​Submissions 

Cornerstone Press seeks book-length manuscripts in any genre and makes publishing decisions based on the clarity of thought and the marketability of the manuscripts submitted. We read and evaluate manuscripts throughout the year. In order to be considered for publication as part of the Legacy Series or the Portage Poetry Series, manuscripts must be submitted by August 1st. Manuscripts submitted after the deadline will be held over for consideration during the next round of manuscript evaluations.

Cornerstone Press Submission Guidelines

When submitting a manuscript for consideration by Cornerstone Press, please include the following items:

1) Please indicate either in your cover letter or email submission which series your work will be considered for: Portage Poetry Series (Poetry) OR Legacy Series (Fiction/Nonfiction). If your work falls outside of those series, please indicate why you have chosen to submit your work to the Cornerstone Press. 

2) A one-page, single-spaced cover letter. Recommended content includes a paragraph describing the manuscript you are submitting, a second paragraph describing your writing experience, and a final paragraph containing any additional information relevant to the work submitted. Please address your letter to: Dr. Ross K. Tangedal, Cornerstone Press. Within your letter, please include your mailing address, email address, and phone number.

3) A synopsis (1-2 pages double-spaced) of the work submitted.

4) A complete manuscript that is typed, double-spaced, and includes page numbers, along with your name and the manuscript title on the first page.

Submit the cover letter, synopsis, and manuscript digitally to:
cornerstone.press@uwsp.edu

*Note: We will only consider manuscripts sent digitally. 

Additional Guidelines:
  • Manuscript should be a maximum of 70,000 words.
  • Poetry submissions for the Portage Series may include a thematic overview in lieu of a synopsis.
Please submit your manuscript by August 1. Cornerstone Press typically focuses on up-and-coming regional authors, but we are open to all original, well-written, and polished submissions. We publish four books a year, so you will hear from us in late September. We edit using the Chicago Manual of Style, so please keep this format in mind when submitting your manuscript. If your manuscript is accepted by another publisher, please inform us via email. We look forward to reading your work. You may contact us at cornerstone.press@uwsp.edu