In the ever-evolving world of publishing, She Writes Press stands out as a powerful force advocating for women authors. More than just a publishing house, it’s a movement—championing the voices of writers who have long been overlooked by traditional gatekeepers. As a hybrid publishing model, She Writes Press offers a middle path between traditional and self-publishing, giving authors professional support without sacrificing creative control.
Founded by Brooke Warner in 2012, She Writes Press has grown into one of the most respected independent publishing platforms for women in the United States. Their commitment to editorial quality, author autonomy, and transparency has resulted in an impressive catalog of award-winning titles and author success stories. The company’s emphasis on equitable publishing practices, professional design, and editorial excellence has earned it the trust and admiration of many within the industry.
What Is She Writes Press?
She Writes Press is an award-winning hybrid publisher that focuses on publishing books written by women. It emerged from the SheWrites.com community, a platform co-founded by Kamy Wicoff to support women writers. Brooke Warner, a longtime editor and publishing expert, turned the community into a publishing arm with a mission to offer women an alternative to the traditional publishing gauntlet.
Unlike traditional publishers who rely on market projections and sales quotas, She Writes Press evaluates manuscripts based on literary merit and the author's commitment to the publishing journey. This makes it an inclusive space for diverse stories that might otherwise struggle to find a home. By embracing authors across age ranges, cultures, and backgrounds, the press has become a catalyst for the kind of literary diversity the industry desperately needs.
The Hybrid Publishing Model Explained
Hybrid publishing combines elements of both traditional and self-publishing. At She Writes Press, authors pay an upfront fee to cover the costs of editorial, production, and marketing. In return, they retain a higher percentage of royalties (around 60%). The press provides traditional-quality editorial services, cover design, distribution, and marketing support. Books are distributed by Ingram Publisher Services, giving authors access to bookstores and libraries.
This model appeals to authors who want professional support but also desire creative control and transparency in the publishing process. It’s particularly empowering for women authors who may find traditional publishing less accessible or inclusive. By offering professional standards with a personalized approach, She Writes Press ensures that every author receives the tools they need to succeed.
Why Hybrid Publishing Appeals to Women Writers
Women are often underserved in traditional publishing, where men still dominate the top tiers of bestseller lists and editorial leadership. Hybrid publishing levels the playing field by providing access, visibility, and voice—especially for debut authors, older women, or those telling stories outside commercial norms.
She Writes Press creates a space where women’s voices are amplified and supported with the resources they need to thrive. It’s a place where stories are judged not by marketability alone, but by merit, heart, and relevance. For women writers who have faced rejection from the traditional system, this model can be life-changing.
The hybrid model also recognizes that publishing is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. By prioritizing flexibility and transparency, She Writes Press allows authors to shape their publishing journeys in ways that align with their values and goals.
Services Offered by She Writes Press
She Writes Press offers a full suite of publishing support services, which are included in their base package or available à la carte:
Editorial Services: Authors benefit from manuscript assessment, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental editing if needed. These services ensure that every book meets professional literary standards. Each author is paired with an editor who is not only skilled but also deeply invested in the author’s voice and message.
Design & Production: The press provides custom interior layout and professionally designed covers. Their team works with authors to create a visual representation that aligns with the book’s content and message. Metadata optimization is also included, ensuring that the book can be discovered online. Professional design is a key differentiator in a crowded marketplace, and She Writes Press ensures that every title looks polished and market-ready.
Distribution & Fulfillment: Through their partnership with Ingram, authors’ books are available in major retailers, both online and in stores. Books can be stocked in Barnes & Noble, Amazon, IndieBound, and many independent bookstores. This distribution network is comparable to traditional publishing, giving authors the exposure they need to build readership.
Marketing Support: She Writes Press helps authors build a foundation for their marketing campaigns. This includes media coaching, author platform guidance, marketing timelines, and PR strategy tips. Though the press doesn't offer full-service PR, they provide a strong foundation and connections to freelance professionals. Authors are encouraged to start early, plan thoroughly, and make marketing an integral part of their publishing process.
What Makes She Writes Press Unique
Community of Women Writers: At its core, She Writes Press is a publishing home for women. Authors become part of a community where collaboration, mentorship, and support are deeply valued. It’s not just about producing a book—it’s about being seen and supported as an author. This built-in community can be invaluable, especially for debut authors navigating the complexities of the publishing world.
Transparency in Process and Pricing: Unlike many vanity presses or low-cost services, She Writes Press is upfront about pricing, royalties, and responsibilities. There are no hidden fees. Authors know exactly what they’re getting and what’s expected of them. This level of honesty fosters trust and allows authors to make informed decisions.
Critical Recognition: Books from She Writes Press have won multiple Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs), Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards, and have been reviewed by Kirkus, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly. This track record counters the outdated stigma that hybrid or self-published books can’t achieve literary acclaim. Many titles from the press have also been featured on bestseller lists and recommended reading roundups, further validating the hybrid model’s potential.
Self-Publishing vs Hybrid: Why Choose She Writes Press?
In the publishing world, authors have more options than ever before. Traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid models each come with benefits and drawbacks.
Traditional publishing offers prestige and minimal upfront costs, but it’s notoriously competitive and slow-moving. Creative control is often limited, and the royalties are modest. Publishing timelines can stretch for years, and rejection is frequent, even for strong manuscripts.
Self-publishing gives authors total control, but high-quality outcomes often require a significant financial investment and a steep learning curve. Authors must manage editing, design, production, and marketing on their own, which can be overwhelming.
