Guidelines for Iris Literary Journal

Iris Literary Journal is published quarterly in print and ebook.

Iris Literary Journal Submission Guidelines

Iris Literary Journal accepts submissions of poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, and visual art, including photography. Submissions in languages other than English are welcome, but please provide an English translation or accompanying text for context.

Issue Themes and Submission Windows

• Spring is Yellow (Nov 10 - Feb 8):
  Seeking work that creatively addresses passion: appetite, fancy, favor, like, liking, partiality, preference, relish, taste, craving, crush, desire, infatuation, longing, lust, yearning, ardor, eagerness, enthusiasm, fervor, zeal.

• The Poetry Issue! (Feb 9 - March 10):
  Celebrate National Poetry Month by submitting work that moves, enlightens, or inspires us—free verse or traditional forms welcome.

• Summer is White (March 11 - May 10):
  Seeking work creatively addressing purity: innocence, idealism, fidelity, goodness, honesty, incorruptibility, integrity, morality, and virtue.

• Fall is Blue (May 12 - Aug 10):
  Seeking work that creatively addresses hope: faith, confidence, trust, assurance, expectation, conviction, sureness, fidelity, loyalty, reliance.

• Winter is Purple (Aug 11 - Nov 9):
  Seeking work creatively addressing wisdom: wit, prudence, astuteness, sense, reason, good judgment, understanding, experience, balance, stability, and caution.

  
  Note: Submission windows are subject to early closure if the maximum number of submissions is reached. Updates on closure will be posted on our website and emailed to our mailing list.

Submission Guidelines

• General Requirements:

• All submissions must adhere to the theme of the chosen issue.

• Ensure the work is formatted in 12-point standard font, double-spaced (for written work), and submitted as a PDF or Word document. Visual art should be in high-resolution JPEG or PNG format.

• Language:
  Works not entirely in English must include a translation or accompanying English text for accessibility.

• Number of Submissions:
  Contributors may submit up to three pieces per issue. Multiple submissions within the same category (e.g., poetry) are allowed in one entry.

• Fee:
  A $3 reading fee applies per submission (not per piece) and helps fund the journal's production. Upon request, fee waivers may be available for students, low-income writers, and marginalized groups. Please email us to inquire about fee waivers.

Contributor Benefits

• Contributors receive one print and one electronic copy of the journal in which their work appears.

• Additional copies are available at an author discount.

• Iris acquires first-time North American rights and the right to reprint in anthologies. All other rights revert to the author after publication, with acknowledgment of Iris Literary Journal required for reprints.

How to Submit

• Visit our submittable link below to upload your work and pay the reading fee.

• Acknowledgment emails will confirm receipt of your submission.

Additional Notes

• Early closure updates will be shared on the website and via email.

• Contributors will be informed of their submission status via email within 6-8 weeks after the issue closes.

• Please do not submit previously published work.

Thank you for choosing Iris Literary Journal to showcase your creative voice. We look forward to reviewing your work!