Submissions

Is Evening Post Books The Right Home For Your Manuscript?

To help you decide and to help us give your submission the care it deserves, please take the time to read the information below. We’ve thoughtfully curated what we’re looking for, how to submit, and what makes a manuscript a strong fit for our list. Every word is intentional — and meant to guide you.

Engaging Southern Stories — Past, Present, and Future

We’re Evening Post Books, the book publishing division of The Post and Courier, and we’re proud to open the doors to the next generation of Southern voices. Based in Charleston, South Carolina — our creative anchor — we publish nationally, seeking work that reflects the South’s richness, complexity, and ongoing transformation. 

Like a true port city, we look both near and far for storytellers whose voices are rooted in place but resonate far beyond it. Since 2008, we’ve published over 100 titles across genres — many of which have earned national recognition and readership. 

We’re looking for literary artists who bring depth, nuance, and excellence to the page — writers unafraid to challenge, honor, and reimagine what Southern storytelling can be. We’re equally committed to building a lasting home for books that contribute to the evolving story of the South — engaging its history with honesty and adding new layers to its literary tradition. 

Why Publish With Evening Post Books?

As a boutique, mission-driven press, we intentionally publish only a handful of titles each year. Every project we acquire receives: 

    • Thoughtful editorial collaboration
    • Boutique design and production support
    • Customized marketing and distribution strategies
    • A long-term, literary partnership grounded in care and creative trust 

We are not a volume-driven press. We are committed to books that last, stories that matter, and voices that shape the region’s literary future. 

What We’re Looking For 

We don’t require your book to be set in the South — but we do look for work that reflects a Southern sensibility: thoughtful, emotionally resonant, and engaged with the complexities of identity, history, and culture.  

We publish: 

    • Literary prose (fiction and nonfiction)
    • Works that explore Southern identity, history, environment, culture, or voice
    • Stories that challenge stereotypes, illuminate forgotten narratives, or celebrate the South’s rich tradition of storytelling 

We do not publish: 

    • Commercial fiction or genre thrillers
    • Young adult (YA) or children’s books (unless set in the South)
    • Religious literature
    • Previously published or self-published books 

When to Submit 

We accept manuscripts only during our open submission periods: 

    • Fall Open Call: August 1–31, 2025
    • Winter Open Call: February 1–28, 2026 

Submissions sent outside these dates will not be considered. 

Due to the volume of submissions, we are only able to respond to authors whose work we wish to explore further. We do not accept email submissions, and we are unable to provide status updates or individualized feedback. 

How to Submit 

Please complete our online submission form. You’ll be asked to include: 

    • A brief author bio
    • project synopsis
    • Your manuscript as a Word document (.doc or .docx), double-spaced, 12pt font, Times New Roman 

Each question on the form is intentional — we want to understand both you as a writer and what inspired your process.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need an agent to submit? 
No. We welcome unsolicited submissions during our open submission periods.

Will I receive feedback if my submission is not accepted? 
Unfortunately, we’re only able to respond to authors whose work we plan to explore further. 

What rights do you require if my manuscript is accepted? 
All rights and royalties are negotiated transparently with each author upon acceptance. 

Will I have input on cover design and marketing? 
With the guidance of our industry experts, we facilitate a collaborative process to create a cover that is both a market fit and representative of your style 

Ready to Share Your Story? 

If you believe your manuscript belongs with us, we’d love to read it. Let’s give real clout to your voice, your story, and your creative vision. Complete your submission HERE!

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Custom Publishing 

In addition to our traditional publishing program, Evening Post Books offers custom publishing services for organizations, institutions, and individuals seeking professionally produced books outside of the open submissions process. Services include: 

    • Editorial consultation
    • Cover and interior design
    • Print facilitation (softcover, hardcover, or hardcover with dust jacket)
    • Distribution and marketing support 

Our custom titles include: 

    • Illustrated coffee table books
    • Institutional and family histories
    • Art books and photography collections
    • Cookbooks and cultural anthologies 

Past partners include: 
Ducks Unlimited, The Coastal Conservation League, Middleton Place, The Medical University of South Carolina, Drayton Hall, Mepkin Abbey, Bishop Gadsden, Spoleto Festival USA, Bowen’s Island Restaurant, and others. 

Interested in custom publishing? 
Email a one-page query letter to info@eveningpostbooks.com with the subject line: 
Custom Publishing Inquiry: [Your Last Name]