Submission Guidelines:
Theme
We are interested in quiet works – pieces that whisper rather than roar. Give us contemplations on three a.m. train rides, stones skipped on stormy beaches, and all that falls in between. We also have a particular interest in pieces that explore nature and its interactions with the human condition. Vibrant descriptions too are something we have a fondness for particularly in smaller pieces which can pack a resounding punch.
Genre
While we have no limitations regarding genre, pieces that feature homophobia, transphobia, racism, xenophobia, or misogyny will not be considered for publication. We also ask that erotica not be submitted.
Word Count
The maximum word count for fiction and creative nonfiction is set at approximately 3,000 words. Any submissions which surpasses 3,500 words will not be considered.
Poetry has no set line or word count limit. We do ask, however, that any individual poem does not exceed three pages in length (the total submission may exceed this page count).
Limit
You may submit up to three fiction or creative nonfiction pieces at once. If you intend to submit in both categories, we kindly ask you send them as two separate submissions.
Poetry submissions may include up to three poems.
We allow simultaneous submissions but ask you to reach out immediately should your submitted piece(s) be accepted elsewhere.
Queries & Format
All submissions should be sent to floatingacornreview@gmail.com and should be formatted the following way:
Your email subject line should include the genre you are submitting in, the number of pieces, and your name. Ex: “Fiction 2 by [INSERT NAME]”
All submitted pieces should be in one attachment (Google docs or Word preferred) at 12 point Times New Roman font unless specific formatting is necessary. Please note that how you format your piece within the submission is how it will appear in the issue should it be selected for publication.
Additionally, we ask that you include how you wish your name to appear in print and an author bio of approximately 100 words.
Response Time
Within 72 hours of you sending your submission, you should receive a confirmation email from us that your pieces have been received. If you do not receive such correspondence, please reach out to us again!
As we are a small magazine, it may take us several weeks to respond to your submission. However, we try our best to ensure that our response takes no longer than 60 days so you are not left hanging.
If your piece(s) are accepted, congratulations! We will communicate either via email or our social media pages to keep you informed regarding when the issue will be published.
If your piece(s) are rejected, we highly encourage you to submit new work in the future. Unfortunately, not every piece is a good match for every literary magazine.
Copyright Information
By submitting a piece, you are giving Floating Acorn Review ‘first electronic rights’. This means we have first rights to digitally publish and, upon publication, the rights will revert back to you, the author. You will have the ability to then re-publish the piece elsewhere if you so chose. We do ask, however, that should your piece appear elsewhere, you mention this magazine as the first place of publication.
FAQ
What kind of work do you publish?
We publish fiction, flash fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction that lingers—quiet pieces, strange pieces, tender pieces. We’re drawn to work that glows softly rather than shouts, stories that feel like finding something forgotten in a pocket.
Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes! Just let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere so we can withdraw it from consideration.
Do you accept previously published work?
We generally prefer unpublished work, including pieces not posted on personal blogs or social media. If a piece has had a very limited appearance, feel free to ask us first.
How many pieces can I submit?
Each submission period:
- Poetry/Prose: up to 3 poems
- Fiction, Flash, CNF: 3 piece per category
Please submit each piece as part of the same submission when possible.
Do you charge a submission fee?
We aim to keep submissions free whenever possible. If we ever introduce a small fee, it will go directly toward site upkeep and contributor compensation.
How long will it take to hear back?
Response times typically range from 4–8 weeks. We read carefully and slowly. If it’s been longer, feel free to gently nudge us.
