Meadowlark Press has been publishing fiction, memoir, and poetry since 2014. We are the home of The Birdy Poetry Prize, an annual poetry manuscript contest featuring a cash prize and publication of the winning entry.  We are also home to the creative nonfiction journal of Kansas, 105: Meadowlark Reader, with Quincy Press. 

  • September 1-December 1 - Annually - Birdy Poetry Prize Submissions Accepted
  • May 1 - June 30 and November 1-December 31 -  - Annually - Creative nonfiction essays accepted for 105: Meadowlark Reader. Check the website for theme and eligibility.

View our submission guidelines here. Visit our website: www.meadowlark-books.com

What we’re looking for, in general: Your true stories about Kansas told in an engaging way. Pull us in, make us feel something. Make us laugh or make us cry. Be creative. Use dialog. Careful word choice and fresh imagery is valued. Write your stories in any of the persons (first, second, third). 


Eligible writers: We are looking for true stories about Kansas written by Kansans, therefore you must be a Kansas resident or have lived in Kansas at some point in your life. 

Manuscript Preparation: Please use standard formatting for your entry: 12-point Times New Roman is preferred with lines double-spaced.

IMPORTANT: Include your author bio at the end of your entry. Your name as printed in this bio is how we will refer to you in the rest of the journal. (Exception: Feel free to use titles and degree designations in the bio, but those titles will not be included in the byline, per Meadowlark style.)


Your bio should include:

  • 125 words or less
  • Written in 3rd person
  • A mention of your connection to Kansas (such as where you grew up, your favorite spot in the state, a favorite fact about Kansas).
  • Your current city, state of residence
  • Feel free to mention any publishing credits as space allows

Attach a high-resolution author photo in JPG format with your entry.

  • Bonus points if your author photo includes a Kansas setting.

Please make sure you've read our guidelines here: 

https://www.105meadowlarkreader.com/p/submission-guidelines.html

Meadowlark Press