She Writes Press offers a middle way. Authors invest upfront, but they receive professional-quality production and retain creative input. They earn higher royalties and enjoy wide distribution channels. The model is particularly appealing to those who want to build a long-term writing career and see publishing as an investment in their future.
For many women writers, this balance makes She Writes Press the ideal choice. It allows them to invest in their careers without waiting for permission from a traditional gatekeeper. They can write and publish on their terms, while still producing books that meet—and often exceed—industry standards.
Author Success Stories
The real proof of any press is in the success of its authors. She Writes Press has helped launch and elevate the careers of many writers:
Julie Christine Johnson, author of "The Crows of Beara" and "In Another Life," credits She Writes Press for giving her debut novels a professional platform, opening doors to book clubs and award committees. Her books gained a loyal following and critical acclaim, which she attributes to the support she received from the press.
Nancy Sharp, whose memoir "Both Sides Now" received wide critical acclaim, found that She Writes Press helped her shape the book’s impact beyond the page. Her story resonated with readers and media alike, leading to speaking engagements and a broader platform for her work.
Carol Van Den Hende, author of "Goodbye, Orchid," experienced both critical and commercial success. Her novel was named a Book Excellence Award Winner and praised for its emotional depth and narrative structure. She Writes Press provided the guidance and resources she needed to launch her book with confidence.
Marlena Fiol, author of "Nothing Bad Between Us," used her book to spark important conversations around trauma, healing, and family reconciliation. The book’s thoughtful production and strategic release helped it gain traction in a competitive market.
These authors are part of a growing network of women whose voices are being heard because She Writes Press believed in their stories.
Who Should Consider Publishing with She Writes Press?
She Writes Press is ideal for:
- Women writing fiction, memoir, or nonfiction
- Authors who value collaboration and creative input
- Writers seeking professional polish and widespread distribution
- Those frustrated by traditional gatekeeping
- Debut authors looking for a high-integrity hybrid model
It’s not a fit for someone looking for a quick, low-cost publishing option or for authors unwilling to invest in marketing and platform-building. Success with She Writes Press comes from a blend of professional support and author initiative.
Additionally, authors with a long-term vision for their writing careers will benefit most. She Writes Press encourages goal-setting, career planning, and strategic thinking about platform development and audience engagement. Authors who embrace these principles are more likely to find long-term success.
How to Submit a Manuscript
She Writes Press has a clear submission process:
1. Submit a Proposal: Includes synopsis, author bio, and sample chapters. Authors should present their work professionally and highlight why their book matters. A compelling query and a polished sample are key to making a strong first impression.
2. Evaluation: The team reviews for quality and mission alignment. Unlike traditional publishers, they are not driven by trends but by merit and the potential impact of the book. Authors who demonstrate authenticity and a clear sense of purpose tend to resonate with the press.
3. Acceptance & Agreement: If accepted, you’ll receive a contract outlining your responsibilities and costs. The press is transparent about the financial commitment involved. Authors are encouraged to ask questions and clarify expectations before signing.
4. Onboarding & Editorial Process: You'll be assigned an editor and guided through the process. The team supports authors from manuscript development through publication day. This phase typically includes multiple rounds of editing, cover consultations, and production planning.
They publish on a seasonal calendar, and authors typically work 12–18 months ahead of their pub date. This extended timeline ensures quality and ample time for marketing preparation. Authors who begin building their audience early benefit most from this lead time.
Challenges and Considerations
While She Writes Press has a strong reputation, there are considerations to keep in mind:
Upfront Cost: Publishing with She Writes Press requires a financial investment. This can be a barrier for some authors, although many find it worthwhile for the level of service and access provided. Payment plans and crowdfunding are options some authors use to manage costs.
Author-Driven Marketing: Authors must be proactive in marketing, even with foundational support. Building an author platform, securing events, and promoting the book remain the author’s responsibility. The most successful authors tend to be those who treat marketing as an ongoing, strategic effort.
Genre Limitations: The press focuses on literary fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction. Genre fiction—like fantasy, horror, or sci-fi—may be better suited elsewhere. However, authors with crossover appeal or literary genre work may still find a home here.
High Standards: Not all submissions are accepted. Authors need to demonstrate that their work is polished and aligns with the press’s mission. Rejections are rare but necessary to maintain quality and mission alignment.
Despite these challenges, many authors find that She Writes Press offers a balance of professionalism and empowerment that’s difficult to match elsewhere.
Final Thoughts: A Publishing Path for Empowered Storytelling
She Writes Press is more than a publisher—it’s a mission-driven movement giving women authors the tools, support, and visibility they need to succeed on their own terms. In a time when publishing is being reinvented, She Writes Press offers a path that blends professionalism with empowerment.
By honoring editorial excellence, offering publishing support, and valuing the author’s voice, this hybrid model challenges the outdated notion that success in publishing must come from a traditional deal. For writers ready to own their story—and their journey—She Writes Press might just be the ideal home.
In a publishing world where too many brilliant voices remain unheard, She Writes Press provides not just an opportunity, but a platform and a promise: your story matters. And with the right support, it can find its readers.
For authors who are ready to invest in their work, to honor their craft, and to take charge of their careers, She Writes Press offers a partnership that goes beyond the page. It’s about building a legacy, nurturing a community, and elevating women’s voices—one powerful story at a time.
Related posts
Is Reedsy the Right Platform for Your Ghostwriting Project?
Blueprinting Your Book Idea: From Concept to Table of Contents
Speaking, Podcasting, and Events: Extending Your Reach