Submission Guidelines
We’re looking for creative work that moves people, sparks conversation, or simply makes us see the world in a new way. Below are our guidelines for each category. Please read carefully before submitting.
Literary (Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry)
- Length:
- Fiction/Nonfiction: Up to 3,000 words
- Poetry: Up to 5 poems, any length
- Format: Word or PDF preferred. Please include a brief third-person bio and a short statement about your piece.
- Simultaneous Submissions: Fine by us. Just let us know if it’s accepted elsewhere.
- Submission Fees: $3 for poetry/short works and up to $8 for longer fiction/nonfiction.
Visual Art
- Types: Illustration, painting, digital art, photography, mixed media
- How to Submit: Up to 10 high-res images (JPG or PNG). Include titles, medium, and a 1-2 sentence description for each piece.
- Artist Statement: Optional, but encouraged.
- Submission Fees: $5–$10 per batch (up to 5 pieces). Art submissions often come in sets, so charging per batch assists in keeping costs down for emerging artists.
Film & Video
- Genres: Short films, documentaries, experimental video
- Length: Up to 20 minutes per submission
- How to Submit: Share a private YouTube/Vimeo link with password if needed. Include a synopsis and filmmaker bio.
- Submission Fees: $15–$25 per film or video. Although reviewing films is resource-intensive, we seek to keep fees at the lower end of industry norms to encourage participation from independent and emerging filmmakers.
Podcasts & Audio
- Types: Narrative podcasts, interviews, audio essays
- Length: Up to 30 minutes per episode
- How to Submit: Provide a streaming/download link (SoundCloud, Google Drive, etc.). Add a brief summary and creator bio.
- Submission Fees: $5–$10 per podcast/audio piece. Audio content requires thoughtful listening and review, but the technical overhead is less than video. Therefore, this range is fair for most indie creators.
Other Types or Experimental Work
Got something that doesn’t fit these categories? We want to see it! Tell us what it is, how to access it, and why you think it belongs here. We’re always excited to explore new forms of creativity that push boundaries and inspire change.
- Submission Fees: $30–$40 depending on length/complexity. Because “experimental” covers so much ground, we let submitters self-select, establishing a flat fee range and offering submission waivers for particularly innovative or collaborative community work.
Submission Standards & Notes
• We prioritize original, unpublished work, but will consider previously published material.
• All creators retain full copyright; we ask for first digital publication rights and the right to archive your work on our site.
• Response time is usually 6-8 weeks. We read everything—promise.
Submission Fee Policy
While we believe everyone deserves a platform to share their story, regardless of financial circumstance, with a wide range of submission types, it’s important to balance accessibility with the need to cover administrative costs.
Submission fees help us cover the hard costs of reviewing work, maintaining our platform, compensating artists, editors, and reviewers, and offering free educational resources, as well as a voice to our community.
Waivers & Accessibility
We are committed to inclusion. If the fee presents a barrier, please select the “Fee Waiver” option when submitting—for the consideration process. We especially encourage youth, students, and creators from underrepresented backgrounds to use this option if needed.
Artists-Supporting-Artists
If you’d like to support others, you may choose to contribute more than the standard fee. All extra funds directly support fee waivers and community programming.
How Fees Are Used
- Compensating artists, reviewers and editors.
- Maintaining our submission platform.
- Offering educational workshops and free resources.
- Funding outreach to underrepresented voices.
We thank every submitter—regardless of payment—for helping us build a creative, equitable, and supportive community.