Submission Guidelines

Send Us Your Latest!

Bamboo Ridge Press is now accepting submissions of poetry and prose for publication in Bamboo Ridge, Journal of Hawai‘i Literature and Arts Issue #132.

 

Guest editors: Mindy Pennybacker and Don Wallace

Scheduled for release fall 2027

*No online submissions will be accepted. Please see guidelines below.

POSTmark by: JULY 15, 2026

Submissions must be hard copy and mailed to:

BAMBOO RIDGE PRESS
PO BOX 61781
HONOLULU HI 96839-1781
Please note that online submissions will not be accepted and that unsolicited full-length manuscripts will not be considered for publication.
 

Submissions must be:

  • Typewritten, double-spaced (with the exception of poetry), in at least 12-point font, with 1-inch margins on one side of 8.5″ x 11″ white paper
  • No more than 5,000 words, approximately 20 pages, of prose
  • No more than 10 pages of poetry, up to 5 poems per author
  • Include a cover letter (see cover letter section)
Simultaneous submissions are allowed. If accepted by another publication, please notify us ASAP via email to <[email protected]> to withdraw your work.
 
**Previously published work will not be accepted. Please do not submit AI generated writing.
 
If you are quoting material such as song lyrics, it must be in the public domain or you must provide permission(s) from the copyright holder(s) to reprint the quoted material.
 
If you would like your manuscript to be returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage. Please do not send your only copy of your writing; we will not be responsible for lost or damaged manuscripts.
 
Notification of acceptance (only) will be made by email and will include instructions for sending the digital file needed for production. Please be sure the digital file is the exact version submitted to the editors or note any edits you have made. Significant changes might affect the editors’ decision.
 
Rejection letters will be mailed only if an SASE is included with the submission.
 

What we’re looking for:

Thought-provoking and unforgettable pieces that sustain us. Work that inspires and connects us. While we invite submissions from all writers, we’re especially interested in seeing works that align with the Bamboo Ridge Press mission statement to publish literature by, for, or about the people of Hawai‘i.
 

What we’re NOT looking for:

We are not looking for work that promotes hate speech, presents stereotypes, and/or romanticizes or exoticizes a culture, place, or people. Work that is clearly racist, homophobic, ableist, sexist, classist, or anti-trans will not be considered.
 
By submitting, the author certifies that all work is the author’s own original writing.
 
Again, if the work includes anything not written by the author, then the author must clearly indicate in the work what is quoted material and include an attribution assigning proper credit. If the quoted material (including song lyrics) is copyrighted and not in the public domain, the author must also provide the press with permission(s) to reprint any such quoted material.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email <[email protected]> or call 808-626-1481.

Please include a cover letter

We’d love to get to know the person behind the pages! When you send your work, please use your cover letter to introduce yourself. To make sure we have your correct information on file, let us know: 
 
  • Your Work: The title or titles (in the case of poetry) of your submission.
  • Your Details: Your full name and your byline (the name you’d like to see in print), as well as your mailing address, email, and phone number.

  • Your Story: A short bio about who you are and what you do.

  • Your Ties: We’re always interested in the different ways our writers are tied to Hawaiʻi and its community. Share something with us (e.g., what moku you from, what school you wen grad, how you stay connected).

  • Your Link to Us: How did you and Bamboo Ridge first cross paths?

Selected contributors will retain rights to their work and receive an honorarium, two complimentary copies of the issue, and a 50% discount when purchasing additional copies directly from BRP.