Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does FP do?
First and foremost, Feminist Press is a book publisher. Yes, physical print books! We believe books ignite movements and social transformation. It’s our mission to provide books for feminist readers across genre, from illustrated folktales to bathtub reads, activist guidebooks to gender studies staples. We provide free book events, participate in conversations about the future of the industry, and train the next generation of publishing professionals.
Founded in 1970 by Florence Howe, FP began as a crucial publishing component of second wave feminism, reprinting feminist classics by writers such as Zora Neale Hurston and Rebecca Harding Davis, and championing much-needed texts for the developing field of women’s studies with books by Grace Paley and Barbara Smith. Fifty years later, we celebrate our legacy and lift up marginalized voices from around the world, including Bridgett M. Davis, Juli Delgado Lopera, Brontez Purnell, Michelle Tea, Camille Acker, Ananda Devi, Cristina Rivera Garza, and Bishakh Som.
What does it mean to be a nonprofit publisher?
Feminist Press is a place of discovery. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit model allows us to publish books that surface and amplify cutting-edge conversations that need to be explored regardless of the market. Grants and donations help us uplift issues that need to be unearthed or examined in a mission-driven way. In addition to supporting our operations and outreach, contributions from our donor partners help us create and promote diverse and insurgent books, accessible events and programming, and our book donation initiative.
What is FP’s editorial vision?
FP publishes twelve to fifteen books a year and specializes in an array of genres including cutting-edge fiction, activist nonfiction, literature in translation, hybrid memoirs, children’s books, and more.
FP seeks to champion intersectional and nuanced works that spark much-needed dialogue and move feminist conversations forward. Current editorial initiatives include the Louise Meriwether First Book Prize, created to publish debut work by women and nonbinary writers of color, and Amethyst Editions, a queer imprint founded by Michelle Tea.
We are seeking political and cultural activist nonfiction that furthers our understanding of intersectional feminism. We gravitate toward voice- and vision-driven stories as well as genre-defying texts. Other topics of interest include feminist dystopia, environmental justice, and immigration stories. We do not publish poetry, dramatic works, doctoral dissertations, or literary criticism.
Tell us about your submissions process.
FP accepts both agented and unsolicited submissions on a rolling basis. We will resume reviewing unsolicited submissions in fall 2022. We ask that those interested in submitting review our catalog and mission to ensure their work is a good fit for our list. If the manuscript seems like a match and is complete, please submit a synopsis of the work, at least three sample chapters (or at least thirty pages), a brief author bio, and a sample marketing plan to editor[at]feministpress[dot]org for our submissions team’s review. We are a small staff and receive hundreds of submissions each season, so we ask for your patience during the review process.
Can I submit my book to FP if it’s been self-published?
FP typically does not consider books that have already been self-published.
Can FP publish my essay or blog post?
No, we only publish full-length book manuscripts.
Can I send my book to FP for a review?
No, FP is a book publisher and does not post book reviews online.
Can I get feedback on my manuscript, or can you recommend other places I can pitch my book?
As much as FP would like to help, we are not able to offer advice on your manuscript nor can we suggest other publishers for your work due to our limited capacity. We encourage you to seek out folks in your community, or even pitch agents, for feedback on your book. We also suggest researching the publishers who have championed your favorite books and getting to know their lists to help you decide where to pitch next. If you are looking for an agent, other publishers, or other literary resources, we highly recommend this comprehensive guide from our friends at Poets and Writers.
What is your advertisement policy?
Feminist Press does not accept advertisements. If you wish to place a message of support in our gala journal, please contact Lucia Brown lucia@feministpress.org.
Where can I buy FP books?
Anywhere that books are sold! You can buy books directly from our website or from your local independent bookstore. Here are some of the stores our staff and readers visit often if you need ideas:
Can I order FP books if I live outside the US?
Yes! We work with several distributors to sell our titles throughout the world. If you have any particular questions about a title, please contact us at sales[at]feministpress[dot]org, and we will help you as best as we can.
My books haven’t arrived yet. What should I do?
We’re so sorry to hear that, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this complicated time. Please contact us at sales[at]feministpress[dot]org with your purchase order number, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Do you publish ebooks? Audiobooks?
Yes, we publish ebooks simultaneously for all of our text-based books. Regarding audio, many of our titles are successfully licensed and produced as audiobooks, but it depends on the rights granted to Feminist Press and whether audiobook companies see potential in the project.
What is FP’s relationship to CUNY?
The Feminist Press has a wonderful and long history of partnership with the City University of New York. The Press found a home at the City University of New York in 1985 and moved to the Graduate Center when it opened its doors in 1999. This partnership has allowed for collaboration within the CUNY system, specifically at the Graduate Center. FP teams up with departments such as the Publics Lab, CUNY’s Center for LGBTQ Studies (CLAGS), and the Center for the Study of Women and Society. One of our longest collaborations has been WSQ, an interdisciplinary academic journal edited by CUNY faculty, supported by GC students, and directed by a board including CUNY faculty, which highlights the thought leadership of CUNY academics.
CUNY community members receive a 15% discount on all of our titles. If you have a CUNY ID or email address from any CUNY institution, use the code CUNY15.
How can I get involved with FP?
Great questions! Here are a few ways:
Apply to our apprenticeship
Contribute to our book donation and or planned giving programs
Join our board of directors, advisory council, or young leaders board
Sign up for our mailing list
How can I support FP?
Thank you for being part of the Feminist Press community! As an independent press and nonprofit organization, it means so much when you buy our books at your favorite local bookstore or check it out from your public library. When you share your favorite titles with your friends and your community, it has an impact. And of course, your donations allow us to continue our work in lifting up emergent and insurgent voices.