How Submissions Work at 1455 Books—and What’s Open Right Now
Sean Murphy explains the process and current calls for writers
In this conversation with Jenna Blum—NYT bestselling author and co-founder of A Mighty Blaze—I examine the strategic decisions behind launching 1455 books. The discussion encompasses 1455 Lit Arts’ foundational principles, the mechanics of nonprofit development, and how corporate sector experience translates to mission-driven organizational building. We analyze critical questions facing contemporary publishing: the continued relevance of literary arts in 2026, and the strategic timing of launching an independent imprint. The conclusion positions book publishing as a logical extension of 1455’s established mission architecture: advocating for marginalized voices, facilitating community engagement, and providing accessible platforms for storytellers across demographics and experience levels.
Our submission process is designed to prevent easy manipulation—we ask for a bio, headshot, website, personal statement, and manuscript upload, with built-in checks and balances beyond simple email submissions. Right now we have three calls live at 1455books.org, all detailed there. First, a Young Poets Anthology for poets worldwide under 21 on the theme of hope—one to three poems, free submissions. Second, a Women Writers Anthology on the theme of silence (pretty self-explanatory in 2025), accepting poems, memoirs, essays, or short stories, though poems and essays are more likely since fiction takes up bandwidth. Third, our first book contest—$25 submission fee accepting memoir, fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. The fee covers expenses, and whoever wins gets published with the author retaining every penny—no royalty split. If it becomes a bestseller, hopefully they’ll pay it forward. We’re already off and running with great submissions, but I want the good problem of having too many to publish—that means maybe we do two books, and I’ll know it’s working when we have more stuff to do.
Visit 1455litarts.org to find out more, get involved, or help support our mission.