Hopkinsville, KY – January 19th, 2026 – The Book & Bottle Shop, Hopkinsville’s downtown bookstore/wine bar hybrid, is launching a new literary magazine celebrating the artistry and creativity of writers in the region. By the Glass is founded by the Draft & Drink Writers Group of the bookstore and intends to showcase a sampling of what the Western Kentucky region can offer the literary sphere.
Submissions are now open for the premier issue of By the Glass which will be released in Spring of 2026 in both print and online formats. The official release date of the issue will depend on the number of submissions received and will be announced at a later date.
“When we began meeting regularly with our writers’ group at the shop, one of the main goals voiced was to increase access to publishing avenues and opportunities for group members to share their work,” said Rachel Sanders, owner of The Book & Bottle Shop and Editor in Chief of By the Glass. “We quickly came to the concept of creating our own literary magazine to act as a bridge for local writers and authors to access publication. The vision naturally grew to encompass a wider regional need.”
Submissions are now open for original and unpublished fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and other literary forms. There are very few restrictions on submissions, though there is a request that the submitter be connected to Western Kentucky. The submission form for the magazine’s premier issue states these criteria is “intentionally vague”, and that, “if you can make the argument, we will accept the connection.” The intention behind this restriction is to promote inclusion while maintaining the original vision of showcasing a specific region.
The first issue of the new magazine does not have any theme or content recommendations. Interested parties are encouraged to take an existing and unpublished piece that they are proud of and that exemplifies their skill as a writer, polish it, and submit it. Submissions are available online only at https://www.thebookandbottleshop.com/bytheglass through April 1st, 2026.
“There are many literary journals and magazines based throughout the state, though most are associated with universities or other educational establishments,” said Sanders. “Our goal is not to duplicate or encroach on the existing publications, but instead to create a supplementation and expansion specific to our region of the state.”
The Book & Bottle Shop opened in downtown Hopkinsville in November of 2024 with a curated selection of new and used books, high quality wines, and a strong focus on community events. The Draft & Drink Writers Group responsible for the founding of the magazine meets on the second Tuesday of each month for workshops, community discussions, and writing exercises. The shop also hosts quarterly open mic poetry nights to showcase local talent in poetry and prose. The next open mic night is being held on Saturday, January 24th, at 6:00 PM. Visit https://www.thebookandbottleshop.com/ for more information.
