Submissions Open March 31st

Axe River Books Opens Submissions for New Writers from 31 March 2026

Calling writers across the South West and anyone whose work is inspired by the region, are invited to submit their manuscripts to Axe River Books when submissions open from 31 March until 26 May.

The independent publishing house is seeking long-form prose fiction with a literary edge from both emerging and experienced writers.

Founded in 2022 by three literature enthusiasts, Axe River Books was created to provide opportunities for writers across the South West of England and to champion regional storytelling.

Championing South West Stories

Inspired by the River Axe and the landscapes of the Mendip Hills, the press exists to celebrate writing rooted in place and community.

Operating as a Community Interest Company (CIC), the publisher reinvests all profits into projects that support writers and literary culture in the South West.

The team is particularly interested in novels and long-form prose fiction in any genre with literary quality.

Previous Publications

The press has already published several works, including:

• Axe River Books Short Story Prize: Anthology 1, featuring prize-winning work from writers including Clare Reddaway

• The debut novel, When the Numbers Don’t Add Up, by Clare Evans

• Mouthy a sharp, emotionally resonant collection of short stories by award-winning writer Clare Reddaway

  
  

These publications demonstrate the press’s commitment to supporting both new and courageous literary voices. You can purchase copies through this website.

How to Submit

Writers should submit:

• The first three chapters of their novel

• A synopsis of the work

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Please attach your submission to an email and send it to the Axe River Books team.

Attach your manuscript to an email with the subject line: Submissions 2026.

Submissions with incorrect subject lines may be missed or filtered!

Please read our full submissions guide on the contact page, where you can also download our guide on synopsis writing.

Key Dates

📅 Submissions Open: 31 March

📅 Submissions Close: 26 May

If you have a story shaped by the landscapes, communities, and imagination of the South West, the team would love to read it.