Floating Bridge Press reads manuscripts for our John Pierce Chapbook Competition from January 1st to March 31st, 2025.  Here are a few guidelines to make your job (and let's be honest, our job) a little easier:

-We read and judge all submissions completely anonymously, so please make sure not to include your name or any identifying information in your manuscript.  We also don't need a bio or acknowledgements of publication with your submission, so save yourself some time and leave them off this submission.

-We accept manuscripts from Washington State (USA) residents only.

-Simultaneous submissions are cool with us, but please withdraw your manuscript should it find a home elsewhere (we will celebrate with you)! Individual poems may have been previously published.

-We accept chapbook manuscripts of 20-30 pages of poetry. Don't worry if your chapbook is a *few* pages over/under.

-Please include a title page (make sure to leave your name off of this) and a paginated table of contents.  The editors prefer 12 point font, if you are interested in making us smile.

-File formats we accept are: text files (.txt), Microsoft Word files (.doc or .docx), and Adobe PDF files (.pdf). Name your file with the first few words of your manuscript’s title.

-Our reading fees are available on a sliding scale: $15, $10, or $5. We understand that everyone has different circumstances and we don't want anyone to feel they can't submit because of inequitable financial barriers. We trust you to use your judgement, life circumstances, and conscience to best determine at what level you can submit. Each level includes a copy of the winning chapbook. If a $5 fee is prohibitive, please email us at floatingbridgepress@gmail.com; we will ensure you are able to submit.

We look forward to reading your work! Every poem will be considered for inclusion in our sister publication Pontoon Poetry and for the Paula Jones Gardiner Memorial Award.

Thanks for trusting us with your work!

-The Editors
*Reach out to floatingbridgepress@gmail.com with any questions!