Youth Speaks established First Word Press in 2003 to publish the first books of young
writers. First Word Press exists to redefine the American canon and firmly place young
writers in the literary continuum. Our goal is to see First Word Press books in the Youth Speaks section of bookstores throughout the country. All books and CDs feature the collected poems, plays, short stories, and other writings of the best young writers who have participated in Youth Speaks mentoring programs, after-school workshops, open mics, poetry slams and other programs. Past authors and artists include Gabe Crane, Ayoka Stewart, Stephen Pickens, Niema Jordan, and Eli Marienthal.

The Guest Editors of First Word Press have included Paul S. Flores, Kim Addonizio,
Adam Mansbach, Genny Lim, Leticia Hernandez, Dalia Yedidia, and James Kass.

To submit to the First Word Press download the submission form.