Submissions Closed

Check back here soon for submission guidelines for our Summer 2027 issue.

Please note we are presently unable to provide monetary compensation for contributions to our magazine.

Whether you are submitting poetry or prose, the most important thing is for you to tell us a story. That means we want to see believable, sympathetic characters whose skin we can get right inside of. Let us experience what it is like to really be that character.

You can experiment with form and genre, however your story should still have a solid plot with a clear beginning, middle and end. Let us understand what your protagonist needs; what is standing in their way of getting it, and finally, how the conflict resolves.

We will not accept any pieces that appear to have been generated by AI. By submitting to Penstricken, you declare that your submission is entirely your own work, and that no portion of it was generated by AI.

If you wish to withdraw a submission, please contact us by e-mailing admin@penstricken.com.