Founded in 2015, Cosmographia publishes soulful books by diverse voices.
The Cosmographia Prize for Visionary Books seeks creative nonfiction, memoir, or hybrid full-length books that explore the awakening of human consciousness in the present day. We are partial to lived experiences over scientific data. This is by no means a complete list, but think about the experiences and lessons around the 5D, intuition, multidimensional awareness, metaphysics, empathy, light codes, transcendence, and anything and everything that contributes to the spiritual ascension of humankind.
For some examples of visionary nonfiction, check out this Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11441.Visionary_Metaphysical_Fiction
The winner will receive $1000 and publication.
The deadline for all manuscript submissions is May 31, 2026.
Entry fee: $30 US.
Judged by Cosmographia Books founder and editor, Nina Alvarez.
This competition is open to international submissions for all writers in English.
SUBMISSION
Your cover letter with author bio should be pasted in the submittable form. Full manuscript should be uploaded with a brief (no more than 1 page) synopsis attached.
In order to ensure unbiased review, do not include your name anywhere on the manuscript.
ABOUT US
Cosmographia Books, established in 2015 by Nina Alvarez, is a small press that embraces the spirit of multidimensional mapping, much like its namesake—a historical atlas and gazetteer detailing the geographical, social, and physical features of regions. Our mission is to publish works that explore the intricate landscapes of human experience, delving into the relationships between self, soul, love, work, society, and history.
About Founding Publisher Nina Alvarez
Nina Alvarez is the founder and publisher of Cosmographia Books, a small press dedicated to publishing "soulful books" that explore the intricate landscapes of human experience across multiple genres. With 16 titles to date, Cosmographia embraces diverse voices and bold storytelling.
With nearly 25 years of publishing experience, Alvarez has overseen the publication of 50+ books and literary journal issues, including the Anthology of Transcendent Poetry. She received the Creatives Rebuild New York grant for her work as a culture creator and writer.
If you have any questions, please email editor@cosmographiabooks.com
The Cosmographia Prize for Spiritual Fiction seeks full-length manuscripts that offer expansion, delight, spiritual insight, and a transformative reading experience.
Spiritual fiction comes in many genres, including speculative—like our most recent title, After Color by Malaika Favorite or The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler—instructive like the classic Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, allegorical like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, or visionary like The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield.
The winner will receive $1000 and publication.
The deadline for all manuscript submissions is May 31, 2026.
Entry fee: $30 US.
Judged by Cosmographia Books founder and editor, Nina Alvarez.
This competition is open to international submissions for all writers in English.
SUBMISSION
Your cover letter with author bio should be pasted in the submittable form. Full manuscript should be uploaded with a brief (no more than 1 page) synopsis attached.
In order to ensure unbiased review, do not include your name anywhere on the manuscript.
ABOUT US
Cosmographia Books, established in 2015 by Nina Alvarez, is a small press that embraces the spirit of multidimensional mapping, much like its namesake—a historical atlas and gazetteer detailing the geographical, social, and physical features of regions. Our mission is to publish works that explore the intricate landscapes of human experience, delving into the relationships between self, soul, love, work, society, and history.
About Founding Publisher Nina Alvarez
Nina Alvarez is the founder and publisher of Cosmographia Books, a small press dedicated to publishing "soulful books" that explore the intricate landscapes of human experience across multiple genres. With 16 titles to date, Cosmographia embraces diverse voices and bold storytelling.
With nearly 25 years of publishing experience, Alvarez has overseen the publication of 50+ books and literary journal issues, including the Anthology of Transcendent Poetry. She received the Creatives Rebuild New York grant for her work as a culture creator and writer.
If you have any questions, please email editor@cosmographiabooks.com
Previous Winner of the Cosmographia Prize for Spiritual Fiction
After Color by Malaika Favorite (2025)
Hello. We're looking for short novel or novella-length fiction. Do you have something that doesn't fit anywhere particularly well?
Maybe a lumpen little monster you threw in a drawer after it bit you?
Or maybe some piece that just doesn't fit into its clothes? We like to have fun, we like voice-driven stuff, and we like short books with a lot of ideas.
We’re Cosmographia Books, a small press that’s been around since 2015. The Famous Orphans series, curated by Daniel Herd, aims to make "weird little books."
There is no reading fee for submissions.
Submission Guidelines:
- 20,000–40,000-ish words
- Word doc or pdf of full manuscript
- Cover letter. Give us 500 words (max) on what it's about and what it's like (that is, what's the experience of reading it). No need to go beat by beat but give us a sense of the piece and maybe what kind of reader would like it. ALSO, please let us know where you heard about us.
- author bio (150 words)
- Simultaneous submissions: of course! But please let us know if it's been accepted somewhere else.
MASTHEAD
Series Editor
Daniel Herd curates the Famous Orphans short book series and has been an integral part of the literary community in Rochester, NY, for over a decade. He previously worked as Director of Adult Programs at Writers & Books Literary Center and as Assistant Producer for the Rochester Fringe Festival. A Penn State English graduate, Dan brings a deep love of literature to his editorial work—one reflected in his voracious reading and thoughtful engagement with storytelling across genres.
Publisher
Nina Alvarez is the founder and publisher of Cosmographia Books (est. 2015), a small press dedicated to publishing "soulful books" that explore the intricate landscapes of human experience across multiple genres. With 16 titles to date, including the historically significant Lesbian Love by Eve Adams, Cosmographia embraces diverse voices and bold storytelling.
Alvarez is also the creator of Dream Your Book author services (est. 2009), through which she has guided countless writers through the publishing process. With nearly 25 years of publishing experience, she has overseen the publication of 50+ books and literary journal issues, including the nationally recognized Canvas Teen Literary Journal. She received the 18-month Creatives Rebuild New York grant for her work as a culture creator and writer.