Below is a comprehensive FAQ to help contributors understand the submission process, editorial expectations, and how publication in a Santos Press anthology can support their long‑term literary goals.
Who is eligible to submit?
Santos Press accepts submissions from U.S. Military Veterans across all branches and eras of service. Active‑duty personnel, reservists, and National Guard members may also submit with certain restrictions to ensure OPSEC and protect contributors’ identities if their contributions risk career advancement.
What types of work does Santos Press accept?
For Volume I of the Veteran Voices anthology, Santos Press accepts only traditional line‑based poetry.
Can I submit previously published work?
No. The anthology requires unpublished work to maintain editorial integrity and avoid rights conflicts.
If I submit a poem or three, how much would it cost?
None. Santos Press does not charge any fees.
Is there compensation for accepted work?
Accepted authors will receive one (1) complimentary hard copy of the anthology regardless of the number of poems selected for inclusion.
Will I receive a contributor copy?
Yes. Contributors whose work(s) are accepted for publication will receive a hard copy of the anthology.
Do I retain the rights to my work?
Yes. Contributors retain full copyright to their work and may publish accepted works elsewhere. Santos Press requests first publication rights and the right to keep the work in the anthology permanently.
Can I submit multiple poems?
Yes. Contributors may submit up to three poems for consideration.
How do I submit?
Submissions are accepted through the official Santos Press submission portal.
How does publication help me apply for fellowships or grants?
Publication in a Santos Press anthology helps you present yourself as a working artist:
- It shows you can complete projects.
- It demonstrates you can meet deadlines.
- It proves you can navigate an open call and editorial process.
- It gives you a verifiable publication credit for your CV.
Grant panels look for writers who show professional discipline. Your anthology credit is evidence of that.
How should I build my portfolio strategically when applying for fellowships or grants?
We recommend a two‑part strategy:
- Use your anthology publication as your CV credit.
- Use your unpublished poems for the blind writing sample required by most fellowships.
This allows you to maximize the value of both your published and unpublished work.
What is the “First‑Round Filter” effect?
When a grant panel reviews an applicant’s CV, they look for signs that the writer has already passed through an external editorial selection process. Being published by Santos Press functions as a first‑round filter:
- It signals that your work was chosen from a competitive pool.
- It demonstrates that editors found your writing strong enough for publication.
- It provides an immediate marker of legitimacy on your CV.
Will I receive feedback on my submission?
Due to volume, individualized feedback will not be provided. However, you will receive a professional acceptance or decline notification.
How long does the review process take?
Review typically takes 6–10 weeks, depending on submission volume.
How will the anthology be distributed?
The anthology will be available through online retailers and library channels