Hub City Press, the publishing arm of the Hub City Writers Project, publishes books of literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, regional nonfiction, nature, and art. We are seeking new and extraordinary voices from the American South who have written well-crafted, high-quality works. We are committed to spotlighting lesser-heard Southern voices including: people of color, members of LGBTQ and gender diverse communities, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, as well as ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. Hub City is a small press, publishing eight to ten titles per year. In general, our publication schedule operates at least 12-18 months in advance of release.
Hub City publishes writers living in or from the South. What's the South? A complicated issue, to say the least, but the short answer for our purposes: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
We accept books in the following categories.
Rolling Agent Submissions:
Literary agents may email directly to submit queries at any time.
Open Submission Periods:
Hub City Press opens for unagented manuscript submissions in March, June, September, and December. Sign up for our newsletter to be alerted to upcoming submission periods. Due to the size of our staff and the volume of queries we receive, we are unable to respond to every query.
South Carolina Novel Series:
This juried series opens biennially from November-February and is open to all novelists who are residents of the state of South Carolina. Writers are awarded $1,500 and book publication. Co-sponsored by the South Carolina Arts Commission, the South Carolina State Library and South Carolina Humanities.
C. Michael Curtis Short Story Book Prize:
This prize is judged by a chosen short story author and opens biennially from September-December. The Curtis Prize includes $5,000 and book publication, and is open to emerging writers in the above Southern states. Submitters must currently reside in the South and must have no more than one previously published book.
New Southern Voices Poetry Book Prize:
This prize is judged by a chosen poetry author and opens biennially from January-April. The New Southern Voices Prize includes an advance of $1000 and publication, and is open to emerging writers in the above Southern states. The prize may be awarded for a first or second book of poetry.
Hub City Press BIPOC Poetry Series:
One finalist will be selected by an Editor-at-Large, for the BIPOC Poetry series, which opens from March-April. The series advance award is $3000.
What to expect from us once you have submitted:
Due to the size of our staff and the volume of queries we receive, we are unable to respond to every query. We will be in touch with you if we have interest in your work. If you have not heard back within six months of your query or your manuscript submission if we have asked for it, assume your manuscript was not a good fit for us.
All open submission opportunities are below.
Hub City Writers Project is seeking a full-time (40 hours per week) in-person Operations and Community Engagement Coordinator. Our ideal candidate is a book lover with administrative experience who is interested in learning about the book industry while working for a mission-driven literary nonprofit in Spartanburg, SC.
The Operations and Community Engagement Coordinator will support Hub City Press’s Executive Director/Publisher and other team members as assigned, while also coordinating donor tracking, book outreach programs, and other community programs. This role offers a comprehensive introduction to the nonprofit book industry and includes hands-on involvement in advancing Hub City Writers Project’s mission.
About Hub City
Hub City Writers Project is a literary nonprofit organization in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Comprised of an acclaimed literary book publisher, an independent bookshop, and a literary programmer focused on education and outreach, our mission is cultivating readers and nurturing writers in both the Spartanburg community and throughout the South to foster an inclusive literary arts culture.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Coordinate annual fundraising mailing and donor book distribution, including donor tracking, follow-up, and communication.
- Manage book donation programs and communications to schools and other community entities
- Provide administrative support to the Executive Director/Publisher
- Assist the HCWP Board of Directors with Delicious Reads, Fall Fundraiser, and other large-scale events
- Assist with the grant writing process, as needed
- Fact-check, proofread, and copy edit materials
- Compile staff and board reports, financials, and minutes into monthly board packet and send board meeting reminders
- Take and circulate meeting minutes during weekly staff meetings, monthly board meetings, and board committee meetings
- Support the annual royalty statement and payment process
- Execute ad-hoc tasks, errands, and deliveries related to books, events, development, and programs
Qualities for candidates:
- Strong organizational skills; strong communication skills, including writing and editing
- Avid reader with an interest in the book industry and literary organizations
- Proactive and resourceful with a passion for project management, especially in gathering information, sharing updates, and solving problems
- Bookselling experience is a plus
- Ability to multitask, with excellent follow-through
- Flexibility and adaptability
Skills/experience:
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent education and experience
- Required: Previous admin, bookstore, or nonprofit experience
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Familiarity with Slack, Dropbox, social media platforms, and other office and productivity tools
Benefits
- 12 days of vacation and 5 days of sick leave per year
- Annual non-taxable $3,600 healthcare stipend
- Access to a SIMPLE 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar matching
Hiring range: $39,000 to $42,000 commensurate with experience and according to Hub City’s staff salary schedule.
This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) located in Spartanburg, SC. The expected workday will be 9 am to 5 pm. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to attend occasional events scheduled on evenings and weekends. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or disabled.
Physical Demands
Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time.
- Move about the office to access files and office equipment.
- Operate a computer and other office equipment.
- Move boxes weighing up to 25 pounds for shipping and off-site events.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume via Submittable. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Expected start date in December 2024/January 2025. No phone calls, please. In your cover letter, please address:
- Why you are interested in working for Hub City Writers Project and in this job in particular
- What about your experience makes you an ideal candidate for this position?
- This job requires a candidate who is comfortable both directing their own work and collaborating closely with a team on org projects. Explain how your experience makes you suitable for both styles of work.
Description: We are looking for a new part-time general bookseller to join our staff. This position will be 8-10 hours per week, all in-store, with the opportunity for more during the holiday season and busy seasons. This position reports to the bookshop manager and involves general customer service as well as opening or closing the store. This job will entail weekend and evening work. This position will require Saturday hours year-round. Expect to work some holidays (except Thanksgiving & Christmas) and major shopping days (i.e. Independent Bookstore Day, Black Friday).
Duties:
- Greet customers and provide customer service to store patrons, including placing special orders
- Fulfill online and phone orders for pickup and shipping, as well as in-store pickup orders
- Perform store cleaning procedures
- Have an understanding of Booklog functions including register function, special orders, inventory search, and selling/redeeming gift cards
- Perform tasks as assigned, including shelving books, checking inventory, etc. Process incoming and outgoing shipments, including new merchandise, returns and damages. Alphabetize and organize sections and conduct inventory as directed
- Help to curate the selection of items sold in the store
- Open / close the store, including general store clean-up, and cash register management. Light pet care of bookstore cat, Zora, required
- Attend off-site events to sell books and assist with other Hub City Writers Project programming
Qualifications:
- 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the US.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and in difficult scenarios, including interacting with a wide variety of individuals that may come through our door.
- Strong attention to detail and communication skills
- Physical demands include: Ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 30 lbs., stand on stepladders.
- Computer proficiency (Windows), including Microsoft Office.
- Passion for reading and books
Benefits:
- Competitive hourly pay rate
- 30% employee discount on all items
- Access to dollar-for-dollar matching SIMPLE 401K savings plan and financial advisors
The Hub City Writers Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.