About the opportunity
The She Writes Press Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP) contest aims to support inclusivity across publishing lists and fortify the mission to give voice to women writers. Now in its 9th annual cycle, the competition honors two women authors of color by awarding them full She Writes Press publishing packages, each valued at $12,000, along with a 500-copy initial print run. The packages include full professional publishing services, custom design, e-book file conversion, traditional trade distribution via Simon & Schuster, copyediting support, copyright filing, warehousing, and dedicated editorial management through production and post-publication.
Funding and benefits
- Two winning authors receive a She Writes Press Publishing Package valued at $12,000 plus an initial 500-copy print run.
- Custom interior design for up to 100,000 words.
- Custom cover design.
- E-book file conversion and upload to over 130 distribution partners.
- Traditional distribution to the trade via Simon & Schuster.
- Proofreading of the final manuscript.
- Copyright filing and obtaining a Library of Congress control number.
- Warehousing of short-run printed books and preordering/fulfillment support.
- Dedicated support through the production schedule and post-publication by an assigned editorial manager.
- Complimentary Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs).
Who can apply?
- Open to writers from all countries and regions globally (international applicants are fully eligible).
- Applicants must be over the age of eighteen.
- Open to women only, defined as writers identifying as female/woman, trans, non-binary, or genderqueer.
- Open to women of color, meaning individuals whose heritage is African, Indigenous to the Americas and Australia, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Arab, or of mixed racial heritage with one or two parents fitting these groups.
- Both agented and unagented work qualify.
- Limited to one entry per person.
Required documents
- Query letter
- Full chapter summaries and the first 50 pages of the work (or a full-length nonfiction book proposal)
- Information regarding heritage or background as part of the submission process
When to apply
- Submissions open on June 29, 2026.
- Submissions close on September 10, 2026.
- Top five finalists will be contacted by mid to late October 2026.
- Two STEP winners will be announced by mid-November 2026.
How to apply
- Prepare your query letter, full chapter summaries, and first 50 pages (or a full-length nonfiction book proposal).
- Submit your manuscript package through the official Submittable portal link provided on the She Writes Press website before the deadline.
Additional information
- There is no fee to enter the competition.
- External judges and the internal editorial team select the top five finalists, and a panel of diverse published authors and literary agents chooses the final two winners.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Women writers of color, including trans, non-binary, and genderqueer authors.
- Authors with a completed manuscript who are looking for professional publishing services and trade distribution.
- Writers seeking a hybrid publishing model that includes custom design, copyediting, and marketing support.
What should you think carefully about?
- The contest is highly competitive; ensure your submission package (query letter, summaries, and 50 pages) is polished and professional.
- The prize is a specific publishing package; verify if this model aligns with your goals compared to traditional or self-publishing.
- The contest is limited to one entry per person, so choose your best work carefully.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
Winning this contest is a significant milestone for any author seeking to reach a wider audience through traditional trade distribution. It provides the professional infrastructure—from editorial management to warehousing—needed to launch a book successfully and establish your voice in the publishing industry.
Our take
Women writers of color who have a high-quality manuscript ready for publication should apply. It is less suitable for those who are not yet ready to commit to a professional publishing schedule or who prefer a different publishing path.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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