Capsule Stories is a print literary magazine seeking stories, essays, and poems that speak to the heart. Since what speaks to the heart is often written from the heart, they’re looking for writing that shows, “what living in this world as the human you are is like.”
Capsule Stories is published four times a year, in the spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each attractively designed print edition contains work from around 40 contributors: approximately 10 authors of prose and 30 poets. They’ve been publishing consistently since 2019.
Although they accept submissions year-round, right now through November 30th they’re seeking submissions specifically for their spring 2022 edition, themed “Into the Light.” This issue will focus on “growth and new possibilities after a long, dark winter.” They’re especially interested in sunny, happy writing that takes place in spring.
Poets may submit up to five poems. Authors of short stories and essays may submit one piece, 3,000 words or fewer. Authors should send only one submission at a time.
Capsule Stories is also looking for essays, 3,000 words or fewer, to publish on their blog. Right now, they’re seeking submissions on the topic “your reading life.” They’re especially interested in posts that talk about reading the right book at the right time: “Tell us about that book that came into your life at the exact right moment in time and how it spoke to you.” Although they don’t pay for blog posts, they do promote the writing they publish. They accept blog posts on a rolling basis.
Capsule Stories 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, including writing published on personal websites or social media.
Capsule Stories only accepts submissions that adhere to the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.
If you would like to learn more or submit to Capsule Stories, 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.
