Santos Press opens submissions for Veteran poetry anthology

By AI, Created 4:31 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Santos Press is inviting U.S. military veterans to submit original poems for a new anthology, with entries due July 24, 2026 and publication planned for November. The project is designed to give service members a professional platform to share experiences from active duty, transition, and life after service.

Why it matters: - The anthology gives U.S. veterans a published outlet for personal accounts that are often difficult to share outside the military community. - Santos Press is positioning the project as a professional platform for stories about service, transition, and the long-term effects of military life. - The collection could broaden visibility for veteran writers who have not previously been published.

What happened: - Santos Press, LLC opened submissions for Veteran Voices: An anthology of poems by those who served. - The call is open to U.S. military veterans from all branches, eras, and components. - Santos Press also welcomes submissions from active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel through a separate OPSEC and privacy review process. - The submission window runs through July 24, 2026.

The details: - Contributors may submit up to three original poems. - Each poem must be no longer than two pages, or about 500 words. - Submissions must be original, human-authored and previously unpublished. - Authors keep full ownership of their work. - Santos Press will receive non-exclusive North American print and digital rights. - Accepted contributors will receive one complimentary hardcopy of the anthology. - Curation is scheduled for August through September 2026. - The anthology is expected to release in November 2026. - Interested veterans and service members can submit through the official submission page. - Media inquiries can be submitted through the secure contact portal.

Between the lines: - Founder Franco E. Santos said the press wants “raw and honest poetic expressions” from people who have worn the uniform. - The focus on OPSEC suggests the publisher is trying to make the anthology accessible to currently serving personnel without putting operational details at risk. - The non-exclusive rights structure lets authors keep broad control of their work while still participating in publication.

What’s next: - Santos Press will review submissions after the July 24 deadline. - The press plans to curate the anthology during late summer and early fall. - Accepted poets should receive their contributor copy around the planned November release.

The bottom line: - Santos Press is building a veteran-centered poetry collection with a short submission window, limited rights transfer and a planned 2026 publication date.