Submissions

Call for Submissions 

Currently accepting submissions from youth authors ages 12-22 from anywhere in the world! We accept submissions on a rolling basis, and update the online magazine with new works daily to weekly. 

Submission Guidelines

This is an open space to express yourself, be creative, deal with emotion, and be read! We are looking for unique works for a young adult audience, with an emphasis on mental health - any writing used as catharsis or reflection, or used to draw attention to societal issues, is particularly welcomed. We are also open to stories about the teenage experience, mental health articles, and more. If in doubt, send it in; we are very open to any types of writing.

​Simultaneous submissions are welcomed, though we do not accept previously published work. Anyone from middle school through college age, from anywhere in the world, can submit. Every submission will also receive free feedback from our editors.

What to submit:
  • poetry (prose or verse)
  • flash fiction
  • short stories
  • creative nonfiction
  • vignettes
  • any creative writing - really this is a space for any ramblings or strokes of genius! 
What to exclude:
  • explicit sexual or violent content 
  • hate speech or discrimination
  • previously published work (Instagram/personal blogs are fine!)
  • writing over 3000 words (may be published in some instances, but we prefer shorter works)
That being said, the goal here is not to censor - we welcome conversations about tougher topics like those mentioned above, so long as they are not graphic or harmful. 
​
​Please limit yourself to up to three pieces at a time. If your piece has been accepted, please wait at least one month before submitting again. 

There is no deadline. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and are always open! 

How to Submit

  1. Please email a .pdf, .docx, or .doc* file of your writing to catharticlitmagazine@gmail.com. If you are submitting multiple works, please send them as separate emails, one attachment per email. *Please do not send us Google Docs or Pages files! These are difficult for us to work with and forward to editors.
  2. In the subject line, put the title of your piece, a dash, and then its genre (poetry, fiction, flash fiction, creative nonfiction, mental health article, or other). For example, a subject could read "Story Title - Fiction." 
  3. In the body of the email, please include a short (3-4 sentence) biography in the third person, including name, age, where you're from, and any prior writing experience. If you wish to submit anonymously, please still put your age and where you're from.
  4. If this is a simultaneous submission, please mention so here.
  5. If your submission contains sensitive content (e.g. self-harm, abuse, eating disorders, racial violence, etc.) please include a trigger warning for our editors. 
  6. If you are under 13, please have a parent send an email with their permission to publish your name, bio, and work. 
  7. If you prefer not to receive feedback, please let us know. Otherwise, our editors provide free commentary on all submissions.
  8. Within 1-2 months, you'll receive an emailed response and feedback!

***Although we wish we could provide feedback and responses in a quicker turnaround as we used to, the number of submissions we receive has increased dramatically since we first started as a magazine! We thank you for your patience, and please feel free to query about your submission if you have not received a response in two months.

Authors' Rights

The author owns the rights to content they submit and publish. You can resubmit your work elsewhere after it has been published in our magazine provided that you mention this publication. We ask for First Electronic Rights; we do not publish previously published works. By submitting your work to Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine, you do give us the nonexclusive rights to publish it on the online magazine and archive it indefinitely, including anything reasonably related to publishing it (like storing, displaying, and reformatting it). We may use your writing to promote the magazine, such as posting highlights on our Instagram, but never for monetary purposes. We will never sell your content to third parties.

FAQ's

  • How many pieces can I submit? 
We would prefer if you limit yourself to 3 at a time. 
  • What does it mean to be published?
Your piece of writing will be posted on the Magazine page, along with your name, age, and where you're from! The bio you send us will be posted underneath your name on the "Contributors" page. 
  • Do you accept previously published work?
​We do not accept previously published work from other literary magazines, but work published on a personal website or social media page is fine! 
  • Is there any reading fee?
No, submissions are free! 
  • How old do I have to be to submit?
Our rough guideline is ages 12 to 22, but it isn't a strict rule! 
  • Do I have to be in school, or live in a certain area?
No, and no! We accept submissions from any youth anywhere in the world. 
  • Is the magazine open to the public? 
Yes - anyone can view this website & submit!

Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine
© 2020 Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine