Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction
Reflecting the diversity of Ohio’s landscape—inner cities to small-town life, and suburbs and side streets in between.
Best of Ohio Short Stories: Volume II
Best of Ohio Short Stories: Volume I
For the Road
Our Story
Beginning as a decentralized association of authors and publishing professionals, Bellwether first published anthologies of short stories by Ohio authors as Columbus Creative Cooperative in 2009.
As the organization grew and became the Ohio Writers’ Association, Bellwether was launched as a standalone imprint in 2019.
Under the direction of OWA Publishing Director, Emily Hitchcock, Bellwether provides robust publishing opportunities for Ohio authors, and underwrites the projects of the Ohio Writers’ Association.
In addition to anthologies of short stories, Bellwether publishes novels, novellas, and works of creative non-fiction, to support Ohio’s thriving community of professional writers and emerging authors.
Submissions
Bellwether accepts unsolicited submissions for a limited time throughout the year. We’re proud to publish Ohio’s finest emerging authors.
The Great Novel Contest 2019
Bellwether will publish the winner of The Great Novel Contest 2019, hosted by the Ohio Writers’ Association.
Enter your manuscript in the month of May. Submissions close May 31, 2019!
Frequently Asked Questions
Readers, bookstores, and authors can find the answers to the most common questions we receive:
News, Events & Opinion
Stay in the loop about publishing opportunities, new books and other opportunities by reading the latest articles on our blog.
The Great Novel Contest 2020: Now Open for Submissions!
The Ohio Writers’ Association is now accepting submissions for The Great Novel Contest 2020! Submit your manuscript here. This year’s winner will take home a publishing contract with Bellwether and $1,000 cash! Our runner-up will receive $500 cash, a...
Author Spotlight: Jesse Bethea
Jesse Bethea won a publishing contract from Bellwether and infinite bragging rights for his unpublished manuscript, Fellow Travelers, as the grand champion of the Great Novel Contest 2019. Learn more about the Great Novel Contest 2020. Fellow...
Announcing The Great Novel Contest 2020
The Great Novel Contest is back for its fifth (!) year. In preparation for the start of the contest on January 1st, the Ohio Writers' Association has released contest information, including this year's prizes. Get all of the contest details on the official contest...
Ohio Writers’ Association
Supporting Ohio’s Professional Writers and Emerging Authors.
The Ohio Writers’ Association provides classes, resources, opportunities, and support for Ohio’s community of professional and aspiring writers.
Contact
publishing@ohiowriters.org
Address
Ohio Writers’ Association
Attn: Bellwether
47 N. 4th St., Suite 204
Zanesville, OH 43701
Note: Do not mail paper manuscripts for any reason. They will be discarded.