Guidelines: The Magazine
A note on the alternative submissions process
The significant difference between INQ and traditional publishers is that we understand the conventional downfalls and inaccessibility of the publishing process. By contrast, we have an innovative process for both submissions to the journal and the press. For submissions to the journal, presentations can be emailed as slide decks due to the shorter length of these submissions.
Provided the written work is strong, prospective writers can pitch in a way that is thematic to their project and not necessarily the traditional way - for example, a formal presentation or interactive website – it’s all about putting your best foot forward. We remain committed to breaking down the too-well-known additional barriers to hearing these diverse, intersectional voices.
You must be able to state a robust, evidence-first case. We will give you the time and space to shine if you can do that. In practice, this means leading with what makes you different. In other words, what perspective do you have? What have you been reading with which you are in a “conversation” with?
The point here is to create space for diversity of experience and cater to the variety of intersectional writers the charity is built to serve. Especially neurodivergent writers may find this way of submission helpful, as the fine-tuning of the written format of a query letter is not for everyone.
Magazines are accessible ways for individuals to get credibility and experience, through shorter projects which allow experimentation and sometimes a theme to fit around. The magazine is the best starting point for a budding writer. The second part of the original mission - publishing writers through a magazine - has always been central to our mission here at The Writers Den
Eri wanted a home to place the work of emerging writers. Having their start in short fiction before they started to write their first novel, it was obvious that giving others a chance through developing their own magazine was the best way forward. From being accepted into smaller magazines themselves (such as Honeyfire Magazine), they knew the confidence and credibility it provided, and so wanted to set up their own.
Of course, the difference here was that it was originally founded for those thirteen to twenty-five, but has since been refined to a wider mission: championing intersectional writers; from supporting young writers, to supporting young intersectional writers, we have always had the back of the community of young creatives.
The magazine reflects this mission. We are interested in bold stories which challenge how society thinks about the minority experience. We want to amplify the voices of others through publishing short fiction through the blog and later, the press.
Logistics
Magazine
For the magazine we have two different issues:
Seasonal issues: these issues, published on the 21st of the relevant season, consider a wider array of previously unpublished work which is seeking a home. These issues are loosely themed around the changing seasons and provide a space for writers to come together.
Occasional themed issues: Issues are published when there is an identified need. If there is a specific topic we feel needs more attention, or something our community suggests, we may make an issue specifically for this type of writing
After successful publication, writers are offered a place on the Writers Den podcast to further amplify their reach. With three issues already published, we cannot wait to hear your submission.
Submission guidelines
This is the place where writers come to be heard, and we are very happy to welcome you. Please follow these guidelines to the best of your ability, as compliance is key to make the process move as smoothly as possible.
Regardless if you are submitting to the press or the magazine, we have five requirements for storytelling. Stories must be two of the following:
Bold (stories which take action, or a perspective, which diverts from the traditional norms).
Brutal (stories which tell uncomfortable truths, surface destructive tendencies, or horror)
Boundary-breaking (stories which do something different, unique or unseen)
Societally engaged (stories which provide critique on current social issues in an engaged way)
Provided in your pitch, you can explain how it hits at least two of these criteria, then we would love to hear from you. Currently, "socially engaged” stories are on the agenda.
Please note the following list of conditions before submitting to the publication:
Any transphobic, ableist, or otherwise intentionally derogatory writing will be banned, and you will be blocklisted. You can write about and critique these issues (as they are critical); however, please research before you do.
Be over the age of 16
Committed to intersectionality (where an individual comes from multiple oppressed groups)
Adhere to the specific requirements of the magazine submission call-out.
Write or practice art in one of the specific things we publish (though if you are unsure, contact us and we may be able to make something work!)
Write in your email to ensure the work contains specific themes, so the editors know. This is important for trigger warnings!
Any communications with the editorial team should be in size 18 font or larger to aid readability.
It is also worth noting that all submissions should be blind, so any authors' names on the document will result in disqualification. Upon successful admission, we will ask for these.
You must email thewritersdenofficial@gmail.com with the title, a summary, and relevant trigger warnings.
Submit any attachments as piece title - issue title
Within the body of the email, please include the issue(s) you are submitting to.
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No more than 200 stanzas and no specific word count.
Context behind the poem and how it relates to the theme.
If you have specific formatting requirements, please provide a PDF file.
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Up to five images.
Include a caption for each image you submit.
Please write a little about how it relates to the theme (if applicable).
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Please keep all submissions in either docx or odt format and in size 12/14 font.
As many pieces as you would like totaling 2000 words (unless the theme says otherwise).
Avoid openings to larger works (but these may be taken on a case-by-case basis).
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Should be scanned or photographed
Up to five images
Include a caption for each image you submit
Please write a little about how it relates to the theme (if applicable)
How to submit
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The Magazine is looking for stories that are:
Bold (stories which take action, or a perspective, which diverts from the traditional norms).
Brutal (stories which tell uncomfortable truths, surface destructive tendencies, or horror)
Boundary-breaking (stories which do something different, unique or unseen)
Societally engaged (stories which provide critique on current social issues in an engaged way)
Any suspected AI use will be brought up with the authors and their work, if found to be AI generated, will be rejected. We do not take writing by robots here.
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We look for the following:
A slide deck, recorded walk through, short form video, or alternative other medium which contains the following information for the Editing team:
Name of the piece
What it is about
How it relates to the submission criteria (if applicable).
Evidence that the submission is at least two of the criteria listed:
Bold (stories which take action, or a perspective, which diverts from the traditional norms).
Brutal (stories which tell uncomfortable truths, surface destructive tendencies, or horror)
Boundary-breaking (stories which do something different, unique or unseen)
Societally-engaged (stories which provide critique on current social issues in an engaged way)
Any suspected AI use will be brought up with the authors and their work, if found to be AI generated, will be rejected. We do not take writing by robots here.
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The cover letter should be:
a brief (up to two sentence) presentation of what your work is about, with any relevant trigger warnings stated.
For example: Boy watches his mother’s murder and has a burning desire for revenge. This piece contains allusions to death.
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Dear Editor-in-chief
I'm hoping you will consider [piece name] for publication in [issue number: issue name].
The piece is [genre] about [insert two sentences about the piece].
Thank you for the time.
Yours sincerely,
[name]