Submit your poetry — or send us a new book for review in The Inkwell.

Open Poetry Submissions

INAUGURAL OPEN READING (December 14– February 14)
For Poets

Ink & Ribbon Press is an independent, nonprofit poetry publisher accepting poetry submissions from emerging and established poets.

We welcome full-length poetry manuscripts and poetry books for thoughtful editorial review.

Submissions are open online, and simultaneous submissions are welcome.

Our editorial focus is on craft, voice, and enduring work — poetry written to last.

You may submit:

  • A full manuscript (60 – 100 pages) or

  • A selection of 15 – 25 poems (20 – 40 pages)

Please include:

  • A short overview or project statement (100 – 250 words)

  • A brief author biography (100 – 200 words)

Simultaneous submissions: Allowed.
Response time: 4 – 6 weeks.

What we’re looking for

We use Subfolio to manage our open reading periods. and our inaugural open reading is Dec 14, 2025 to Feb 14th, 2026

how to submit 

Entry & Support

Reading Fee: $15
As a nonprofit literary press, your fee supports our editorial and printing fund.

You may also add an optional donation to help bring our first book into the world.

Every entry — every act of belief — helps us prove that poetry still matters in print.

Payment: Honorarium or Fine Art Edition + Limited Edition Copies

Frequently Asked Questions
About our submission process

  • All submissions are accepted through Subfolio. Please do not email submissions directly — this helps us stay organized and ensures every piece is read with care.

  • We currently read poetry that fits the sensibility of the press — pieces rooted in craft, language, and the human experience.

  • We do not accept work that has appeared in other journals, anthologies, or books. However, self-published work on a personal blog or social account may be considered if it has reached only a small audience and has not appeared in print.

  • Yes. We understand that writers often submit to multiple places. Please withdraw your work immediately if it’s accepted elsewhere.

  • Absolutely. Writers evolve, and so does their work. If you’ve revised a piece substantially, we’re happy to see it again in a future reading period.

  • Our Open Reading Period runs twice yearly — in Spring (April–June) and Autumn (October–December). Please check the site or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.

  • Occasionally, yes. We welcome collaborations or visual pieces that align with our aesthetic — please query first via the contact form.

  • If your manuscript is selected, Ink & Ribbon Press publishes the book as a limited physical edition designed to last.

    Each book is produced in:

    • A 250-copy limited edition for readers and select bookstores

    • A small number of hand-bound fine art editions, created for the press archive and fundraising

    Authors retain full copyright and may choose either a $500 honorarium or one copy of the hand-bound fine art edition.

    We collaborate closely, but the physical design and production of the book are part of the press’s curatorial responsibility.

  • We actively promote each book through our newsletter, community, events, and press relationships.

    We value authors who are engaged and excited to participate in the life of the book, but we do not expect authors to independently market or monetize their work.

    Publishing with Ink & Ribbon is a partnership rooted in care, not scale.

  • Ink & Ribbon Press may not be the right home if you are seeking:

    • Print-on-demand publishing

    • Large initial print runs

    • Mass-market distribution

    We may be a strong fit if you care about:

    • Craft and materiality

    • Thoughtful design

    • Slow, intentional publishing

    • Long-term presence over short-term reach

Book Reviews & ARCs
For Publishers & Publicists

We review new and forthcoming poetry collections that illuminate the unseen and honor the craft of the printed word.

We accept both digital and print review copies.

Mailing Address:
Ink & Ribbon Press · Attn: The Inkwell Review ·
801 Village Circle NW, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Digital Copies: admin@inkandribbon.org

Please include author bio, publication date, and press information.

What we’re looking for

We review all submissions with care. Response times vary. Due to volume, we aim to respond to every submission, but every work is considered in the spirit of craft and respect.

Policies & Timelines

Would you like us to consider your book for review?

Submit a Book for Review