The 3rd Thing is an independent press dedicated to publishing necessary alternatives to what is already out there in abundance. We produce a suite of 4-6 projects a year that represent our interdisciplinary, intersectional priorities in terms of form, content and perspective. We think of these projects as a cohort—together representing a range of perspectives and approaches to writing—and contributing to our larger endeavor to create not just beautiful books, but also culture.
 
Often our books are the result of an artist working in a non-dominant discipline—a playwright writes a book of poems, a theater-maker writes a book of essays, a filmmaker writes a book of theory…. And while our emphasis is on print traditions, our projects may take any number of forms: books, broadsides, performances, installations, colloquia, video anthologies, etc. 
 
We publish work primarily by artists and writers who identify as members of traditionally marginalized groups, primarily queer womxn and people of color.
 
What’s “the third thing”?
 

The third thing is the idea that emerges when we use imagination instead of compromise to solve a problem, meet a need, resolve a conflict, answer a question, question an answer, get where we’re going, go somewhere new.

Support Independent Presses & Artists

Purchasing books and other projects, such as our broadsides, directly from our website ensures that a significantly greater portion of the amount you spend goes to the press and to the author. This is true of most independent presses. Often we are able to pass that savings along to readers by offering significant discounts on direct purchases. Always check to see if it is possible to buy directly from a publisher.

Contact Us

A good way to stay in touch and find out about book releases, sales, readings, and other author events is to follow us on instagram & facebook @the3rdthingpress and on twitter @3rdthingpress. 

Bookstores & Educators

    • Our books are distributed to the trade and the academic market by SPD. Visit their website to inquire about stocking 3rd Thing books and about course-adoption.

Reviews, Author Events & General Inquiries

    • If you would like to review one of our books, host an author event, or for general inquiries about the press, please contact us by email at editors@the3rdthing [dot] press.

Submissions

    • At this time, we consider work only by invitation. But follow us on social media (instagram / facebook) to find out about open reading periods and other specific opportunities to engage.
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