Black Lawrence Press welcomes proposals for bold and engaging anthologies that have the potential of contributing to our understanding of literature and the genres within it. Proposals by and/or about historically marginalized groups are especially encouraged.
Please include bios for the anthology editor(s), an abstract and proposed outline, and sample selections. Manuscripts should be paginated and formatted in an easy-to-read font such as Garamond or Times New Roman. Black Lawrence Press is happy to select many of our titles through our twice-annual Open Reading Periods in June and November. We ask all submitters to select one Black Lawrence Press publication at a discounted price ($14, including shipping for print editions). Proceeds from the open reading period will go directly back into supporting the activities of the press.
During the November Reading Period of 2025, Black Lawrence Press (BLP) will consider anthology proposals through two submission tracks. The first track will be for anthology proposals on any subject; the second will be on themes specified by BLP that are topical and consistent with BLP’s goals of publishing anthologies that are “bold and engaging with the potential of expanding our understanding of literature, literary genres, and/or social issues.”
Track One – For the November Reading Period of 2025, BLP welcomes submissions for anthologies on subjects that are consistent with BLP’s goals. Authors and anthologists who are members of historically marginalized voices and/or communities are especially encouraged to submit proposals for our consideration.
Track Two – For the November Reading Period of 2025, BLP welcomes anthology proposals, from authors and anthologists, on the Black Male Experience in America.
For Prospective Authors and Anthologists – Please know that we get numerous submissions during our reading periods, and we can accept no more than two anthology proposals in a single year. We ask that the vision behind each proposal be clear and well-articulated.
Questions – Please send questions to Abayomi Animashaun, BLP’s anthologies editor, at this email address: [email protected]
To submit an anthology proposal, follow this link.