray administration and Submittable costs. We offer fee-free submissions for authors who have a financial need. Fee waivers can be requested through the contact form on our website.
  We are unable to accept agented submissions at this time.

Stillhouse Press

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