citizen trans* {project}: trans* voices in trump america

the citizen trans* {project} by new words {press} seeks to publish & archive the voices & experiences of trans* writers in this anti-trans, post-election country. we’re sad. we’re angry. we’re disillusioned, tired & betrayed. as writers, it’s our job to write regardless. to shed light, to truth tell, to burn.

the theme is simple: post-election writing. send us your tears, your rage, your hope, your hopelessness. send us your words. there is no voting process. if it’s on theme, we publish it online. Nothing is off limits expect hate speech (decided on a case by case basis).

• one piece of work per person
• accepting poetry, art, or short prose (prose can be no more than 500 words) that matches the theme. prose can be short-fiction or nonfiction, journal entry, essay, spell. whatever, as long as it’s on topic & 500 words or less.
• ai generated work not accepted. 
• anyone identifying as trans* or gender-expansive in any way is welcome to submit.
• all submissions must be sent as MS Word or plain text document. .jpg and .png accepted for art submissions.
• submissions must go through submittable.
• as always, there is no submission fee.
• there is no payment for this project.
• publication is online only
• we will be adding work to the website weekly

Chapbook Guidelines – Currently Closed

new words {press} is excited to announce our first call for a chapbook manuscript– poetry or hybrid-poetry– by a trans* and/or gender-expansive poet. nw{p} is an independent press founded by brooklyn baggett, a trans woman, whose express purpose is raising the voices of trans* and gender-expansive poets & experimental writers.
we lean toward fresh work that embodies the trans experience, not simply through content, but rather form, syntax, style, diction or other poetics. we love craft that mirrors the trans* experience; takes risks to find freedom & self, even if that leads us to uncomfortable spaces. while we are not afraid of work that is dark, dangerous, sexual, or provocative, it should be executed with great intention and control. we want your best work; work that resonates with clarity and brings new experiences and ideas to the page– work that leaves a room quiet.

all trans* and gender-expansive poets are encouraged to submit a poetry or hybrid collection of 20-50 pages. collections may include visual, artistic poetry such as collage, tactile or other visual medium poetry. it bears saying again, while we absolutely welcome work with trans* themes, it is NOT required. all that is required is that the writer is trans* and/or gender-expansive.

a chapbook is meant to be a small, cohesive collection of work that stands alone or is perhaps an excerpt from a longer work. typically they are saddle stapled and made affordable, as they are meant to be a low-stakes, accessible read for audiences. while production will be professional, it is also meant to happen quickly (think zine). an important tenant at nw{p} is publishing models that mirror our social values of equity. therefore, our goal is fairly share in any revenues or successes with the author. since nw{p} is financially maintained at the moment by the founder, the most we can offer the poet is a $200 honorarium + royalties.

what you’ll get from us.

• a professionally produced final product, published through Ingram (meaning 60k+ stores will be able to order it at a discounted rate. which also includes automatic addition to Amazon)
• author involvement in the production process
• addition to our e-commerce store
• $200 honorarium and 40% of all sales, excluding author copies purchased at cost
• retention of rights to your work.
• promotion through LAMBDA ads, Ingram ads, and other channels
• sustained 3 month promotion through our social channels & website
• submission for publication announcement through CLMP 

what we expect from the poet.

• timely responses before, during, and after production
• self-promotion through your social / web channels
• self-promotion through you social & relevant professional circles
• open-mindedness and kindness

Submission Guidelines. Submissions that do not follow the guidelines will not be considered.

• All submissions must go through Submittable.
• Manuscripts may be 20-50 pages not including a title page and table of contents.
• File name should be: Submission-[title]. Do not include your name in the submission or file name.
• Manuscripts should be submitted as a SINGLE document with NO identifying information in the filename or document. PDF and .docx accepted formats.
• Upload a separate document (.docx or pdf) with a short, one-paragraph description of your work and a 1-3 paragraph explanation of why you’re interested in new words {press} and how your work is a good fit. 
• Simultaneous submission accepted. Please notify us right away if work is submitted elsewhere.
• Author receive $200 honorarium + 40% of sales (except author copies purchased at cost) (Venmo, cashapp only).
• do not submit AI works.
• We reserve First Rights. All rights revert back to author upon publication. However, future publications/postings of the work should credit new words {press}.