Milk & Cake Press

Milk & Cake Press will accept chapbook manuscripts from February 1 to March 31, 2026.

What We’re Looking For

Given the current, urgent sociopolitical climate, particularly in the US, during this reading period we will prioritize submissions that are outward-facing; that is, poetry that engages with the political, the socioeconomic, or historical moments of upheaval, revolution, or resistance, rather than more personal, introspective work.

In terms of poetic craft, we especially like sonically, visually, and formally experimental work. If it takes those kinds of risks, send it to us.

We welcome the work of new, emerging, and experienced poets and encourage submissions from BIPOC, LGBTQIA, neurodivergent, and disabled writers. All are welcome, except fascists, misogynists, racists, etc.

We are not interested in where or whether you’ve been previously published.

Timeline

Please note that this is an open reading period, not a contest. We expect to publish two titles from this submission period. Publication will be in 2027-2028. Our final selections will be read by several volunteer staff, including the editor-in-chief, who reads every manuscript. Selections will be made and announced in early summer 2026.

Submission Requirements

Be sure your name is not on the manuscript. Do not provide a biographical statement or acknowledgments of previously published poems. Instead, in your cover letter, provide 3-5 sentences summarizing your manuscript. Why? We want to see that you can succinctly explain your work; this is a good sign that a book is ready for publication.

Chapbook submissions should be 18-30ish pages of poetry, but if yours if a bit shorter or longer, please send it.

Please submit your manuscript via Duotrope’s submission manager, Duosuma. You must have an account to do so, but you do not need to pay for the more advanced services Duotrope provides. Submissions must be in Word or PDF format. We do request a submission fee of $10 for chapbooks; however, if this is prohibitive for you, please email [email protected] to request a waiver.

Why do we charge submission fees? These fees, along with book sales, cover the costs of printing and marketing our titles. Our nonprofit press is completely run by volunteers.

You may submit multiple manuscripts. Simultaneous submissions are welcome; please let us know as soon as possible should your work be accepted elsewhere (congratulations!)

Payment and Support From Us

Payment for selected manuscripts is 25 copies, with the option of purchasing more at a substantial discount. We do not pay royalties or an advance. We will provide limited marketing in the form of social media posts, opportunities to participate in Milk & Cake Press virtual or in-person readings near Cincinnati, and five additional copies sent for review to the reviewers or journals of your choice. We are also happy to work with bookstores local to you to provide copies at a discount if you are planning an event.

Not Open

Milk & Cake Press will accept full-length poetry manuscripts from February 1 to March 31, 2026.

What We’re Looking For

Given the current, urgent sociopolitical climate, particularly in the US, during this reading period we will prioritize submissions that are outward-facing; that is, poetry that engages with the political, the socioeconomic, or historical moments of upheaval, revolution, or resistance, rather than more personal, introspective work.

In terms of poetic craft, we especially like sonically, visually, and formally experimental work. If it takes those kinds of risks, send it to us.

We welcome the work of new, emerging, and experienced poets and encourage submissions from BIPOC, LGBTQIA, neurodivergent, and disabled writers. All are welcome, except fascists, misogynists, racists, etc.

We are not interested in where or whether you’ve been previously published.

Timeline

Please note that this is an open reading period, not a contest. We expect to publish two titles from this submission period. Publication will be in 2027-2028. Our final selections will be read by several volunteer staff, including the editor-in-chief, who reads every manuscript. Selections will be made and announced in early summer 2026.

Submission Requirements

Be sure your name is not on the manuscript. Do not provide a biographical statement or acknowledgments of previously published poems. Instead, in your cover letter, provide 3-5 sentences summarizing your manuscript. Why? We want to see that you can succinctly explain your work; this is a good sign that a book is ready for publication.

Submissions should be 48-60ish pages, but if yours if a bit shorter or longer, please send it.

Please submit your manuscript via Duotrope’s submission manager, Duosuma. You must have an account to do so, but you do not need to pay for the more advanced services Duotrope provides. Submissions must be in Word or PDF format. We do request a submission fee of $25 for full-length manuscripts; however, if this is prohibitive for you, please email [email protected] to request a waiver.

Why do we charge submission fees? These fees, along with book sales, cover the costs of printing and marketing our titles. Our nonprofit press is completely run by volunteers.

You may submit multiple manuscripts. Simultaneous submissions are welcome; please let us know as soon as possible should your work be accepted elsewhere (congratulations!)

Payment and Support From Us

Payment for selected manuscripts is 25 copies, with the option of purchasing more at a substantial discount. We do not pay royalties or an advance. We will provide limited marketing in the form of social media posts, opportunities to participate in Milk & Cake Press virtual or in-person readings near Cincinnati, and five additional copies sent for review to the reviewers or journals of your choice. We are also happy to work with bookstores local to you to provide copies at a discount if you are planning an event.

Not Open