Manuscript Submission

Pen and Leaf Press is a small, independent publisher dedicated to discovering and cultivating compelling literary voices. Because we are an independent press focused on quality over volume, we maintain a selective publishing schedule to ensure we provide the necessary attention and commitment—from rigorous editing to dedicated marketing—to every title we publish.

Our Commitment to Quality and Volume

We receive a high volume of submissions, but we intentionally keep our annual list small to guarantee rigorous editing, dedicated marketing, and strong support for every title.

  • Annual Publication Goal: We are currently scheduled to publish an average of 5–6 manuscripts per year.

  • Response Time: Our careful review process means that our response time is often longer than other publishers. Please expect a decision regarding your submission within 45 to 180 days from the date of submission. We will try to notify all authors, whether we intend to pursue publication or not.

  • Simultaneous Submissions: We welcome simultaneous submissions, provided you clearly indicate this in your cover letter. If your manuscript is accepted elsewhere, please notify us immediately by withdrawing your submission.

Manuscript Formatting and Standards

  • Please submit your manuscript as a single, complete file in DOCX, DOC, or PDF format.

  • All manuscripts must adhere to our formatting guidelines: 11 or 12-point, with a consistent font (e.g., Times New Roman or Courier).

Manuscript Structure Note (Highly Recommended):

For clarity during the review process, please structure your manuscript as follows:

  • Poetry: Precede each individual poem title with the hash symbol (#) (e.g., "#Poem Title," "#Poem Title").

  • All Other Genres: Precede each chapter or major section title with the hash symbol (#) (e.g., "# Chapter Title," "# Chapter Title").

We look forward to reviewing your work and thank you for considering Pen and Leaf Press as your publishing partner.