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Lucky Jefferson accepts submissions of unpublished poetry and flash fiction on subjects relating to the current theme or collection.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*
PLEASE REVIEW IN FULL BEFORE SUBMITTING
76% of all representation in publishing is through the lens of non-BIPOC writers, editors, and artists. And it's through this lens that historically underrepresented cultures, narratives, and a sense of belonging are throttled.
Our Solution:
Lucky Jefferson's research began with support from Illinois Humanities in 2023. We surveyed Black, African, and African-American-identifying writers and artists residing in Chicago's North Side, West Side, and South Side neighborhoods to better evaluate the needs and interests of local creatives. We are now expanding our research to Black, African, and African-American-identifying writers and artists located across the United States.
How You Can Help:
This self-guided survey will deepen our understanding of the national literary community as we plan to cultivate storytelling and interactive experiences, between neighborhoods and artists.
Earn $5 when you complete this digital survey. By taking 5-10 minutes to support our research, you'll be helping shape the literary landscape throughout the country.
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Don't forget to also complete this form in Submittable!
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**For questions or other requests, please email research@luckyjefferson.com.**
Upcoming Print Issue, Ember
Share nature-based poetry for our upcoming digital publication, Ember. This issue delves deep into humanity's intricate dance with the natural world.
Themes your work may explore:
- Wildfire Symbolism—Interpret the raw power, beauty, and devastation of wildfires as a metaphorical backdrop.
- Humanity's Control Over Nature—Explore our attempts to harness and manipulate the natural world, and the consequences thereof. Our
- Abuse of Nature—Convey the poignant narratives of nature's exploitation and the toll it takes on our planet.
- Our Appreciation and Obsession with Nature and Artifacts—Delve into our enduring fascination with the natural world and our creations, from the sublime to the mundane.
- Metaphorical Relation Between Wildfires and Personal Life/Struggles—Draw parallels between the wildfires of nature and more personal challenges, resilience, and transformation.
Examples of what we're looking for: K.yah | Saad: Toward an Open Poetics by Jake Skeets / Writing a Poem Is All I Can Do for You by Wu Sheng
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, Hybrid/Experimental (under 1000 words)
SUBMIT NO MORE THAN 1 PIECE PER UPLOAD
$25 — 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 or $25, 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*
Upcoming Digital Issue, Wildflower
BIPOC autistic writers and artists are invited to embrace their inner wildflowers by sharing poems, flash fiction, creative non-fiction, art, and more for this digital publication.
We invite you to:
- Describe the inner life and beauty of introspection/introvertedness
- Share experiences being on the spectrum
- Share experiences being a BIPOC artist or writer on the spectrum
- Share experiences with sexuality (and beyond) on the spectrum
Examples of what we're looking for: “When does the kosanba rest?” by Leslie McIntosh / bad road by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
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, Hybrid/Experimental (under 1000 words)
SUBMIT NO MORE THAN 1 PIECE PER UPLOAD
$25 — 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 or $25, each accepted submission.
________
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.
________
*Please visit https://luckyjefferson.com/submit 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 authors that explores the power we each hold. For a second time, Awake, [Issue 6], will be in print!
Use the prompt below to complete your submission:
What survival skills are necessary to exist?
Submit poetry, essays, creative nonfiction, and more, about your experiences outdoors and how Black people survive, thrive, navigate oppression and privilege in nature.
*All poetic expressions are welcome (haikus, creative non-fiction, art, poetry, etc.)*
Examples of what we're looking for: The Bison Run with Chango by Frank X Walker / First Fire by Camille T. Dungy
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 make a donation 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.**
Little Jefferson
Calling all kiddos 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 children and pre-teens 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. Poems should poems separated by titles or page breaks.
• 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.