Since 2018, we’ve been proud to play a role in the much-needed elevation of writers of color.
For five years running, we’ve offered two authors of color publishing packages (plus a 500-book print run) as part of our She Writes Press and SparkPress Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP) contest in 2018 to offer two female authors of color publishing package (plus a 500-book print run) to publish on either She Writes Press or SparkPress.

This year marks the sixth annual contest launch, with submissions open June 5, 2023 through August 15, 2023.

“The purpose of this contest is to support inclusivity across our own lists, and to fortify our own mission to give voice to women writers,” says Lauren Wise, associate publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress. “Last year, we saw double the contestants of the year before, and awarded three publishing packages!

Visit our STEP contest landing page for details on how to submit your manuscript, the contest parameters, and more!

See some STEP contest facts below, and share with your networks to encourage women writers to submit!