Lucky Jefferson is the literary journal that talks back—generating constructive and interactive conversations around poetry, art, and publishing; redefining publication page by page. We live for poets/writers who have never been published, especially those who sought to pursue poetry and writing later in life. We represent the people and firmly believe that marginalized voices deserve a better platform.
Submission Guidelines:
Lucky Jefferson accepts submissions of unpublished poetry and flash fiction on subjects relating to the current theme or collection.
When submitting:
- Send three poems per submission. Poems should be separated by titles or page breaks.
- Flash fiction should not exceed any more than 1000 words (Microfiction is what's up).
- Include a cover page highlighting your name, email address, mailing address, and bio (third-person, 50 words max). Get creative, don't bore us with the same bio you share with everyone else.
- No submissions via e-mail (unless you're a student—all students submit for free).
- We do not accept translations or work that has been previously published in print or online.
We will not tolerate any work that promotes harmful stereotypes and perspectives including: racism, bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia, xenophobia, antisemitism, ableism.
*Please visit https://luckyjefferson.com/submit for important info should your work be accepted*
Poetry & Prose Summer Contest
Lucky Jefferson is excited to announce its second Poetry and Prose Summer contest!
Why are we doing this? We believe writers deserve opportunities like this (and so much more) and one core part of our mission includes being the difference. Many contests charge fees to enter or make writers and artists jump through hoops with no real return. We want to change that.
- For starters, it's free to enter or submit.
- You'll have 2 months to submit any original and unpublished poetry and prose you want.
- 20 finalists will receive publication in Lucky Jefferson's digital 365 Collection.
- Two finalists from that group (one poetry and one prose) will each receive $100, publication, and a swag box.
Ahmad Almallah is the judge for this contest. Learn more about him and our contest here.
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When submitting:
- Send no more than 5 poems or prose pieces in a submission.
- Keep it short and sweet. Share your name, email address, mailing address, and bio (third-person, 50 words max).
- No work that has been previously published in print or online. Please no ai-generated work.
*We will not tolerate any work that promotes harmful stereotypes and perspectives including: racism, bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia, xenophobia, antisemitism, ableism.
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*Please visit https://luckyjefferson.com/poetry-prose-contest/ for important info should your work be accepted*
PLEASE REVIEW IN FULL BEFORE SUBMITTING
Writing allows us to imagine a world where oppression and trauma don’t exist. And there is a reality where we are not defined by our trauma(s), but through our power—And you’re invited to be a part of that.
Awake is a digital zine and collection of work by Black writers and artists that explores the power we each hold. For a third time, Awake, [Issue 7], will be in print!
Use the prompt below to complete your submission:
"Home" is elusive for many folks in the Black diaspora. We seek to find home in our communities, in our culture, in our bodies, and in each other.
Homecoming invites Black writers to reflect lovingly on the spaces, places, and people that have made them feel at home—like they belong. Whether it's a barber shop in your neighborhood, your auntie's kitchen table, or your favorite sweater, share a poem expressing your love and devotion.
Your work does not need to follow any specific structure, but should celebrate and pay homage to your subject.
*All poetic and creative expressions are welcome (poetry, creative non-fiction, photography, art, etc.)*
PAYMENT (UPON ACCEPTANCE):
$15 — Haiku, Short Poems (<14 lines), Micro Fiction (under 100-300 words)
SUBMIT UP TO 3 PIECES PER UPLOAD
$25 — Prose, Short Story, Flash fiction, Creative-Nonfiction (under 1000 words)
SUBMIT NO MORE THAN 1 PIECE PER UPLOAD
$50 — Hybrid, Experimental, Essays, Long-form pieces. (under 2000 words)
SUBMIT NO MORE THAN 1 PIECE PER UPLOAD
$50 — All Artwork (includes comics, paintings, etc.)
SUBMIT UP TO 3 PIECES PER UPLOAD
Upon acceptance, submissions will be included on our website, in print, and will be eligible to be publicized on social media.
Accepted authors will receive a payout of $15, $25, or $50, each accepted submission.
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We do not accept translations or work that has been previously published in print or online.
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**We encourage you to donate with your submission. Your contribution fuels the publication of Lucky Jefferson as we are a growing independent publication with an all-volunteer staff.
**Previously accepted poets/writers should wait 2 quarters, or two issues, from the time of acceptance, before submitting new work to any open call.**
Upcoming Issue, Bond
In collaboration with currently incarcerated artist Juan Hernandez, Bond invites currently and previously incarcerated individuals, as well as those connected to them, to share creative works that explore the unconventional relationships shaped by incarceration.
This could include connections to objects, communal ties, or bonds formed within the carceral system.
Participants—including friends, family, and pen pals—are encouraged to submit poetry, essays, comics, graphic art, and more to share stories that reveal the human need for connection.
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PAYMENT (UPON ACCEPTANCE):
Selected works that align with the theme will receive a $30 honorarium. The deadline is rolling, or until we gather enough pieces to create a printable publication.
Upon acceptance, submissions will be included on our website, in print, and will be eligible to be publicized on social media. Accepted writers and artists will receive a payout of $30, for each accepted submission.
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We encourage you to donate with your submission. Your contribution fuels the publication of Lucky Jefferson as we are a growing independent publication with an all-volunteer staff.
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*Please visit https://luckyjefferson.com/submit for important info should your work be accepted*
Little Jefferson
Calling all kiddos and teens aspiring to become writers or pursue the arts when they grow up!
Little Jefferson is Lucky Jefferson's way of creating spaces and opportunities for youth ages 9-13 to explore and deepen their joy of writing and grow as young artists.
Upon acceptance, submissions will be included on our website.
When submitting:
• Send no more than three poems or one story in a submission. Use titles or page breaks to separate poems.
• Include a short cover page highlighting the young poet’s name, email address (if applicable), bio, and mailing address. Biographical statements should be 2-3 sentences or 50-75 words—have fun with this and tell us something we'd never know!
Parents/Guardians/Teachers/Youth Organizations are allowed to submit on their child's behalf.
**We do not accept translations or work that has been previously published in print or online.**
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We encourage you to donate with your submission to help us keep this ship sailing. Your contribution fuels the publication of Lucky Jefferson as we are a budding independent journal with an all-volunteer staff.
To keep things fair, previously accepted poets may only submit once each calendar year.