general

 

​What is Peace, Land, and Bread?

Peace, Land, and Bread is an independent nonprofit studio press dedicated to producing and circulating serious works of theory, history, and political thought alongside design-driven editions and visual work.

​

When were you founded?

While the foundations of Peace, Land, and Bread's work began in 2014 within an organization called the MELI, PLB originated in earnest within the Center for Communist Studies (CCS), an academic-activist organization founded by three early career researchers, organizers, and educators. The CCS quickly grew into a large 30-fellow research organization, beginning its print publishing efforts in 2019—giving rise to the journal itself, and Iskra Books, the publishing wing for the almost 55 books and journals that followed.

 

Is the CCS still around?

While the spirit of the early comrades, and many of the core editors, researchers, and founders are still involved, the organization itself dropped the name and transitioned away from a research/fellowship model and towards a professional radical publishing model to focus on intellectual print and arts production. 

 

Is PLB still published by Iskra Books?

No. Peace, Land, and Bread is now its own independent publishing studio. After a decade of dedicated work, Peace, Land, and Bread has expanded beyond the journal itself to begin publishing new book length works, new translations, critical republications, journal projects, artworks, and other ephemera. Iskra Books is now its own organization, and continues independently of Peace, Land, and Bread's mission, without any of the original founding members of the CCS.

​

Are you a nonprofit?

Yes. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the state of Washington. The studio operates according to a nonprofit mission focused on access, education, and long-term cultural production rather than commercial publishing priorities.

​

What kinds of works do you publish?

We publish original manuscripts, documentary readers, translations, republications of historical texts, journal issues, and visual/art editions. Our program is both scholarly and design-forward.

​

How are you different from a traditional publisher?

Editorial decisions are based on intellectual and historical significance rather than market demand. We also develop books as ongoing sites of study, often incorporating additional scholarly apparatus contributed by a wider community.

​

​

submissions

 

Do you accept unsolicited book proposals?

Not typically. We are happy to consider unsolicited works, but typically only consider completed manuscripts. Editorial decisions are made on finished work.

​

What kinds of manuscripts are you looking for?

We are interested in ambitious, rigorous works of theory, history, and political analysis, as well as carefully constructed readers, archival projects, and editorial reconstructions of historical material.

​

Do you accept simultaneous submissions?

Yes. You may submit your manuscript to other publishers while it is under consideration.

​

How long does review take?

Initial responses are typically provided within 8–12 weeks. Due to volume, not all submissions receive individual responses, although we do our best.

​

Do you accept journal submissions?

Yes. The journal accepts scholarly articles, essays, visual arts, poetry, and archival work. All submissions undergo peer review. Issue-specific calls for submission tend to open about four months before the journal publishes (biannually) in April and October.

​

Do you accept translations?

Yes. We welcome translations of significant texts not currently available in English. Submissions should include the completed translation or a substantial portion, along with clear information about the source text and rights status.

​

Do you accept artwork or visual projects?

Yes. We accept visual work connected to political and historical themes, including print series, illustrated projects, and experimental formats.

​

​

editorial approach

 

What do you mean by “scholarly apparatus for books”?

Many of our publications include or solicit introductions, afterwords, study guides, and critical essays. This applies a journal-like model of collaborative scholarship to book-length works.

​

Are submissions open for all titles?

Not always. Some titles may have active calls for contributions (such as forewords or essays), which are clearly indicated on their individual pages.

​

Will I work with an editor?

Yes. Accepted manuscripts are developed through a collaborative editorial process focused on clarity, rigor, and strong presentation.

​

​

style & formatting

 

What citation style do you use?

We follow the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition).

​

Do I need to format my manuscript perfectly before submitting?

No. Submissions should be clean and readable, but final formatting will be handled iteratively during the editorial process.

​

What file formats do you accept?

Microsoft Word (.docx) or Google Docs are preferred.

​

Do you accept AI-generated writing?

No. Submissions must consist of original human-authored work. We are a human-focused press.

​

Do you accept non-English manuscripts?

Only as part of a translation project. Otherwise, submissions should be in English.

​

​

publishing process

 

Do authors receive royalties?

Yes. Book authors receive high royalties on published editions: 50% for standard publications and up to 100% for fundraising volumes.

​

Do you provide advances?

No. As a nonprofit press, we focus on long-term circulation and equitable royalties rather than advance-based contracts.

​

Will my work be available for free?

All of our publications are made available as free digital editions. Low-cost print editions remain available for purchase.

​

How are books produced?

We emphasize high-quality design, typography, and material production. Books are developed as durable, accessible, design-forward objects of scholarship.

​

​

rights

 

Who retains copyright?

This depends on the specific agreement, but authors generally retain significant rights to their work while granting the press rights to publish and distribute the edition.

​

Can I republish my work elsewhere?

This is addressed in the publishing agreement. We aim for arrangements that support both circulation and author autonomy.

​

​

access & distribution

 

Where can I buy your books?

Our publications are available through all major distributors and sellers, as well as directly through the site.

​

Are digital editions really free?

Yes. Free access is a core part of the mission.

​

​

support

 

How can I support the press?

You can support the press through donations or by becoming a patron of the studio. Donation avenues are forthcoming—keep an eye on our website and social media (@plbmagazine on all platforms) for updates!

​

What’s the difference between donating and becoming a patron?

Donations support free access and the broader mission. Patronage supports the ongoing production of books, art, and editions and may include material outputs.

​

Can I volunteer?

Yes. Opportunities for editorial, design, and organizational support are periodically available.

​

​

final

 

What makes a strong submission?

Clarity of purpose, intellectual seriousness, and a sense that the work contributes something necessary—historically, theoretically, or politically.