Take your manuscript from draft to published book

Featured artwork from Kim Triedman

1455 books Contest

The 1455 books Contest offers writers the rare opportunity to bring a full-length manuscript—poetry, fiction, or nonfiction—from draft to publication. Open to writers 21 and older, this program identifies one exceptional book to be professionally edited, designed, published, and promoted as part of the 1455 books catalog.

Each selected author receives full publishing support, professional marketing, and author promotion through 1455’s literary network, events, and partnerships. This is your chance to transform your manuscript into a published book with a mission-driven publisher that values integrity, accessibility, and lasting impact.

Great stories deserve to be read

At 1455, we believe the future of publishing should be open, transparent, and collaborative. The 1455 books contest exists to give one writer the same quality of professional publication typically reserved for established authors—without the barriers of traditional publishing.

By publishing and promoting the contest winner’s work, 1455 books aims to:

- Champion diverse, original voices whose stories reflect the complexity and beauty of lived experience.
- Provide equitable access to professional publication and marketing support.
- Foster lasting careers by equipping writers with tools and visibility beyond the book launch.
- Build a community where storytelling is valued as a force for empathy, innovation, and change.

This is more than a contest—
it’s a chance to turn your manuscript into a legacy.

Being published by 1455 books offers more than seeing your work in print—it’s joining a community of writers who use storytelling to connect, question, and redefine what literature can be. This project is a testament to resilience, artistry, and the collective force of diverse voices shaping modern writing.

Key Details

Submission fee: $25
Submit your final manuscript in ready-to-publish form
For writers 21 and older: one selected full-length book (poetry, fiction, or nonfiction) will be published by 1455 books
Winner to receive professional book cover design, print setup, publishing, marketing, and distribution
Winner to be featured in author events and PR sponsored by 1455
Deadline: April 30, 2026 (Closed)

Why send your work to 1455 books?

Today’s publishing world hasn’t always made space for every voice. That’s why 1455 books was created: to make the path to publication transparent, and empowering. We believe in amplifying authentic voices and giving writers the recognition, respect, and visibility their work deserves.

When your piece is selected as the winner, you retain full ownership of your work. 1455 books only requests permission to publish your writing and share it for related promotions or events—your words will always remain yours to adapt, or expand elsewhere.

At 1455 books, you’ll find a community that values collaboration over competition, integrity over gatekeeping, and purpose over profit. Here’s what you can count on when you submit your work:

Mission-driven publishing — 1455 books is removes barriers with low submission fees offset by nonprofit donors.
Professional experience — selected writers receive professional design and publishing support.
Meaningful visibility — be featured across 1455’s website and social media community online.
Purpose beyond publication — every book sold supports future opportunities for emerging voices.

Submissions are now closed for the 1455 books contest

Check back next year, or consider
submitting your work to Movable Type!

Building on our legacy of publishing diverse voices

For years, 1455’s Movable Type magazine has celebrated the craft of writing through thoughtfully designed issues, including print-quality editions—each one blending literature, art, and design to highlight powerful voices from around the world. Created as a digital magazine with the sensibility of a fine-press publication, Movable Type showcased fiction, poetry, essays, and interviews in layouts crafted to honor the written word.

Now, 1455 books builds on that legacy, transforming our magazine publishing experience into professionally produced books available in print and digital formats. The books produced by 1455 will support the same mission—to amplify authentic voices, elevate diverse perspectives, and make exceptional storytelling accessible to readers everywhere.

Below, explore examples of past Movable Type issues that reflect the artistry, editorial quality, and design foundation now shaping 1455 books.