Submissions – The Great Islander.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
THE GREAT ISLANDER JOURNAL
(POETRY ~ PROSE ~ CREATIVE ARTS)

  1. What we’re about:
    The Great Islander Journal is a welcoming, modern, inclusive space for poetry, prose, and the creative arts. We are committed to creativity, fairness, and community. We are proudly LGBTQ+ friendly. We celebrate original human-made work and a wide range of voices and styles. We actively welcome as many diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives as we can hear.
  2. Reading window & publication timeline:
    We accept submissions year-round. Our first print/digital edition is planned for 2026; selections may also appear on our website and affiliated platforms before or after that date.
  3. How to submit:
    Email your work to: greatislandscreativearts@gmail.com
    Subject line: “Submission – [Genre] – [Your Name]”.
    Attach files rather than pasting full work into the email body. Include a short third-person bio (50–80 words), your country/location, and any relevant links.
  4. Genres, limits, and file types:
    • Poetry: up to 5 poems (max 40 lines each). One document preferred.
    • Prose (fiction or creative nonfiction/essay): 1 piece up to 2,500 words, or up to 3 flash pieces under 1,000 words each (all in one file).
    • Visual art/photography: up to 6 images (JPEG/PNG, 300 dpi preferred). Please include brief captions and your preferred title(s).
    • Hybrid/other media (audio/video/performance scores, comics, ekphrasis, etc.): query first or send a short description with links; if attaching, use MP3/WAV (audio) or MP4 (video).
    Accepted text formats: .docx or .rtf preferred (PDF accepted for visual work only). Max email size 20 MB.
  5. Absolutely no AI content:
    We do not accept AI-generated work in any format (text, images, audio, video). Submissions must be fully created and by you without AI tools. We may request process notes to confirm human authorship. Work found to be AI-generated will be declined.
  6. Content standards:
    We welcome challenging, honest work. However, we do not accept pornographic, obscene, or gratuitously exploitative material; hate speech; harassment; or discriminatory content. If your piece contains potentially triggering material (e.g., sexual violence, self-harm, suicide, child harm, domestic abuse, graphic medical procedures), include a clear content note at the top of the file and in your email (e.g. Content Note: suicide, grief). Omission of a reasonable content note may result in decline.
  7. Simultaneous submissions, multiple submissions, and previously published work:
    • Simultaneous submissions are welcome—please notify us immediately if your piece is accepted elsewhere.
    • Multiple submissions across genres are fine; please send separate emails per genre and respect the limits above.
    • We prefer unpublished work. If submitting previously published work, clearly state prior publication details and confirm you have the right to re-publish. We may consider reprints on a case-by-case basis.
  8. Formatting (standard journal layout):
    • Use a clean, readable font (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond, Georgia, or similar), 12-pt.
    • Prose: double-spaced, 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins, page numbers, and word count on the first page.
    • Poetry: single-spaced with clear stanza breaks; maintain intended indents/spacing.
    • File name: LastName_FirstName_Genre_TitleOrKeyword.docx (e.g., Murphy_Aoife_Poetry_Tide.docx).
    • Include your name and contact email on the first page only (we may anonymise for reading).
    • We welcome work in any language. Please include an accurate and complete English translation alongside the original (poetry: line-for-line; prose/essay: full text; audio/video: captions or a transcript). We may publish bilingual presentations where space allows.
  9. Rights & payment:
    • Contributors retain copyright. If accepted, you grant us First Serial Rights (print and/or online) and non-exclusive archival rights to keep the work available in our online archive and in any digital/print anthology directly associated with the journal. Rights revert to you upon publication; please credit us in any future publication (e.g., “First published in The Great Islander Journal”).
    • At present, publication is not guaranteed for any submission, and publication decisions will be discussed with the creator at the appropriate juncture. Any payment or contributor copy policy will be announced with acceptances (currently under review).
  10. Editorial process & ethics:
    • We read blind where possible to ensure fairness. Please avoid identifying information in the manuscript body.
    • We reserve the right to suggest light edits for clarity, house style, or accessibility; substantial edits will only be made with your consent.
    • Plagiarism, copyright infringement, defamation, or misrepresentation (including AI use) will result in rejection and future ineligibility.
    • For factual nonfiction, be prepared to provide sources upon request.
    • If you are under 18, confirm you have parental/guardian consent to submit.
  11. Accessibility & inclusivity:
    • We encourage alt text for images (one sentence is fine) and captions or brief transcripts for audio/video. If you need accessibility accommodations in the submission process, let us know—we’re happy to help.
    • Our editorial stance is explicitly LGBTQ+ inclusive, anti-racist, and anti-discriminatory. Work that undermines those values will not be considered.
  12. Response times & withdrawals:
    • We aim to respond within 8–12 weeks, but times can vary. You’re welcome to query politely after 12 weeks.
    • To withdraw a piece, email us with the subject line “Withdrawal – [Genre] – [Your Name] – [Title]”. If withdrawing one poem from a set, specify which.
  13. Privacy & data:
    We will use your contact information only for communication about your submission and, if accepted, for publication logistics. We comply with applicable data protection laws. You may request deletion of your information at any time (except where required for legal/archival records of published issues).
  14. Community conduct:
    By submitting, you agree to interact respectfully with editors, readers, and contributors. Abusive or harassing behaviour will result in removal from consideration.
  15. Final notes:
    Submission does not guarantee publication. Editorial decisions are final. If accepted, we will liaise with you regarding edits, scheduling, and presentation. We can’t wait to read your work.

Send submissions and queries to: greatislandcreativearts@gmail.com

Proudly supported by Great Island Creative Arts CLG.