Grand River Poetry Press
Submission Guidelines
What we publish
Grand River Poetry Press publishes contemporary poetry in book-length collections. We’re especially interested in work rooted in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, as well as formally inventive poems that engage history, place, labor, and the natural world. We value clarity of vision, craft, and risk—poems alive on the page and meant to be read aloud in community.
Regional focus
We prioritize poets who are based in Michigan (especially the Lower Peninsula) or whose manuscript demonstrates a deep, lived connection to the region. If you’re adjacent but the work is unmistakably Michigan-rooted, send the inquiry anyway. Bear in mind we organize book launches in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
When we read
Reading period: All year
Response time: 1-3 months
Simultaneous submissions: Allowed, please notify us immediately if accepted elsewhere.
What to submit
Please send:
Complete manuscript (typically 60–90 pages) in a single PDF or DOCX
Brief cover letter (1–2 short paragraphs is fine)
Short bio (3–5 sentences)
Contact info (email + location)
Optional (helpful):
A short note about your connection to Michigan (if not obvious)
Where you’re at with the manuscript. Does it feel ready? What sort of assistance do you require (cover, editorial feedback, proofreading, etc.)
We are a community of writers, eager to help each other get our works to the finish line. What is important is that your vision for the book is clear and the work feels whole.
Manuscript format
File type: Word or Pages document preferred, PDF is fine
Filename: Lastname_Firstname_Title_GRPP.docx
Layout: 12-pt readable font, page numbers, table of contents
Previously published poems: [Allowed/Not allowed — many presses allow some; if allowed, specify that it’s okay.]
How to submit
Submit via: info@grandriverpoetrycollective.com
How selection works
We’re a collective. Submissions are reviewed by a small editorial group, then discussed with a wider circle of readers when appropriate. We’re fostering a community of poets who read, learn from, and celebrate each other—poets who will meet, discuss craft, and offer thoughtful responses. If accepted, manuscripts are introduced into the working group. Here poets in various stages of refinement on their manuscripts help offer feedback or proofreading to help polish the manuscript. Once you are satisfied, we begin the proof process and begin scheduling release. Some books will linger here longer than others. Published authors stay in the working group and continue to provide guidance and mentorship to new authors.
What a “yes” looks like
If we’re interested, we’ll reach out with:
A proposed timeline (editing → design → proofing → print)
What we’ll need from you (final manuscript files, author bio, acknowledgements, etc.)
The publishing agreement details (see below)
Fees and payments
Reading fees: We do not charge reading fees
Compensation: We make equitable arrangements with poets and use proceeds to fund the publication of more books. We offer poets 60% of book sale proceeds via retail and book table sales. Poets will be able to order copies of books at cost.
Contributor copies: 10 copies
Book launches and community
We launch titles through a reading series in Grand Rapids and we encourage authors to participate when possible. We also host The River Online Journal where authors can share work that needs to be heard right now.
Rights
You retain copyright.
We request the right to publish the manuscript in book form and promote it.
If you later want to reprint poems elsewhere, we ask for standard credit to the press and title.
Accessibility & conduct
We want this process to be welcoming. If you need an accessibility accommodation for submission or communication, tell us what would help. We also expect respectful conduct in all interactions.
Questions
If you’re unsure whether your manuscript is a fit, send a short description of the project and lets talk about.