She Writes Press Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP) 2026: A Publishing Opportunity

The publishing world can be challenging for many writers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. She Writes Press, however, is working to change that with its Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP) contest. This annual event offers aspiring authors a unique opportunity to get their books published. The STEP contest aims to promote inclusivity within She Writes Press’s publishing program and uphold its mission to amplify women’s voices.

She Writes Press offers a distinct publishing model, positioning itself as a “third way” between traditional publishing and self-publishing. This independent approach provides a valuable alternative in the evolving publishing landscape. The STEP contest is a key part of their commitment to this mission, providing significant support to selected authors.

Understanding the STEP Contest

The She Writes Press Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP) 2026 contest is designed to provide publishing packages to two authors each season. This means two authors will receive the opportunity to publish their work with She Writes Press annually. The contest specifically focuses on supporting inclusivity and giving a platform to women writers.

The core of the STEP contest is its publishing package, which is valued at $12,000. This package includes a 500-book print run, covering many aspects of bringing a book to market. It’s a comprehensive offering aimed at helping authors navigate the complexities of the publishing process.

What the Publishing Package Includes

The She Writes Press Publishing Package, awarded to the STEP contest winners, is extensive. It covers essential services to ensure a professional and well-supported book launch. Each package includes:

• Interior Design: Custom interior design for manuscripts up to 100,000 words. This ensures the inside of the book looks polished and professional.
• Cover Design: A custom cover design to attract readers and represent the book’s content effectively.
• E-book Conversion and Distribution: The creation of an e-book file and its upload to over 130 distribution partners, reaching a wide online audience.
• Traditional Distribution: Distribution of the book to the trade through Simon & Schuster, a major player in book distribution.
• Proofreading: Professional proofreading of the final manuscript to catch any errors.
• Copyright and Library of Congress: Assistance with copyright filing and obtaining a Library of Congress control number.
• Warehousing: Storage for short-run printed books.
• Order Fulfillment: Handling of all book orders, including preorders.
• Editorial Support: Guidance from an assigned editorial manager throughout the production schedule and after publication.
• Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs): Complimentary copies provided to generate early reviews and buzz.
• Initial Print Run: A print run of 500 copies sent to the Simon & Schuster warehouse.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

She Writes Press has specific criteria for those wishing to enter the STEP contest. These requirements are in place to ensure the contest supports its mission of inclusivity and empowering women writers.

• Age: Entrants must be at least eighteen years old.
• Gender Identity: The contest is open to women, defined broadly to include writers who identify as female, trans, non-binary, or genderqueer.
• Women of Color: Special consideration is given to women of color. This includes individuals whose heritage is African, Indigenous to the Americas and Australia, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Arab, or those of mixed racial heritage where one or two parents fit these groups.
• Submission Limit: Each person can submit only one entry.
• Geographic Scope: The contest is open to applicants from all countries and regions.
• Agented or Unagented Work: Both authors with literary agents and those without are welcome to apply.

How to Apply

To enter the STEP contest, applicants need to submit specific materials. These documents should be attached as either a Word or PDF file.

The required submissions include:

• Chapter-by-Chapter Summary: A detailed summary outlining the content of each chapter.
• Manuscript Sample or Proposal: Applicants must provide either the first 50 pages of their manuscript or a full nonfiction book proposal. If submitting a nonfiction proposal, it must include sample chapters.

The deadline for applications is September 10, 2026. Interested writers can find the application link on the She Writes Press website or through submission platforms like Submittable.

Conclusion

The She Writes Press Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP) 2026 contest presents a significant opportunity for writers seeking to publish their work. By offering a comprehensive publishing package and focusing on inclusivity, She Writes Press is making a tangible difference in the literary world. The contest provides a pathway for women writers, particularly women of color, to share their stories and reach a wider audience, reinforcing the press’s commitment to a more diverse and equitable publishing landscape.