Banana Pitch Press

We publish books with interesting one-line pitches and work with writers who have a creative vision other publishers might not be down for. We crave unapologetic writing that doesn’t fit all tidy-like into one genre. Banana Pitch is especially drawn toward memorable stories with humor, a touch of weird and with something to say.

We publish fiction and memoir are especially interested in the novella form and what we’re dubbing the memoirella.

NOTE: Please see our submissions guidelines to learn what we are currently accepting. Pitches sent outside of these parameters will be disregarded.

History

Banana Pitch began as a small literary magazine in Oakland, California in 2014. After years of producing events, zines and an online literary magazine, Banana Pitch was repeeled as a variety show and radio show based in Portland, Oregon. After an action-packed year of event hosting, interviewing, and advocating for artists in the Portland creative scene, founder Michelle Kicherer saw a way to fill an obvious need: an indie press for all those smart, ambitious-but-not-pretentious writers whose work deserves to be out in the world.

When the only nonprofit indie literary distributor in the country closed down abruptly in March 2024, the indie press and author community was CRUSHED. Small Press Distribution (SPD) was one of the most vital parts of getting indie books to bookstores, libraries, universities and readers. We are now facing major limitations to our libraries, universities, the already-tight grant funding pools and to so many other areas that directly affect the literary world. In response, our small and mighty team is feeling more ambitious than ever.

The world is not easy for artists, but we aim to make it a little more welcoming. Banana Pitch is a bunch of scrappy, art-thirsty weirdos. We support and adore our indie press friends throughout the globe. Cheers to pushing through and working hard for what matters.

Mission

To publish unapologetic books with something to say.

We want to get your books on tour, on shelves and in homes. We’re big on memorable visuals, live interviews and making our writers feel famous.

Submissions

Submissions are now open! Let’s hear it! Please see our submission guidelines for the deets.

Internships

An internship at Banana Pitch is fun! We are now looking for readers, proofreaders, publicity help and website maintenance. We’ll introduce you to the literary world and provide transferable skills to bigger presses — or maybe you’ll be a good long-term fit at Banana Pitch!

Banana Pitch a 501(c)(3). We’re so proud to advocate for artists. Want to contribute? We’d love to hear from you!