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Woodneath Press

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Woodneath Press

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Woodneath Press

Notice: The Woodneath Press will not be able to consider new submissions for the time being. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to reopening submissions in the near future.

The Story Center has been publishing titles through Mid-Continent Public Library's publishing imprint, Woodneath Press, since 2014.

Woodneath Press serves the greater metropolitan area of Kansas City, Missouri, and publishes scholarly, literary, and general interest books on many subjects and in various genres. 

Library-as-Publisher: A Unique Model

Woodneath Press is the publishing imprint of Mid-Continent Public Library’s Story Center which focuses on local authors and local content. Woodneath Press operates as a library-as-publisher model, allowing authors to work directly with a nationally-renowned library system during the publishing process. In addition to working with our award-winning publishing team, this unique opportunity provides the authors:

  • inclusion in the Library's collection
  • book group opportunities throughout the Library's 32 branches spanning 3 counties
  • book launch at Woodneath Library Center
  • programmatic opportunities with the Library system and partner organizations
  • access to SquareOne Small Business professionals and expertise
  • national and international distribution via our partner organizations
  • opportunity to work with a graphic designer to develop the book cover
  • quarterly royalty payments

Mission

The mission of Woodneath Press is to publish quality work in a variety of genres created by authors a) in the greater Kansas City area or b) about the greater Kansas City area. Submission preference is given to participants (past or present) in The Storytelling Certificate Program.

Editing

Due to our unique library-as-publisher structure, Woodneath Press follows an independent publishing model as opposed to a traditional publishing model. As such, Woodneath Press does not provide in-house editing. We do, however, have a growing database of freelance editors and other fee-based services on our website listed under Local Author Resources*.

*Mid-Continent Public Library nor The Story Center specifically endorses any of the individuals and/or resources provided.
 

Author Eligibility

In order to be considered for publication with Woodneath Press, at least one of two geographic criteria must be met. Either:

  • Local Author: The author must reside in one of MCPL’s reciprocal public library systems.
  • Local Content: If the author resides outside of this, Woodneath Press would consider submissions regarding content within the Kansas City metro area.

Woodneath Press does not accept submissions for work previously published through a traditional publisher. Woodneath Press does accept submissions for previously self-published works.

Note: Individuals currently employed by the Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) are not eligible to be published by the Woodneath Press imprint due to conflicts of interest. Former MCPL employees are eligible to be considered for publication by the Woodneath Press imprint one year after employment with MCPL has ended, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria as listed above. Current and former MCPL employees may still use the Story Center printing services which is not considered publication by the Woodneath Press imprint.

Manuscript Submission

Submissions Closed. 

For further questions please contact scpublicationmanager@mymcpl.org.

Woodneath Press Editorial Board Review Questions

Manuscript

  • Note examples of grammatical or spelling errors within the manuscript if applicable.
  • Is the story/narrative cohesive and easy to follow?  Please explain your answer.
  • Does the story contain relatable, well-rounded characters (fiction)?  Please explain your answer.
  • Are the facts substantiated (nonfiction)?  Please explain your answer.
  • Summarize the major plot points in 1-2 sentences.
  • Additional Notes (not required)

Marketing

  • How does the book lend itself to Mid-Continent Public Library and Story Center programming?
  • Identify the genre and audience.  Is this a broad or narrow/niche audience?
  • How does the book represent the community and/or how can the community relate to the narrative?
  • Is the book title intriguing, interesting, catchy, etc.?  How does the title represent or capture the narrative?
  • Is the book title misleading or misrepresentative of the content?  What suggestions would you recommend?
  • Does the synopsis explain the book well/accurately?  Please explain your answer.
  • Additional Notes (not required)

Mission

  • Does the project represent the values of Mid-Continent Public Library and The Story Center?   
  • Does the book fall within Mid-Continent Public Library's collection development guidelines?
  • Additional Notes (not required)
     

 

Community Voices: Volume 1 2020

Community Voices: Volume 1 2020

A collection of short stories, essays, and sample book chapters written by recent graduations of The Story Center’s Storytelling Certificate Program.

Community Voices: Volume 2 2021

Community Voices: Volume 2 2021

A collection of short stories, essays, and sample book chapters written by recent graduations of The Story Center’s Storytelling Certificate Program.

Community Voices: Volume 3 2022

Community Voices: Volume 3 2022

A collection of short stories, essays, and sample book chapters written by recent graduates of The Story Center’s Storytelling Certificate Program.

Cowtown: Cattle Trails and West Bottom Tales

Cowtown: Cattle Trails and West Bottom Tales

Tales from the West Bottoms about cowboys, railroads, and how it became Kansas City.

Curating Home

Curating Home

Curating Home is a collection of poems by Kansas City-metro area poets from both sides of the state line fully representing poetry throughout Kansas City.

The First Beverly Hillbilly

The First Beverly Hillbilly

Paul Henning created the beloved rural comedies of the 1960s including The Beverly Hillbillies.

Front Lines to Headlines: The World War I Overseas Dispatches of Otto P. Higgins

Front Lines to Headlines: The World War I Overseas Dispatches of Otto P. Higgins

Front Lines to Headlines is a narrative review of the complete collection of 218 overseas World War I dispatches.

Grow A Reader: An Interplanetary Tale

Grow A Reader: An Interplanetary Tale

This children's book explores the importance of reading through a fun tale featuring Marty the Martian, MCPL's mascot.

Healing the Heart and Mind

Healing the Heart and Mind

Healing the Heart and Mind: The Therapist’s Workbook of Poetry is structured as a workbook, allowing the reader to enjoy the author’s poems and then reflect on the central messages and apply what they’ve learned to their own lives. 

 Life's Too Short for Anything but Love

Life's Too Short for Anything but Love

A collection that inspires readers to feel—and want to join in the movement of—the spirit of life.

A Little Touch of Magic

A Little Touch of Magic

There are fairies. Someone has a tail. Must be a fairytale.

 Peter Porcupine and the Peanut Butter Lies

Peter Porcupine and the Peanut Butter Lies

Discover how Peter Porcupine spins tales and lies to convince his mother that he only wants to eat peanut butter.

Travel North Black Girl

Travel North Black Girl

A 3,000 mile journey in search of love, peace, and home
The Will of Missouri: The Life, Times, and Influence of Alexander William Doniphan

The Will of Missouri: The Life, Times, and Influence of Alexander William Doniphan

The Will of Missouri is a collection of writings and essays procured and compiled by the Alexander Doniphan Committee.

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