The Boiler Journal publishes new and emerging writers on a quarterly-basis.
We retain first publication rights. After publication, rights revert back to you. We only ask that you credit us with the first publication, thereafter.
If your piece is accepted elsewhere let us know immediately. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; please be sure to promptly withdraw your piece if it’s accepted elsewhere.
We read year-round. Send us your best stuff. Show us how it does under pressure. We pride ourselves in being advocates of the writing we publish.
We ask that you place all work in one document with a cover letter and short bio. Submit to The Boiler Journal (We encourage you to read our past issues to get an idea of what we publish.) WE DO NOT ACCEPT EMAIL SUBMISSIONS.
We don’t read stories about creative writing classes, stories about “break-ups”, about the supernatural, with too many adverbs, keg parties, stories without meaning or catharsis, anything fluffy or overwrought. We’ve heard it all before. Of course, there are the exceptional few.
Every sentence should help, not hurt, the piece. Tie up loose ends, ask if anything is missing. Ask, “Would I want to read this?”
**Please submit no more than one submission per genre. We are not opposed to an author submitting to more than one genre. (Prose should be double-spaced, limited to one stand alone story or excerpt and poetry one submission is 3-5 poems, all submissions should be times new roman).
Poetry guidelines:
It’s simple. The Boiler is looking for great poetry. Poetry from those hungry writers with something to say. Poems that refuse to sit still on the tongue and in the mind. Poems that believe in risk and precision. So send us 3 – 5 poems of your best work. We are excited to see what you and your words are up to.
Fiction guidelines:
The Boiler is currently seeking fiction submissions showing off the flawed character, the comedic iron, and or heated scenarios that put readers in a position to feel abandoned after the story ends.
These attributes should meld from an American ideal, and harden from a mold that the author finds passionate in unmatched personality.
At The Boiler, we feel that elements of strangeness should ring true and a unique attitude toward place and manner should embody a story’s creation. Displaying the imperfections of spirit and the mind is the Boiler’s purpose.
By all means, like a die lifted from the kiln we want our hearts pulled from us, cooled and ready for the next. We are looking for great American work—something the craftsman is proud to display on their mantel.
Short stories or excerpts from stories of up to 2,500 words.
Non-Fiction guidelines:
Here at The Boiler Journal, we understand the writing process is difficult. If it’s not, you’re doing it wrong. We are looking for honest, detailed truth that comes more from the heart than the head; stories about discovery, the unknown, the all-consuming, but above all, stories that, by the time we’re finished reading, we want to keep in our back pocket.
Pieces up to 2,500 words.
500 Word Challenge:
We invite you to put yourself and the audience under pressure and write a good story in 500 words. Every once in a while, we’ll find a good one and place it in an issue. You’ll be able to pat yourself on the back, knowing you did something worthwhile. In the future, we hope to be able to pay a fee for the best of the best of these.
Submit for best 500 word memoir or 500 word short fiction.
Questions or comments: theboilerjournal@gmail.com
