Submissions: Open for Issue 17
While Issue 16 still has a few more instalments to be published via our Campfire emails, we’re ready to start reading submissions again for the next edition.
The submissions period for Issue 17, our 'Adventure' themed edition, is open from now until 14th April (for Poetry) and 30th April (for Fiction). Please read the following guidelines before clicking the link to the submission form at the bottom of this page.
Submission Guidelines
Genre / Style:
We accept any kind of genre and style, as long as it isn't too specialised (i.e. it will only appeal to a handful of people). The main stipulation is that the story is engaging and memorable. We aren't averse to many subject matters, but anything intentionally offensive or distasteful is unlikely to be accepted. Additionally, work intended for children is not really suited to our readership. If you want a better idea of what we are looking for, our past editions are a good place to start and we currently have a sale on the digital editions during the pandemic.
Theme:
Issue 17 will have a loose theme of Adventure. However, we would recommend not taking the theme too literally. Remember, it is not mandatory for all the writing to fit in with this theme - it is just a loose framework to give the issue an identity.
Length:
Short stories need to be under 2000 words. Shorter work is preferred as space is tight. We may consider longer entries if they are exceptional.
Simultaneous submissions:
Submitting work that is under consideration elsewhere is absolutely fine but we would appreciate being informed if it is picked up by another publication.
Multiple submissions:
Submissions are currently limited per person up to the following: 1 x short story (under 2000 words), 1 x flash fiction (under 400 words) and 2 x poems.
Re-submissions:
Due to the number of submissions we receive, we cannot accept re-submissions or re-writes of work we have previously rejected unless specifically requested.
Previously published work:
On occasion, we do reprint writing that has previously been published elsewhere but please include details of this when submitting.
Rights:
At Firewords we believe a writer should have full control of their work, so all copyright and publication rights remain with the writer at all times. However, we appreciate exclusive publication rights for three months after the issue has been published to ensure maximum impact.
Demographic:
We are based in Scotland but gladly receive (and encourage) submissions worldwide. Firewords is shipped across the globe.
Payment:
Firewords is a small and independently run magazine. All profits go towards producing the following issue, so unfortunately we cannot offer payment to our writers at this stage - though we do hope to do so as the publication grows. Each of our writers receives a complimentary digital copy of the issue they feature in, free subscription to our new fortnightly Campfire emails for 6 months, and a complimentary copy of any subsequent print edition that may arise.
Format:
As long as it's legible and in a standard file format (e.g. .doc, .docx) then the formatting isn't too important. When naming your file, please use the title of your piece. This makes life easier for us when dealing with a large number of documents.
Response times:
We aim to make a decision, and inform you of this, within 60 days but this can fluctuate depending on how close we are to publication.
How to submit
Click the button below to go to the submission forms. You will be asked to create a Duotrope account or log in if you already have one. Please read the guidelines above before continuing.
Privacy Notice
Under the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679, you have the right to know exactly what is happening with the information you provide along with your submission.
Your name, email address and writing will be held on file only at Duotrope (previously Submittable). All rights remain with you. We will hold your data for ten years or for the duration of the Firewords Project, whichever comes first, to ensure against resubmissions. This information will be used exclusively by the editors at Firewords for this purpose and will not be shared with third-parties or collaborators.
Under Article 17 of the GDPR, individuals have the right to have personal data erased. This is also known as the ‘right to be forgotten’. If you require that we remove any personal information we have collected about you, please email us with your request to info@firewords.co.uk and your data will be permanently removed in a timely manner where possible within the limits of the law.
For more information about our privacy practices please click to read our Privacy Policy. Be aware that as your data will be stored with Duotrope, you will also be working under their own privacy policy, which can be seen at duotrope.com