BTWN Magazine is an online journal of unexpected, genre-bending writing: “We focus on exploring alternative literature and hybrid forms, encouraging artists to surprise us.” In addition to hybrid pieces, they publish a wide range of other writing and artwork, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, comics, graphic stories, scripts, screenplays, periodicals, interviews, and reviews.
BTWN Magazine was established in 2023, and since then they’ve produced five issues. The downloadable zine is published twice a year, and it’s available for purchase online. They also published the first two issues in print as a boxed set. The covers of BTWN are bold and eye-catching, featuring intriguing original designs.
Now through April 1, BTWN is accepting submissions for next issue, scheduled for publication on June 17. After that, they’ll open again for submissions from June 30 through August 20. Submission received during that time will be considered for publication in their October 31 edition. They’re also planning to produce a print publication in November or December this year.
Authors of fiction and creative nonfiction may submit up to 7,000 words. They accept a wide range of create nonfiction, including personal essays, interviews, and reviews.
Poets may submit up to four poems, totaling ten pages or fewer. They accept a wide range of poetic expression: “Submissions may take any poetic form and include a mix of prose, art, or unique formatting as long as these elements are used purposefully.”
BTWN also accepts hybrid writing, up to 7,000 words; comics and graphic stories, up to ten pages; scripts and screen plays, up to 20 pages; and periodicals, up to 14,000 words, or 20 pages for poetry.
They also accept longer writing in all genres to be published across two issues.
In general, BTWN is looking for writing that subverts expectations: “We are actively seeking submissions that are unapologetically weird and push the boundaries of traditional genres.” They also, “embrace the darker side of human existence.”
One contributor each year will receive the BTWN literary award, a prize of CAD $100. The award recognizes an exceptional submission that makes a significant contribution to the literary world.
BTWN accepts submissions using an online form, not via email or by post. They do not accept previously published writing. Submitting authors can expect a response within four to six months, or sooner.
BTWN only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting. Please note, you need to have a Google account to use their submission form. If you don’t have one, you can always create a free Google Account here.
If you would like to learn more or submit to BTWN, 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. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.
