Small press
Overcup Press
Nonfiction, Independent, Travel
Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026
About Overcup Press
Overcup Press is open to nonfiction queries from unagented authors through its online submissions form. Send a query letter about the work, your background and any publication credits. There are no fees, and the press asks for a proposal if the book fits.
Overcup Press is an independent small press based in Portland, Oregon. It publishes nonfiction only. Its list covers creative nonfiction narrative and journalism, popular science, environmental and nature writing, regional U.S. Northwest topics and travel essays. It also publishes books on architecture and design, contemporary arts and culture and music, including music history and long-form music journalism. The press writes for adult readers.
Submissions start with a query. Unagented authors send a query letter through the submissions form, a Google Form linked from the submissions policy page. Describe the work, your background and any publication credits. Agents and agented authors use the Contact Us form instead. If the title fits the press’s mission, Overcup asks for a proposal package. There are no fees. Phone calls, emails and letters are discouraged and will not speed up the process.
What Overcup Press is looking for
- Creative nonfiction narrative and journalism
- Popular science writing
- Environmental and nature writing
- Regional U.S. Northwest topics
- Travel essays, architecture and design and contemporary arts and culture
- Music, music history and long-form music journalism
Publishes
- Independent
- Nonfiction
- Travel
Readers
- Adult
How to submit to Overcup Press
From its own guidelines- Write a query letter describing the work, your background and any publication credits.
- Send it through the submissions form linked from the submissions policy page.
- If you have an agent, use the Contact Us form instead.
- Send a proposal package if Overcup asks for one.
- Do not call, email or write to follow up.
Is Overcup Press right for your book?
A good fit if
Overcup Press suits nonfiction writers working in narrative journalism, popular science, nature writing, travel essays, design, arts or music. Writers with Northwest subjects are a strong match.
Look elsewhere if
Look elsewhere if you write fiction, poetry, children's picture books, art or photography books, travel guidebooks, STEM titles for middle grade and YA, religious books or self-help.
Questions about Overcup Press
Does Overcup Press accept unsolicited manuscripts?
Overcup Press accepts unsolicited queries from unagented authors, not full manuscripts. Start with a query letter through its online submissions form. If your book fits the press's mission, Overcup asks for a proposal package. There are no fees. The press publishes nonfiction only, so fiction, poetry, religious books and self-help will not be considered.
How do I submit to Overcup Press?
Send a query letter through the submissions form, a Google Form linked from the submissions policy page. Describe the work, your background and any publication credits. Agents and agented authors use the Contact Us form instead. Phone calls, emails and letters are discouraged and will not speed up the process, so wait for the press to respond.
What does Overcup Press publish?
Overcup Press publishes nonfiction for adult readers. Its list covers creative nonfiction narrative and journalism, popular science, environmental and nature writing, regional U.S. Northwest topics and travel essays. It also publishes architecture and design, contemporary arts and culture and music, including music history and long-form music journalism. It is an independent press in Portland, Oregon.
Listing history
- Checked on the publisher's own site
