Submission Selection
Glass Knuckles Press: Call for Submissions
At Glass Knuckles Press, we curate poetry, essays, short fiction, and visual art that explores the resilient spirit of the underdog—those who have been weathered, bruised, or temporarily defeated by life. We seek raw, gritty, and provocative work that resonates with emotional truth.
We publish biannual themed issues as multimedia chapbooks. Our editorial team prioritizes perspective-driven pieces, character-centric plots, and literary fiction.
Please note: We do not publish work that glorifies violence, promotes hate speech, is infantilizing, or falls under fan fiction and erotica. While we appreciate narratives with adult themes, they must remain integral to the development of the plot.
We operate a blind review process to ensure impartiality regardless of an author’s professional history or background. Multiple entries are permitted; however, each must be submitted as a separate entry. We take pride in championing both emerging and established voices.
Guidelines & Fees:
• The contest entry fee for all categories (Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, and Cover Art) is $5.
• Written submissions must be formatted in 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins.
• Files must be in .doc or .docx format.
• As we cannot provide editing services post-acceptance, please ensure your manuscript is thoroughly proofread and publication-ready.
Glass Knuckles Press is committed to inclusivity. We strongly encourage submissions from LGBTQ+ and BIPOC creators, individuals with disabilities, and incarcerated writers.
Incarcerated individuals may contact us via email to request a physical mailing address or a fee waiver if costs present a barrier to entry.
For inquiries, please contact: editor.glassknuckles@gmail.com.
Poetry
Submit 1–3 original, unpublished poems. We prioritize lyrical and experimental forms that navigate the underdog experience through a unique, evocative lens.
Essays
Original, unpublished creative nonfiction between 500 and 3,000 words. We seek intellectual, gritty narratives that challenge social conventions.
Short Fiction
Original, unpublished short stories between 500 and 3,000 words. We look for narratives that capture the grit and depth of the human struggle and evolution through adversity.
Visual Arts
Original, unpublished visual art. We appreciate photography, watercolor, and experimental works that challenge the viewer. Surprise us with your unique vision.
Contest Terms
Our current contest invites writers to explore the diverse themes of the underdog experience. The first-prize recipient will be awarded a $150 honorarium. All entries are evaluated by our editorial board based on thematic resonance and technical proficiency. The final deadline for all submissions is September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM. We look forward to reviewing your work for our next publication.