Submissions

Fall 2024 Submissions Now Closed

Submissions will reopen in the spring of 2025! Submission criteria are subject to change.

Fall 2024 Theme
Living Between Illusion and Delusion: What Is Reality But Perception?

“We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical illusion of consciousness.  This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affections for a few persons nearest us.  Our task is to free ourselves from this prison.”

-Albert Einstein

We are seeking work that is in conversation with Einstein’s quote and attempts to answer these questions: 

  • Can you be true to yourself in a world of sweet lies? 
  • Can you lie to yourself in the face of harsh truths? 
  • What is real and who gets to decide?
  • How do you perceive the world?

Specifically, we are interested in work that calls into question the relativity of existence, work that invites us to fully embrace who we are and our multiplicity. Daring, captivating work that begins from the particularity of point of view.

Submission Criteria

Fiction

We are looking for authors whose narrative sweeps readers from the page into the story. We want immersion; your stories should twist our hearts, test our minds, and capture our imaginations. Words are like clay—use them to shape your story. Our submissions are not limited by genre or archetypes—we are open to all kinds of fiction that sparks a connection with the reader. 

  • We are open to artistic endeavors and risks with AI use—disclosed within a written statement (including for grammar use).
  • Submissions should be sent as Word documents. 
  • We accept flash fiction as short as 100 words and short stories up to 3,500 words. 
  • No more than two submissions per person.
  • Format: Page-numbered, double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins
    • We welcome work experimenting with hybrid or other forms, please send it in the form/structure that suits the intentionality of the work. 
  • We do not accept previously published work, but translations are welcome if accompanied by the original work. 
  • We allow simultaneous submissions, but please let us know immediately if your piece is accepted elsewhere. 
  • In the Submittable form please list content warnings for your work. These will only be seen by the editors, they will not appear in the journal. 
  • Please include a short author bio (less than 100 words) in Submittable.

Non-Fiction

Literary nonfiction uses literary styles and techniques to express stories grounded in truth. We are looking for pieces that exhibit a strong grasp of personal craft and intention with a distinctive, unapologetic voice. We are particularly looking for pieces regarding perspective, how it can hide and distort reality—or reveal the truth.

  • We are open to artistic endeavors and risks with AI use—disclosed within a written statement (including for grammar use).
  • Only one work can be submitted at a time, and must be 3,000 words or less. 
  • Format: Page-numbered, double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins
    • We welcome work experimenting with hybrid or other forms, please send it in the form/structure that suits the intentionality of the work. 
  • We do not accept previously published work, but translations are welcome if accompanied by the original work.
  • We allow simultaneous submissions, but please let us know immediately if your piece is accepted elsewhere.
  • In the Submittable form please list content warnings for your work. These will only be seen by the editors, they will not appear in the journal. 
  • Please include a short author bio (less than 100 words) in Submittable. Cover letters and author’s statement are not required.

Poetry

We are looking for works of poetry that any undergraduate feels strongly exhibits their skills and voice as a creative. Any styles, forms, and structures are encouraged. Surprise us!

  • We are open to artistic endeavors and risks with AI use—disclosed within a written statement (including for grammar use).
  • Five poem limit per submission, all in one document
  • Submissions must be sent as Word documents. 
  • Format: 12-point font, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins
  • We allow simultaneous submissions, but please let us know immediately if your piece is accepted elsewhere. 
  • We do not accept previously published works. 
  • We advise against inclusion of content warnings within poetry submissions. 
  • An artist statement is optional for additional information you’d like editors to know about a piece, including inspiration or context within a project. 
  • Please include a short author bio (less than 100 words) in Submittable.

Art and Photography

We are looking for creative and thought-provoking art crafted by undergraduate students. Experimentation and unconventional works are encouraged.

  • We are open to artistic endeavors and risks with AI use—disclosed within a written statement (including for grammar use).
  • Art
    • Multiple media forms accepted. We are looking for pieces that experiment with subject clarity, vibrancy, and dynamic imagery.
    • Collection works are accepted—maximum of 5 individual pieces per collection. Please include display preferences.
  • Photography
    • We are looking for bold, thought provoking, and inspiring photographs taken by talented undergraduates.
    • Unlimited photographs per submission
  • Optional but encouraged: a maximum 100-word artist’s statement. This can include background behind work/medium, intent of the artist, and context needed for subject matter.
  • Please state medium
  • DPI Minimum: 250 dpi. Submit as JPEG.
  • Please include a short artist bio (less than 100 words) in Submittable.