Bracken is an online literary magazine exploring “human nature as part of nature.” Stunning original artwork coupled with poetry and short fiction makes this eye-catching digital journal a memorable read. They publish a wide range of forms and writing styles for a broad audience, but they tend to favor lyrical magical realism. You can get a sense of their style by reading Bracken online, and by reading interviews with editors Alina Rios and Jed Meyers, available here and here.
Published twice a year since it launched in 2016, Bracken has produced six issues. And, in May of 2019 they released their first print anthology. Right now, they are open to submissions through April 1st. Submitting authors can expect a response within two months, though Bracken often responds sooner. Poets may submit up to four poems, 100 lines or fewer each.
Bracken prefers shorter poems, and although they accept all forms and styles, they tend to favor lyrical poetry about the natural world. They especially like poems with trees. Bracken pays poets $15 for each poem published in the journal. Authors of fiction must pitch to Bracken before sending complete stories. A pitch consists of an excerpt, 300 words or fewer, along with a short cover letter. Complete stories should be 2,500 words or fewer.
Bracken prefers emotional, lyrical fiction about the natural world. They pay authors of fiction $0.04 per word, with a minimum payment of $50. Bracken accepts submissions online, not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw work published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work or multiple submissions. Bracken accepts submissions from authors of all ages, races, nationalities, ethnicities, classes, sexual orientations, religions, and disabilities.
If you would like to learn more or submit to Bracken, please visit their website here.
Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.
