It began as a small effort supported by writers and arts advocates, and has since become an independent press.

SFWP hosts a literary awards program which has been judged by Deesha Philyaw, and an online journal.

[2] While the press is largely operated from Bethesda, Maryland it was founded in Santa Fe, New Mexico where Gifford has family.

SFWP publishes flash fiction, short stories, graphic art, literary novels, fantasy, young adult, children's picture books, mystery, and poetry.

Distributed globally by The Independent Publishers Group, SFWP also works with the subrights market and has sold translations in Chinese, Turkish, and Spanish, as well as numerous audiobook rights.