Bridge Journal Open Call for Submissions (Volume 26, Issue 1)

About the Open Call

Bridge is dedicated to fostering global conversations about culture and society since 1999. As an independent, intersectional not-for-profit organization based in Chicago, it publishes both hard-bound journals and an online magazine. This open call welcomes submissions from established and emerging writers and artists across diverse categories including poetry, literary fiction, creative nonfiction, visual art, cultural criticism, design, and hybrid work. The organization also accepts reviews and interviews for its online magazine. Through its Bridge Books division, which includes StepSister Press and Hurm Editions, Bridge also publishes monographs, literary fiction, poetry, graphic novels, and transgressive genre fiction, seeking to challenge conventions and support underrepresented voices.

What is Offered

Publication in the Bridge Journal (V26 N1), online magazine, or print editions. Contributor copies provided for some projects.

Requirements

Submissions are open to established and emerging writers and artists. All submissions must be made through the Submittable online system. General requirements include a cover letter with the title, year, author, and a short bio (under 250 words). Literary fiction submissions are typically 2,000-5,000 words. For nonfiction and scholarly work, a proposal abstract, chapter list, and a sample introduction/first chapter are required. Visual art, comics, and visual poetry require print-quality images (minimum 300 dpi, 4x5") with full caption information. Design submissions require a title and design submission or a 300-word summary. Note that exclusive submissions are required for Bridge Books, while simultaneous submissions are accepted for the Bridge Journal and Magazine. Proof of copyright for translated literature is necessary.

How to Apply

Submissions are accepted exclusively through the online Submittable system. Applicants must create an account and pay a reading fee. Required materials generally include a cover letter, title, year, author, mailing address for contributor copy, and a short bio. Specific requirements vary by category (e.g., completed manuscripts for book-length fiction/poetry, proposals for nonfiction/scholarly work, print-quality images for visual art). Refer to the full submission guidelines on the website for detailed instructions.