Thank you for your interest in submitting to The Write Launch.
The Write Launch is an online literary magazine publishing creative works of poetry, short story, long short story, novel chapter, essay, art, and creative nonfiction. We ask that you please browse the site and read previous issues before submitting.
When submitting, note there are two submission options: 1) general submissions and (2) submissions with feedback request.
Submissions open the 1st of each month. Monthly issues publish on the 15th of each month.
Submission guidelines
- Please do not submit more than one piece per category.
- Submissions must be original work not previously published in any format.
- Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Please withdraw your piece from submission if it is accepted elsewhere.
- Include a brief biographical statement (in the third person) in the Cover Letter section of your submission on Submittable.
- All prose submissions should be double-spaced and proofread.
- Written work selected for publication is edited for punctuation and grammatical errors. Only Word documents are accepted, and any edits and/or suggested revisions prior to publication will be completed using Track Changes and sent to writer via Submittable for confirmation.
- Art should be submitted as either JPG or PNG files.
- Editorial staff selects images for published written work.
- Writers own the copyright on their work.
- AI-generated work will be disqualified.
Additional guidelines for submissions with feedback:
- Writers requesting feedback will receive written feedback within 45 days after submission.
- The editor of The Write Launch offers developmental feedback and line editing. More detailed information available in the submission forms.
Please send any comments or questions to editor@thewritelaunch.com.
Thank you!
Submit one critical essay. Maximum word count 5000 words.
Submit 1 to 3 pieces of previously unpublished work of visual art, in the mediums of drawing, painting, or photography and include a brief description of each submitted piece. We want to know what inspired the art, or what story it may have to tell.
Submit your work as individual high-resolution JPG or PNG files.
Submit up to three previously unpublished poems in a single document.
Each poem should have a title.
Please list the title of each poem in your submission.
Submit 1 unpublished short story per issue, 1,500 - 7,500 words. Please format your submission double-spaced and include word count.
Submit 1 unpublished short fiction, 7,500-15,000 words. Please format your submission double-spaced and include word count. Submissions that exceed maximum word count will not be considered for publication.
Submit 1 chapter only of an unpublished novel, maximum 7,000 words. Include a brief synopsis of the story, to be published with excerpt if submission is accepted. Please format your submission double-spaced and include word count.
"The words “creative” and “nonfiction” describe the form. The word 'creative' refers to the use of literary craft, the techniques fiction writers, playwrights, and poets employ to present nonfiction—factually accurate prose about real people and events—in a compelling, vivid, dramatic manner. The goal is to make nonfiction stories read like fiction so that your readers are as enthralled by fact as they are by fantasy." - Creative Nonfiction
Submit 1 unpublished creative nonfiction, maximum 3,500 words. Please format your submission double-spaced and include word count.
General Guidelines:
Submit maximum of 3 unpublished poems in a single document. Each poem should have a title.
Please list the title of each poem in your submission.
Feedback:
Selecting the feedback option for your submission does not guarantee your submission will be selected for publication online, but it does guarantee a summary of insights and recommendations on your work. Specifically, feedback will include consideration of the following:
- Structure of the poem
- Structure of individual lines
- Figurative language
- Tone and Mood
- Development of the poem
- Strengths and Weaknesses
If your work is declined, please wait one month before submitting again.
General Guidelines:
Submit 1 unpublished short story per issue, 1,500 - 7,500 words. Please format your submission double-spaced and include word count.
Feedback:
Selecting the feedback option for your submission does not guarantee your submission will be selected for publication online, but it does guarantee a summary of insights and recommendations on your work. Specifically, feedback will include consideration of the following:
- What does the opening in the story promise? Does it engage the reader?
- Does the story follow through on the promise?
- Are the characters believable? Engaging? Intriguing?
- Does the narrator’s voice ring true? Is it consistent throughout? Does it hold the reader’s attention?
- What is the mood of the story? Is it carried throughout? Is there emotional affect?
- What are the strengths of the writing? Its weaknesses?
If your work is declined, please wait one month before submitting again.
Submit 1 unpublished short fiction, 7,500-15,000 words.
General Guidelines:
The Long Short Story replaces the “Novella” category.
Submit 1 unpublished short fiction, 7500-15,000 words. Please format your submission double-spaced and include word count. Submissions that exceed maximum word count will not be considered for publication.
*Click here for more information on why we renamed this category.
Feedback:
Selecting the feedback option for your submission does not guarantee your submission will be selected for publication online, but it does guarantee a summary of insights and recommendations on your work. Specifically, feedback will include consideration of the following:
- What does the opening in the story promise? Does it engage the reader?
- Does the story follow through on the promise?
- Are the characters believable? Engaging? Intriguing?
- Does the narrator’s voice ring true? Is it consistent throughout? Does it hold the reader’s attention?
- What is the mood of the story? Is it carried throughout? Is there emotional affect?
- What are the strengths of the writing? Its weaknesses?
If your work is declined, please wait one month before submitting again.
Submit 1 chapter only of an unpublished novel, maximum 7,000 words. Include a brief synopsis of the story, to be published with excerpt if submission is accepted. Please format your submission double-spaced and include word count.
Feedback:
Selecting the feedback option for your submission does not guarantee your submission will be selected for publication online, but it does guarantee a summary of insights and recommendations on your work. Specifically, feedback will include consideration of the following:
- What does the opening in the novel excerpt promise? Does it engage the reader?
- Does the excerpt follow through on the promise?
- Are the characters believable? Engaging? Intriguing?
- Does the narrator’s voice ring true? Is it consistent throughout? Does it hold the reader’s attention?
- What is the mood of the novel? Is it carried throughout? Is there emotional affect?
- What are the strengths of the writing? Its weaknesses?
If your work is declined, please wait one month before submitting again.
General Guidelines:
Submit 1 unpublished creative nonfiction. Please format your submission double-spaced and include word count.
Feedback:
Selecting the feedback option for your submission does not guarantee your submission will be selected for publication online, but it does guarantee a summary of insights and recommendations on your work. Specifically, feedback will include consideration of the following:
- What is the premise/theme of the narrative?
- How does the narrative engage the reader?
- Is the premise/theme developed to the fullest extent?
- Is the narrator authentic?
- Do the tone and mood enhance the narrative? Detract from it?
- What are the narrative’s strengths? Its weaknesses?
If your work is declined, please wait one month before submitting again.
General Guidelines:
Submit 1 unpublished essay. Please format your submission double-spaced and include word count.
Feedback:
Selecting the feedback option for your submission does not guarantee your submission will be selected for publication online, but it does guarantee a summary of insights and recommendations on your work. Specifically, feedback will include consideration of the following:
- What is the premise/theme of the narrative?
- How does the narrative engage the reader?
- Is the premise/theme developed to the fullest extent?
- Is the narrator authentic?
- Do the tone and mood enhance the narrative? Detract from it?
- What are the narrative’s strengths? Its weaknesses?
If your work is declined, please wait one month before submitting again.