Fractal is an online literary magazine founded in 2012, edited by students at the University of Southern California. They publish poetry, fiction, and non-fiction with the aim of disturbing the status quo. They like writing that keeps people awake at night, and writing that romances readers with a love for language. Though unquestionably edgy, Fractal publishes writing in various forms and aesthetics. The best way to get a sense of what they publish is by reading past issues online.

Fractal is now accepting submissions for volume 2: issue 1, their fourth published issue. Previous issues, published in May and January of 2012 and 2013, have each featured work from about ten authors. Submitting writers can expect a response within two months.

Poets may submit three to five poems of one page or less. Fiction writers may submit one short story, 1000 to 3000 words, or one piece of flash fiction, 1000 words or fewer. Nonfiction writers may submit one essay or work of creative nonfiction, 3000 words or fewer. Fractal doesn’t accept novel or book excerpts. Submissions are blind, so submitting writers should take care not to include any identifying information in their submissions. Writers in any genre should submit only once per submissions period.

Fractal accepts submissions online, but not via post or email. They accept simultaneous submissions, but ask that writers withdraw work right away if it’s published elsewhere. They don’t accept previously published work.

If you’d like to learn more or submit to Fractal, please visit their website at https://fractalmagazine.submittable.com/submit.