Harridan & Strumpet Books

Mission

Harridan & Strumpet Books is a womxn-author run publishing collective based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded by two Harvard alumnae on the ideals of intersectional feminism and passion for progressive art that pushes established bounds. We publish voice-driven, high-quality books that represent a diverse array of writers.

Submissions

We are not currently accepting submissions. Please sign up for our mailing list to be notified of reading periods as well as other exciting news from H&S.

Who We Publish

While we plan to accept submissions at some point in the future, we currently seek to offer a hand to and promote the work of the teachers, the students, the brilliant writers in our circle who have dared to challenge the mainstream publishing world.

When We Publish

We are a highly selective small press intent on publishing the highest quality books. Writers are supported by the guidance of both a senior and associate editor within the collective. The time and attention given to our village of books is immense. Publishing periods will coincide with and celebrate important themes contained within each book and are chosen by the writer (e.g. Black History Month, Womxn’s History Month, Pride Month).

Financial Structure

Each book is registered under the author’s name, using an ISBN code for the press. All royalties go to the author after editing and publishing costs are recouped. We believe in and support the equity of the author.

Community

Harridan & Strumpet is actively seeking organizations or individual contributors to fund “Book Prizes” in honor of a womxn or individual from a disenfranchised group who has contributed to and/or supported the art of storytelling. Donations and the formation of a “Book Prize” begin at $1,000.

The Editors

Kerry Garvin

Kerry Garvin is Harvard University’s 2020 Thomas Small Prize Recipient, awarded annually for both character and academic achievement. She graduated in 2020 with a Master’s of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies with a concentration in Creative Writing and Literature from Harvard University. She works as a writer, editor, and college instructor of creative writing while living in the mountains Western North Carolina.

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta teaches writing for Harvard Extension School and Oxford Department for Continuing Education. She delivered the 2019 TEDx talk “Live Like a Poem” and is the author of nine books of poetry and prose, most recently the novel She Never Told Me About the Ocean. Elisabeth lives with her husband and two young children.

Membership

- Harridan & Strumpet offers seasonal internships.
- 5% of sales are donated each year to womxn and minority nonprofit groups who engage in advocacy work to expand and support the rights of such groups.
- Once a year we aim to publish pocket-sized “manifesto books,” seeking out experts in their field and distilling their teachings into a manifesto. Manifesto books are separate publications from the full-length books published each year.