Thank you for your interest in publishing with third world press. Third world press is an African-centered publishing house dedicated to the creation and dissemination of written work of the highest quality.
A progressive publisher of black and African-centered material for more than forty years, our goal is to be the best provider of material to expand the mind and reach to all backgrounds especially the African American community, and other African communities in the diaspora. Third world press promotes maximum effect of creative expression and cultural enlightenment in all the written genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, young adult and children's books which other wise may not have an outlet.
POETRY
Third world press has published poetry works from noted writers including Gwendolyn brooks, sterling plump, Haki R. Madhubuti, and Amiri Baraka. We value and support the talents of poets who wish to contribute to the literary world and showcase their poetics.
Third world press welcomes the opportunity to review both solicited and unsolicited poetry manuscripts that explore African-centered life and thought. When submitting poetry manuscripts for consideration, please adhere to the following guidelines.
Poetry manuscripts must be:
- at least fifty pages to be considered
- typed and double-spaced
- do not include more than one poem on a page
- proofread for typographical and grammatical errors unless otherwise noted
- send only copies of any related artwork, photographs or layout boards. Keep all originals.
- send only copies of any other manuscripts-related materials. Keep all originals.
Please include the following material with the submitted manuscript:
- the subject of the manuscript, in a one-page synopsis form.
- reasons why you, the author, are best qualified to write a book and why it needs to be published (what unmet needs in the literary market the book meets.)
- identify competition for your prospective book, and how your manuscript differs from those already existing.
- an identified market, and at least a preliminary outline of how your manuscript can be marketed to this segment.
FICTION
Third world press welcomes submissions of quality and commercial fiction focusing on African American themes by published and first-time authors. In submitting a fiction manuscript for consideration, your proposal should include:
- a one page query letter
- single spaced
- include
- contact information
- genre (mainstream, paranormal, historical, thriller, young adult, children\'s, etc.)
- working title and length of manuscript (100,000 actual word count maximum)
- status (complete or incomplete)
- 1-2 paragraph blurb about plot of book
- 1-2 paragraphs about the author and marketing the book
- please remember that we are a publisher of black and african-centered materials, thus your characters should reflect that.
- a synopsis (8 pages max)
- double spaced
- written in present tense
- detail the manuscript\'s main plot from beginning to end
- a copy of the first 2 chapters (30 pages max)
- double spaced - courier new or times new roman 12pts
- sample chapters will not be returned.
- requested full manuscripts are returned if proper postage is included.
- a self-addressed stamped envelope (size 10) for our response.
- a self-addressed stamped acknowledgement postcard (optional).
- this card will be returned to you once your proposal has been received
- a copy of these guidelines
NON FICTION
Manuscripts must be:
- typed and double spaced
- proofread for typographical errors and grammatical errors
- complete, including accurate bibliographical references, if applicable
When sending manuscripts:
- send copies of original work, artwork, photographs, layout boards, or other manuscript-related materials. Keep all originals.
Include the following supporting documents:
- a synopsis (8 pages max)
- double spaced
- written in present tense
- chapter-by-chapter detail of the manuscript's main focus/plot from beginning to end
- complete table of contents
- a copy of the first 2 chapters (30 pages max)
- double spaced
- courier new or times new roman 12pts
- sample chapters will not be returned.
- SASE #10 envelope for manuscript status response.
Mail all pertinent documents to:
Assistant to the Publisher
Third World Press
P.o. Box 19730
Chicago, il. 60619
We only accept submissions during the month of July.
Failure to adhere to the submission guidelines will result in the immediate elimination of your manuscript.
Please remember the following:
- manuscripts submitted for review will not be returned.
- once your manuscript has been mailed, allow anywhere from four to six months for a written response. We will not accept telephone calls regarding the status or review of a manuscript.
- please include SASE #10 envelope for manuscript status response.