Online Submission Guidelines

Straylight online does not mirror the content of the print addition. This publication is dedicated to exploring narrative of all fashion. We still look for stories and poems with a strong sense of place and moments that are character-centered rather than those that rely on plot turns and literary tricks. However, we welcome submissions that cross genre boundaries as well as those that explore the way that visual art, music, and literature combine to produce new manifestations of story and verse.

We welcome the following submissions:

Fiction

Flash Fiction. We would like to see stories under 1,000 words. Genre is less important than interesting characters, plot and setting.
Serialized Work. We’re also interested in looking at work of novelette and novella-length. We’ll consider any genre, but look at mainly mainstream and postmodern work. We’ll read manuscripts up to 45,000 words in length, and the author must be willing to work with our editors throughout the process of publication. Response time is 3 months on full mss. and 3 weeks on queries. Query first if you haven’t read our publication.

Poetry

Prose Poetry. Any subject. Response time is 2 months.
Poetry-Visual Art. The visual work must be original, creative commons or public domain. Response time is 2 months.

Process and Projects

Process Pieces. We’re interested in the process of visual and literary art, and the way it evolves. Artists who have worked with us in the past, please query about documenting your production at various stages.
Projects. Straylight Online will occasionally consider dedicating entire pages to projects like exquisite corpses or themed prose or poetry groupings. We normally send out calls for submissions for such projects but will consider queried proposals. Response time is 3 weeks.

Reviews

Books. We accept book reviews and queries. We receive advance copies from several publishers. Interested reviewers fill out the Review Form
Films. We accept reviews of current and upcoming films. We prefer reviews of about 1,000 words.

Print Edition Submission Guidelines

Fiction and Poetry Guidelines

Straylight is interested in publishing high quality, character-based fiction of any style. We tend not to publish strict genre pieces, though we may query them for future special issues. We do not publish erotica. We will consider poetry of almost any style as long as it is inventive. However, we urge you to review a sample copy of the journal before you submit in order to get a feel for what we publish.

We read from August 15th to April 15th. Submissions received outside the reading dates will be returned, unread.
Send your work to the following address, care of the appropriate fiction or poetry editor:

Straylight
English Department
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
900 Wood Road
Kenosha, WI 53141

Please include a self addressed stamped envelope with the manuscript for correspondence.
Straylight does accept electronic submissions. In fact, we prefer them. To submit your work electronically, format your manuscript as a Word document (.doc or .docx). Submit your work via email by filling out our submission form and attaching your work before sending it.

Submit one story or three to six poems. We will consider work between 1000-5000 words in length but prefer stories between 1500-3000 words. Submit only one manuscript at a time. We will not consider entire novels or partial manuscripts.

Include a cover letter with a brief bio (25 words or so) with your submission.

Simultaneous submissions will not be considered. Reporting time is about 2 months.

Manuscripts should be typed and double spaced, with the author’s name and contact information in the upper left hand corner of the first page of the work. Poems can be single spaced, and the author information should appear on each poem. Print submissions must be accompanied by a SASE or they will not be read or responded to.
We buy first North American serial rights, and we currently pay in copies, although we hope to be able to offer more substantial payment soon