MUSE Literary Journal

MUSE Literary Journal – Submission Guidelines

MUSE is based in the Inland Empire in California, a place of rich diversity, and we are especially looking to publish work from underrepresented or misrepresented groups, such as Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color, disabled people, LGBTQ+, present and formerly incarcerated people, and others from a culturally and linguistically diverse background. We seek and welcome writers of all races, sexual orientations, gender identities/expressions, ability statuses, religions, socio-economic classes, veteran status, and educational backgrounds.

GENERAL SUBMISSIONS AND SUBMISSIONS FOR THE SPANGLER AWARD OPEN OCTOBER 15 – JANUARY 31

Holden Vaughn Spangler Award Guidelines

• Winner receives a $200 honorarium and publication in MUSE Spring 2027.
• Submit up to 3 poems about a child or childhood.
• Please note: MUSE is a 5"x8" print journal; poems with long lines may require line breaks due to size constraints.
• $5 submission fee.
• Final judges are Dr. Richard Hishmeh and Dr. Jason Spangler. Anyone with close ties to either judge should not submit.
• We accept simultaneous submissions. Let us know if the work is accepted elsewhere.
• MUSE does not accept creative work created with the assistance of AI.
• MUSE acquires First North American Serial Rights to the work you submit and non-exclusive reprint rights (for promotional use only online, in giveaways, etc.).
• Should the piece be published elsewhere in the future, we ask that you acknowledge MUSE as the first place of publication.

We appreciate your patience; we try to respond to all submissions within three months of the close of submissions.

Guidelines for General Submissions

Genres (PLEASE NOTE THE LIMITS):

• Fiction – submit one short story up to 1,500 words maximum.
• Creative nonfiction – submit one piece up to 1,500 words maximum.
• Poetry – submit up to three poems, not longer than 80 lines each. Please note: MUSE is a 5"x8" print journal; poems with long lines may require line breaks due to size constraints.
• Art – we also accept art of all kinds, reproduced in print. Preferred formats are .jpg or .png at 300 DPI resolution and approximately 8 inches on the long side.

• We accept simultaneous submissions. Let us know if the work is accepted elsewhere.
• MUSE does not accept creative work created with the assistance of AI.
• Authors and artists in the United States of America receive one copy of the issue in which their work appears as payment. Unfortunately, shipping costs mean we can no longer provide print copies to international submitters.
• MUSE acquires First North American Serial Rights to the work you submit and non-exclusive reprint rights (for promotional use only online, in giveaways, etc.).
• Should the piece be published elsewhere in the future, we ask that you acknowledge MUSE as the first place of publication.

We appreciate your patience; we try to respond to all submissions within three months of the close of submissions.

Our Latest Editions

To explore our latest editions of MUSE, please click on the link below. Each edition features a diverse array of artistic expressions, including captivating poetry, thought-provoking prose, and stunning visual art. We invite you to immerse yourself in the creativity and talent showcased by our contributors. Discover the voices that define our community and celebrate their achievements!

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