Torrey House Press publishes 8-10 books per year of literary novels, full-length short story collections, essay collections, creative nonfiction, and the occasional anthology. We are interested in well-crafted work with environmental, natural history, or natural landscape themes, and writing which explores the value of well-managed public lands and the transformative power of wilderness. THP does not currently accept submissions for poetry or books for children.
Please familiarize yourself with our books to see if your work and our list are compatible. Most independent bookstores and libraries carry our titles; you can also browse our online catalog.
For fiction, short story collections, and essay collections, please submit full manuscripts. For nonfiction, please submit a query first and a full proposal upon request.
The review process for submissions can take 4-6 months, or longer in some instances. We understand what it’s like to await a response, and we appreciate your patience. Phone calls, emails, or letters of inquiry will not hasten the process.
Our Mission
Torrey House Press publishes books at the intersection of the literary arts and environmental advocacy. THP authors explore the diversity of human experiences and relationships with place. THP books create conversations about issues that concern the American West, landscape, literature, and the future of our ever-changing planet, inspiring action toward a more just world.
Our Values
We believe that lively, contemporary literature is at the cutting edge of social change. We seek to inform, expand, and reshape the dialogue on environmental justice and stewardship for the natural world by elevating literary excellence from diverse voices.
Torrey House Press and Zion Canyon Mesa announce Voices for the West: Writing Workshops and Community Conversations February 10-11, 2023.
Generate new work, take risks, and learn from experienced instructors and fellow writers in a supportive and intimate space. The stunning redrock scenery of Springdale, Utah, provides inspiration for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writers -- writers of all levels are welcome. Hone your craft at writing workshops during the day, and enjoy public events and readings with the award-winning instructors in the evenings. Each workshop will have a maximum of 15 attendees. Ten full scholarships will be awarded to attendees on the basis of financial need. **Applicants accepted to the cancelled February 2022 workshop will be automatically accepted after adding a note to original applications indicating intention to participate in the February 2023 workshop.**
To apply:
Please submit a writing sample of 1,000-4,000 words (if applying for fiction workshop) or three poems (if applying for poetry workshop) in a single Word document. Please name the file with your last name and the writing track you are applying for (i.e.: Lastname_Poetry).
For fiction, short story collections, and essay collections, please submit full manuscripts. For nonfiction and anthologies, please submit a query first and a full proposal upon request.
The review process for submissions can take 4-6 months, or longer in some instances. We understand what it’s like to wait for a response, and we appreciate your patience. Phone calls, emails, or letters of inquiry will not hasten the process.
FULL MANUSCRIPT GUIDELINES (fiction, short story collections, essay collections):
Please submit a cover letter along with your manuscript. The cover letter should include:
- A synopsis of your manuscript
- How your work fits with the THP mission and values
- Some background on yourself
- Comparable titles
- Marketing and readership development plans
QUERY GUIDELINES (nonfiction):
Please submit a one- or two-page overview of your book idea along with information about yourself, why you are qualified to write on the subject, who your audience is, and how you propose to market your work. If we think there is a reasonable chance that we might pursue your book, we will request a full proposal.
FULL PROPOSAL GUIDELINES (upon request):
Include most or all of the following items in a single Word document:
- A cover letter
- A resume
- A preliminary table of contents
- A one- or two-paragraph summary of each chapter
- Marketing research such as: descriptions of other books on the same or similar topic and an explanation of why your book is different; any special sales potential; events where attendees will be interested in you as a speaker; your target audience (be specific); biographical material, expanded from that in the query letter
- Two or more completed sample chapters
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