Submissions!
Submission Guidelines
***General Submissions for Issue #7 currently OPEN (except poetry) thru February 28, 2026 @ midnight***
***Submissions for Issue 7’s theme-page “Bucolia” are currently OPEN***
We are looking for original, unpublished work; however, we are also all about reprinting strong pieces that aren't done making their “rounds” (just let us know where reprints they were originally published and acknowledge you currently retain the rights to them). Please do let us know if your submission (or part of your submission) has been accepted elsewhere ASAP by leaving us a “Note” via our Submittable page so we can omit said portion from consideration and give you a heartfelt “Congratulations!”
The Argyle accepts general submissions for poetry, short fiction, essays, interviews, reviews, and more.
Short fiction, CNF, & Essays – up to 3 pieces (approximately 3,000 words each). We can be a little flexible for longer pieces).
Poetry – up to 6 poems (no limitations, but rhyme at your own risk).
Interviews & Reviews – query us to pitch your ideas.
Articles - between 750 and 2500 words is the "sweet spot" (and pay careful attention to overuse of passive voice). The Argyle is open to articles about writing, art, and especially the intersections between writing, literature, the visual arts, and culture. Query us to pitch your ideas.
Digital Art - up to 5 submissions. Color and black & white accepted. Work that is strongly poetic and/or narrative works nicely. This includes multi-modal prose/verse submissions.
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Theme 06: “Bucolia”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘bucolia’ as “relating to or typical of rural life; pleasing or picturesque in natural simplicity; idyllic” which makes the concept perfect for the beginning of the new year. Shifting gears and taking a brief hiatus from the hustle and bustle of modern life, immersing ourselves into the quiet rhythms of nature, is just what the doctor ordered for a much needed “reset” to better prepare ourselves for the chaos and uncertainty 2026 will surely bring.
Submissions for Theme 06: “Bucolia” open January 1st, 2026, for your poetry, fiction, CNF, and digital art that centers around all things bucolic.
All submissions MUST center around rural life. Submissions can focus on the beauty (or peril) nature brings, or they can speak to the serenity (or boredom) of living in quiet spaces. Possibilities abound. Farms. Ranches. Orchards. Rivers. Harvests. Gardens. Flowers. Birds. Animals. The list goes on…
Of course, there is a catch. In keeping with the bucolic spirit, submissions should demonstrate the simplicity of nature/rural life, even in its complexities. Pieces should emanate a sense of quiet and calm. But, as we all know, such a sense of absence can be disturbing and unnerving, sometimes maddening.
Have fun with it!
***Submissions for Theme 06: “Bucolia” open December 15th, 2026 @ midnight!!!***
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***No submissions created with AI (either partially or totally) may be submitted for consideration!***
Simultaneous and Previously Published Work
We encourage simultaneous submissions of your work. We do ask that if your submission (or part of your submission) is accepted elsewhere, you contact us ASAP via our submissions manager Submittable via “Messages” and let us know so we can remove said work from consideration.
We also accepted previously published work for general (and some “themed”) submissions. Submitters must possess the right to reprint their work and attest to that fact in their submission emails, also providing the name of the original publisher, so we can give the proper credit.
Submission Fees and Payment
General, Theme, and (Micro)Chap submissions to The Argyle are always free. Currently, we are not able to pay our contributors in anything but undying gratitude and virtual hugs; HOWEVER, we will gladly promote your work (submitted or otherwise) on social media. Just shoot us an email at contact@theargylelitmag.com with an update so we can spread the news.
Rights
The Argyle Literary Magazine asks for First Electronic Rights and Non-Exclusive Archival Rights. All other rights remain with the artist. Agreeing to have your work published in The Argyle also means you agree to have your work (or parts of your work) printed in digital/paper issues of the magazine (if produced) and future anthologies, as well as mentioned and/or discussed in any of The Argyle’s podcasts, social media postings, interviews, shindigs, and/or other happenings. Of course, we do ask if you reprint your work elsewhere that you credit The Argyle as the original publisher.
Again, we are all about reprinting strong work, so those submitting pieces for reprint must possess the rights to do so and attest to that fact in their submission emails. The Argyle Literary Magazine assumes no liability for unlawfully submitted material.
