HeartWood accepts submissions through Submittable and welcome previously unpublished poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, from both established and emerging writers. 

When to Submit

We publish two issues per year -- Spring and Fall.

Open Submission Periods

May 2 - June 30 

November 2 - December 31

What to Submit

We are interested in writing that pushes into, dares to reveal, its own truth, that takes emotional risks, that gets to the heart of the matter.

Poetry submissions may include lyric, narrative, experimental, prose poems--we're open to all variations of the poetic voice.

Fiction submissions may include short stories, flash fiction, or novel excerpts if the excerpt can stand alone. 

We're open to a wide range of nonfiction, with the exception of academic articles, or that which would be considered more traditionally journalistic. Personal essay, memoir, lyric, literary journalism, or some blurring in between, are all acceptable.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions are best viewed through Submittable in Times New Roman or Calibri fonts, size 12. 

Include a short third-person biography in the cover letter section of your submission. 

Simultaneous submissions are fine, provided you notify us if the work is accepted elsewhere. If you only need to withdraw a portion of your submission, we invite you to add a Note to your submission instead of withdrawing the whole thing. 

Poetry: 3-5 single-spaced poems in a single document; no more than 10 pages total. 

Fiction: short stories, flash fiction, or novel excerpts if the excerpt can stand alone; 3000 words or fewer. 

Creative Nonfiction: personal essay, memoir, lyric, literary journalism; 3000 words or fewer. 

Submissions that exceed word count or violate other guidelines will not be considered for publicati