Shy City House was founded by a writer, musician, and artist for writers, musicians, and artists. For too long cult, of personality has dominated all forms of media. Shouldn’t we be most interested in the words and work of people who strive for the opposite of brazen external validation — those who see creativity as an expression of truth and beauty? Here we found reason for being. Our mission is to publish the best new creative work, regardless of how many people worship its makers online.
contact us
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email. Please direct all submissions and questions to editor@shycityhouse.com. We’ll do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible. Please remember this is a small organization, which means it might take some time to get a response. Definitely message again if you haven’t heard back after a few weeks.
editor@shycityhouse.com
Chicago, IL
staff
Andy Holsteen
Editor
Joe Rulli
Assistant Editor & Relationship Manager
“Our lives are but specks of dust falling through the fingers of time. Like sands of the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.”
— Socrates, TV
FAQs
Is Shy City House accepting unsolicited submissions?
Yes. We’re taking submissions for online publication, as well as manuscripts for print. Reading through some of what we’ve already published should clue you into the vibe.
We’re also interested in releasing your album or selling prints or posters of your artwork.
You can direct submissions and general questions to our email, editor@shycityhouse.com, or through Instagram.
How are contributors compensated?
Right now, there are two ways contributors can be paid by Shy City House. Everyone who publishes and sells a book, music, or artwork with us will get an individualized contract. But EVERYONE who works with us will retain a majority of profits, with five percent of sales going to local charities, which you can read about here and here, as well as global environmental initiatives.
We care about our contributors and their success. This is why they receive the overwhelming majority of profits from sales. Shy City House provides editing, design, creative direction, partial (or total) funding, and distribution services for everyone who publishes with us. Our cut is just to ensure our long-term viability.
Those published on our website will receive payment if their work is included in our annual Shy City Sampler compilation. Everyone published in the Shy City Sampler equally shares the profits. Feel free to ask any questions if you have them. There shouldn’t be any ambiguity when it comes to how you’re getting paid.
Holding anyone’s material prisoner isn’t cool. Contributors may republish their work elsewhere after the original Shy City House release so long as we’re given credit for first publication.
What if this doesn’t answer your question?
Send us an email at editor@shycityhouse.com if you still have any questions. We’d love to connect and start a conversation with you.