SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Brussels-based organization Philippine Arts and Culture Exchange (PACE) is calling for creative writing submissions.
From their Instagram page:
Open to Filipinos living outside of the Philippines. All entries in English. Different styles, fiction genres, and poetic trends and traditions are welcome. No AI projects.
Free submission. Deadline March 30 2026 at 23:59.
Poetry
- maximum 40 lines, can submit two, single space
Prose (essays and short stories)
- maximum 1500 words
- indicate word count
Submit a typed word document, using Times New Roman, size 12. Paginate your document. Attach a short bio of maximum 100 words.
Send to pace.be.2024@gmail.com with the following subject: Last name - genre- title.
See: PACE on Instagram
REGULAR SUBMISSIONS:
Our regular submission window is currently closed. It will open again from 15 May to 15 June 2026.
We accept submissions of works falling under the following genres:
• microfiction (between 100 and 250 words)
• short stories (ca. 1000 to 2500 words)
• (creative) non-fiction (ca. 1000 to 2500 words)
• poems (each piece should not be longer than 40 lines or an A4 page)
We are open to different styles, fiction genres, and poetic trends and traditions. The quality of the work is the most important aspect of writing to us.
We look for poetry that combines imagery, emotions, and creative uses of language. We like prose that is written in a clear and rich language, presents compelling tensions and conflicts, and contains characters that readers cannot but care about.
To which email should works be submitted?
Submit your work to manilaliterarymagazine@gmail.com
We suggest that you first create a new contact using our email. This will prevent your email from ending up in our Spam!
Are there submission fees and payment for published work?
We are a no fee, no payment publication at the moment. Our staff are all volunteers who do this work for the love of the written word.
We would love to be able to pay writers, but this is not a possibility at the moment. Our main aim is to give your creative writing a home. Note also that we don't intend to make any money off of your work.
How many literary pieces can be submitted?
For poetry, up to 3 poems. For prose, 1 piece only in a selected prose genre.
We do NOT accept multiple submissions across genres.
How should works be submitted?
• All submissions must be typed in and sent as a Word document attached to your email.
• We prefer fonts like Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial, or Aptos, size 11 or 12.
• Paginate your Word document.
• For prose submissions, we would appreciate a word count at the top righthand corner of the first page.
• Poetry should be single-spaced; all other genres should have 1.5 spacing.
• Name the Word document so: LAST NAME-genre-submission (For example, “JANSSENS-poetry-submission”)
• Submitters should also type the title of their Word document in the subject line of their email.
• Submitters are requested to include in their email a short biographical note of about 50 to 100 words.
How will the pieces be selected for publication?
All submissions will be subject to a double review, meaning copies of the submitted work will be read by at least 2 reviewers. The editors will then make a decision taking into account the reviewers’ recommendations.
When can I expect to receive a decision on my submission?
Reading times can range between 2 weeks to 2 months. We will always acknowledge receipt of your submission. We will do our best to notify you of our decision as quickly as possible.
If you don't hear from us after 2 months, please get in touch by email.
Do I retain copyright to my work?
After publication on our website, copyright reverts back to the authors.
Will previously published work be considered?
Yes, if copyright still belongs to the submitter/author. We will acknowledge the publication in which your work previously appeared.
Are simultaneous submissions considered for publication?
Yes. We ask submitters, however, to let us know as soon as possible if their work has been accepted for publication elsewhere.
Do submitters receive feedback on their work?
Due to the large number of submissions we receive every reading period, we are unable to return feedback to every submitter. If our reviewers think a work could become publishable after revision, we may give comments and suggestions. It is, of course, entirely up to the submitter if they wish to revise their work in light of our feedback.
Are AI-generated material acceptable?
No. We only accept original, human-crafted work.