Apply for the She Writes Press Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP) 2026 - the 9th annual free writing contest from award-winning hybrid publisher She Writes Press, elevating women writers of color with full publishing packages worth $12,000 each plus a 500-copy print run.
Two winners are selected each year (one per publishing season). Submissions are open from 29 June to 10 September 2026. There is no entry fee. Open to eligible women writers of color aged 18+ from all countries and regions.
Quick Facts - She Writes Press STEP 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | She Writes Press Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP) - 9th Annual Contest |
| Organisation | She Writes Press (distributed via Simon & Schuster) |
| Host country | United States |
| Awards | Two full publishing packages per year |
| Prize value | $12,000 publishing package + 500-copy print run (each winner) |
| Entry fee | Free - no fee to enter |
| Submissions open | 29 June 2026 |
| Deadline | 10 September 2026 |
| Finalists notified | Mid to late October 2026 |
| Winners announced | By mid-November 2026 |
| Official apply | She Writes Press STEP - Submittable |
What Is STEP?
Since 2018, She Writes Press has run STEP to support inclusivity on its lists and amplify women writers of color. Winners receive the full She Writes Press publishing package - editorial, design, distribution, and production support to bring a book to market.
What Each Winner Receives
- Custom interior design (up to 100,000 words)
- Custom cover design
- E-book conversion and upload to 130+ distribution partners
- Traditional trade distribution via Simon & Schuster
- Proofreading of the final manuscript
- Copyright filing and Library of Congress control number
- Warehousing, preordering, and order fulfillment
- Dedicated editorial manager through production and post-publication
- Complimentary Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)
- Initial print run of 500 copies to the Simon & Schuster warehouse
Total package value: $12,000 + 500-copy print run per winner.
Who Can Enter
- Age 18 or over
- Women only - writers identifying as female/woman, trans, non-binary, or genderqueer
- Women of color - heritage African; Indigenous to the Americas or Australia; Latinx; Asian/Pacific Islander; Arab; or mixed racial heritage with one or two parents from those groups
- Agented or unagented manuscripts welcome
- One entry per person
- Open to all countries and regions (per She Writes Press official page)
What to Submit
Entries are judged on merit and must include:
- A query letter
- Full chapter-by-chapter summaries
- Either: the first 50 pages of your manuscript or a full nonfiction book proposal (with sample chapters)
- Information about your heritage or background (asked during submission)
Submit as Word or PDF attachments via the official Submittable portal.
Judging Timeline
- Industry professionals and the She Writes Press editorial team review submissions.
- Top five finalists contacted by mid to late October 2026.
- Panel of published authors and literary agents selects two winners.
- Winners announced by mid-November 2026 (email notification).
How to Apply
- Read full guidelines: Equality in Publishing - She Writes Press.
- Confirm you meet eligibility (women of color, 18+, one entry).
- Prepare query letter, chapter summaries, and manuscript sample or nonfiction proposal.
- Submit via She Writes Press STEP on Submittable before 10 September 2026.
Official Links
Apply - STEP 2026 (Submittable)
She Writes Press - Equality in Publishing (STEP)
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FAQs - She Writes Press STEP 2026
Is there an entry fee?
No. STEP is free to enter.
How many winners are there?
Two women writers of color per year - one per publishing season.
What is the deadline?
10 September 2026. Submissions open 29 June 2026.
Can I submit if I have a literary agent?
Yes - both agented and unagented work qualifies.
Do I need a finished manuscript?
No. Submit a query letter, chapter summaries, and either the first 50 pages or a full nonfiction proposal with sample chapters.
Is it open internationally?
Yes - She Writes Press states the contest is open to all countries and regions. Confirm the latest rules on the official page before you submit.
