• We accept submissions of previously unpublished works year-round. Submissions are always free.

• We announce calls for submissions through our social media during months leading up to new issues. To be considered for our Spring/Summer 2026 issue, your submissions must be received by February 14, 2026.

• We provide two contributor's copies and a $5 payment to writers and artists whose work we publish.

• We accept simultaneous submissions. However, please let us know if your work is picked up elsewhere.

• Prose should be limited to 7,000 words. Poetry should be limited to five poems, no more than ten pages in total. Visual art and photography should be in black and white, no larger than 6" × 9", and with a resolution of 300 dpi. If submitting multiple pieces of written work, please combine them into a single document.

• Cover letters are optional, but you are encouraged to introduce yourself and share your previous publication info.

• All pieces should be submitted as email attachments to submissions@toughpoets.com.

• You will retain the copyright for any work submitted. If your work is accepted, you will agree to grant us the non-exclusive right of first publication to the piece(s). We will make no changes or alterations to the work without your permission.

WE ARE CURRENTLY COMMISSIONING THE FOLLOWING:

A Recurring Comic

• Hand-drawn work

• Ink or pencil preferred

• Single- or multi-panel

• 4.5" x 7.5" maximum

• 300 dpi

• JPG or PNG file format

• Must feature our mascot, Marvin (see cover of Issue 01), and his cat, Grettii (see cover of Issue 02)

• No other restrictions

Send us your proposal with COMIC in the subject line.

Transcripts of Conversations

We aim to publish transcripts of unscripted and engaging conversations between two or more people. These transcripts will be edited for readability if necessary.

Please allow up to twelve weeks for a response.