submission guidelines

Lightletter accepts submissions of original, previously unpublished poetry, fiction, art, and creative nonfiction on a rolling basis, meaning we are open for submissions year-round.

We ask that you please adhere to the following guidelines when submitting work to Lightletter:

  • We accept simultaneous submissions, but in the event that your work is accepted elsewhere (congratulations!), we ask that you notify us through email immediately so that we can withdraw your work from consideration. You may contact us at lightlettersubmissions@gmail.com.
  • Please submit only work that is original and has not been published elsewhere, except in cases where simultaneous submissions are allowed.
  • We do not accept any work that is plagiarized or created by or with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). All content you submit to Lightletter should be your own, unless otherwise credited.
  • Lightletter strictly prohibits any work promoting offensive, derogatory, homophobic, sexist, racist, or gratuitously violent or sexual content, particularly involving vulnerable groups. Prior to submitting your work, please verify that your submission adheres to these guidelines and contains none of the prohibited material.
  • We accept work from creatives of all ages and backgrounds. All we ask is that you display excellence and passion in your work.
  • We accept works of fiction up to 5,000 words, works of creative nonfiction up to 3,000 words, up to 5 poems per submission, and all kinds of visual art, including digital, traditional, photography, etc.
  • We strive to respond to all submissions within two weeks. Please do not query us regarding the status of your submission until two weeks have passed.
  • By submitting to Lightletter, you are granting the journal the right to electronically publish accepted work and archive it as long as the site remains online. The original writer of the work retains their copyright. If your work is subsequently reprinted elsewhere, please acknowledge Lightletter as the site of first publication.

Once you have reviewed our guidelines, submit your work to Lightletter here!