MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS

 

Casa de María Publisher welcomes submissions from writers whose work reflects cultural memory, identity, and social justice.  We are especially committed to amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized or underrepresented. We welcome work from writers across diverse lived experiences and stages of practice.   

 

In order to provide thoughtful editorial care, Casa de María Publisher accepts a limited number of manuscripts each year. Publication decisions are made by Casa de María Publisher. 

 

MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS:

 

At Casa de María Publisher, we understand that submitting work can feel vulnerable. This is especially the case for writers who have been historically excluded, overlooked, or told they do not "fit".  

 

This page is designed to welcome you, clarify expectations, and remove unnecessary barriers. If you are wondering whether your work belongs here, we invite you to keep reading.

 

A PLACE FOR WRITERS WHO HAVE BEEN TOLD "NO" ELSEWHERE

 

You do not need formal publishing experience to submit.You do not need an agent.You do not need to sound like anyone else. What you DO NEED is a commitment to your craft and a willingness to engage thoughtfully in the publishing process. 

 

GENRES & FORMATS WE ACCEPT:

  

We consider your original unpublished work in the following genres:

• Memoir and personal narrative
• Poetry (single author collections or anthology submissions)
• Short fiction and literary fiction
• Creative nonfiction and hybrid forms
• Cook books
• Photography/ Art books
• Screenplays and scripts
• Cultural reflective or socially grounded works aligned to the Casa de María Publisher mission

 

If your work doesn't fit neatly into a category, but you believe it belongs at Casa de María Publisher, we encourage you to submit.

 

Many writers hesitate to submit because they worry their work is not ready, polished enough, or important enough. 

 

We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for voice, care, and intention. Submitting your work is not a declaration of certainty. It is an invitation to meaningful conversation and creative discourse. 

 

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

 

Please prepare the following materials:

 

Cover Letter (1-2 pages) that tells us who you are, why this work matters to you, and why you believe Casa de María Publisher may be a good home for your project. 

                                               

Manuscript Sample or Full Manuscript 

• Poetry: Up to 15 poems or full collection
• Prose: First 20-40 pages (unless otherwise specified
• Screenplays: First act or complete script                                                     

Author Bio (150-250 words)

 

FORMATTING SPECIFICATIONS:

 

• Double-space prose (unless poetry or screenplay formatting requires otherwise)
• 1 inch margins
• Standard font (Times New Roman or Garamond)
• Header: Last Name/ Title / Page Number (auto-generated)
• Indents: Tabs (0.5"), no extra blank lines
• Filing Naming: Lastname_Title_YYYMMDD.docx
• Submit as a PDF or Word Document

 

HOW SUBMISSIONS ARE REVIEWED:

 

• Submissioned are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Simultaneous submissions are accepted (please notify us if your work is accepted elsewhere).
• Typical response time is 6-8 weeks. 

 

Every submission is read with care and intention. Due to volume, we may not be able to provide individualized feedback on all submissions, but every submission is considered.

 

OUR PUBLISHING MODEL: 

 

What happens if your work is accepted? Casa de María Publisher operates as a mission-aligned independent press offering publishing opportunites with transparent and supportive publishing pathways.  

 

If your manuscript is accepted, you will receive:

1. A clear explanation of the publishing pathways. 
2. An outlined timeline towards publication.
3. Transparent discussion.
4. Time is provided for authors to review the publishing pathways and consider any author investment before making a decision.

 

EDITORIAL CARE, RIGHTS & ROYALTIES:

 

Authors accepted for publication receive thoughtful, culturally responsive editorial guidance, which may include developmental feedback, line-by-line editing, publishing consultations, and support preparing work for publication and distribution. In addition:

 

-Authors retain ownership of their work. 

 

-Publishing agreements are clear, specific, and shared in writing before you make any decisions. 

 

-Royalties and terms are explained transparently before commitment is made.

 

-Casa de María Publisher does not assume liability for submitted content until an agreement is signed.

 

-Submission does not guarantee publication or compensation. 

 

By submitting this form, you agree to our privacy policy and consent to Casa de María Publisher holding your information for the purposes of reviewing your submission. 

 

A NOTE TO MARGINALIZED WRITERS:

 

We recognize that traditional publishing houses have not always been a safe or equitable space. At Casa de María Publisher:

• Your voice will not be tokenized.
• Your story will not be shaped to fit harmful narratives.
• Your identity matters and will be treated with respect.
• Your work is treated with dignity and care.

 

If this is your first time submitting for publication, or if past experiences have felt dismissive or extractive...please know you belong here.  

 

NEXT STEPS:

• Submit Your Manuscript
• Contact Us with Questions 

• Begin Your Journey

 

When you’re ready, you may submit your materials below.