Write To Disturbs the Status Quo.
This collection of powerful and evocative short stories written through a distinctly Southern lens invites underrepresented writers to explore the complexities of Southern womanhood with honesty, nuance, and bold creativity.
Our Selection Process
Manuscripts go through a Two-Level Submission System. Those manuscripts ready for publication, move on to the publishing pathway. Manuscripts needing a bit of attention but meet our brief, are are placed on the coaching pathway. We invite authors to use our Preferred Partner Network; although not mandatory, to bring their manuscripts up to to our exacting standards.
All manuscripts are reviewed with care and consideration by our Senior Manuscript Critique Editor(s), who looks for authentic, compelling narratives that reflect the unique experiences that help define womanhood in the South.
We’re Looking for Stories…
Rooted in Southern culture
Showcasing hidden histories
Addressing stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions
With unapologetic authenticity in voice and tone
Reclaiming personal and collective narratives (Own Voice)
With underrepresented women or femme presenting lead protagonists
*We welcome voices from all backgrounds, and are especially interested in writers from the Global Majority, and other historically underrepresented communities.
We are SOMO Publishing House, a Hybrid Publisher for Underrepresented Women Writers of the South.
A Message From the Founder
If you’ve landed here, you’re likely wondering if this is the right place for your story, your truth, and your voice.
To address the fear and skepticism that naturally comes with working with a new publisher, I’ve built SOMO Publishing House on a foundation of transparency, experience, and commitment:
Transparency: You’ll always know what’s happening with your book and why. From process to costs to goals, we lay it all out plainly.
Expertise: Our team includes seasoned professionals—editors, designers, marketers, and distributors—who bring decades of experience to ensure every project shines.
Commitment to You: At SOMO Publishing House, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. We honor your story, your vision, and your voice with a publishing process that puts you firmly in the driver’s seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions *
Isn’t hybrid publisher just another name for vanity press?
Not at all. Vanity presses profit off authors without offering quality or collaboration. SOMO Publishing House partners with you to create professional, meaningful works that reflect your voice. We’re about empowerment, transparency, and honoring your investment.
What types of stories do you publish?
We publish unapologetic, marginalized women-centered stories that challenge stereotypes and reflect complex, lived experiences of the Southeastern United States.
What makes SOMO Publishing House different from other hybrid publishers?
We uplift underrepresented women writers, writing about and from a Southern perspective. Our focus is on bold, authentic stories that disturb the status quo. We combine personalized support with professional publishing standards.
How do you support authors during the publishing process?
We are publisher collaborators. It’s the author’s creative vision and voice that leads the process. With our two-tier submission system, we offer opportunities for established authors and the new author alike. Every client receives the same author-centered treatment.
Why must manuscripts be professionally edited?
We require all manuscripts be professionally edited ensures your manuscript meets the high standards of not only the publishing industry, but of SOMO Publishing House as well. Also, it’s one less step in the next stage of production, ensuring a high quality book.
What happens after my book is published?
Once we’ve turned out a stellar product, we continue to offer support through our sales, distribution, and royalty management system. Once you’ve published with SOMO Publishing House, you have access to our Facebook group, email list.
Why Work with SOMO Publishing House
Get Better Royalties
Authors receive on average up to 60-70% in royalties on print/digital books with SOMO Publishing House. You wrote the book, you should get most of the profit. (Author-Centered)
National and International Distribution
Authors can rest assured that their books will be distributed to national and international book venues, brick and mortar and independent book stores as well as hundreds of online book retailers.
Qualify for Book Reviews
SOMO Publishing House is an independent hybrid publisher, which means our published books qualify for professional reviews that author publishers don’t.
Opportunities to Learn and Grow as a Writer
Writers will receive access to free writing workshops, write-ins, discounts to offered classes, retreats, and other learning opportunities as we continue to grow our Right to Write Learning Collaborative.
Maintain Creative Control
We are author collaborators, ie. partners in the publishing of your manuscipt. SOMO Publishing House will not impose our vision over yours. Your vision, your book, your voice.
Become a Part of a Growing Community of Women Writers
SOMO Publishing House offers opportunities to grow and connect with other unapologetic women writers focused on changing the literary landscape in the US South.