Submissions Open
Submissions for our Winter 2026 issue, Journeys, are open now!
Please note we are presently unable to provide monetary compensation for contributions to our magazine.
Our Winter 2026 issue will be entitled, Journeys. As always, we’re on the look-out for creative interpretations of that theme, so let your imagination run wild. Stories of people travelling to far flung lands, planets, or alternate universes are, of course, welcome, but please don’t restrict yourself to stories of physical travel. We are also looking for non-fiction articles on the subject of writing (these do not need to strictly adhere to the ‘journeys’ theme).
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.
Short Fiction
- Max. 5,000 words. No strict lower limit although anything less than 1,000 is unlikely to be accepted.
- Submissions should be double-spaced, 12-point, preferably in Georgia or Times New Roman font.
- Most genres of fiction are acceptable.
- Please do not include your name or any other identifiable information anywhere in the file you upload, including the filename.
Poetry
- Up to 4 poems per submission. Max 40 lines per poem.
- Single-spaced, one poem per page.
- Poems can be on any subject and in any form, though we tend to appreciate poetry with accessible language and a clear story.
- Please do not include your name or any other identifiable information anywhere in the file you upload, including the filename.
Articles on Writing
- 1,000-2,000 words.
- Double-spaced, 12-point Georgia or Times New Roman font.
- Non-fiction articles should offer clear writing tips or publishing advice in a conversational tone. Personal essays about writing are welcome if they include practical insights or advice. Share your experiences, but ensure readers can learn something valuable from them.
- We will relax the ‘journeys’ theme for non-fiction submissions.
- Please do not include your name or any other identifiable information anywhere in the file you upload, including the filename.
How to Submit
- Please submit your work by filling in our submission form.
- It is completely free to submit your work to Penstricken, and always will be. However, if you include a donation of £2 or more with your submission, we will also throw in a faster response time + a detailed critique of your work.
- We will not enter into any further correspondence after a response has been given.
- All submissions must be original and unpublished. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.
- Multiple submissions are allowed, but we are unlikely to publish more than one submission from a particular author.
- By submitting, you declare the work is your own intellectual property, and you have the right to grant first publication rights. All rights revert to the author after publication. (For more information, see our publication agreement).
- By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy.
If you wish to withdraw a submission, please contact us by e-mailing admin@penstricken.com.
The deadline for submissions is 10:00pm (UK time) on Tuesday 1st September 2026. We will begin responding to submissions after this time.
PENSTRICKEN 