Penstricken is a new online journal of short fiction and poetry. Their goal is to showcase writing by new authors (though they do accept writing from authors at all levels), and to offer readers stories and poems with vivid, compelling characters. “We love stories that draw us into the beating heart of a character and allow us to experience life through their eyes.” They also appreciate “elegant wordcraft” and writing with lots of sensory details.
Now through October 20, Penstricken is seeking submissions for their first issue, scheduled for publication this winter.
Poets may submit up to five poems, 40 lines or fewer each. Penstricken is looking for poems that tell a clear story: “Don’t just give us beautiful words (though do give us beautiful words). Give us characters.”
Authors of fiction may submit stories up to 5,000 words. Stories under 1,000 words will need to be exceptional to be published. They accept all genres of fiction, though they do aim to keep the journal “family-friendly”: “We are unlikely to accept anything with excessive graphic imagery or bad language.” They are also looking for stories with a clear plot, and a well-defined beginning, middle, and end.
Penstricken also accepts articles about writing. Authors may submit articles with writing advice or publishing tips, 1,000 to 2,000 words. These can also be personal essays, but they should offer some sort of practical advice.
Penstricken is especially interested in receiving submissions from unpublished or new authors. Submitting authors can expect a response within eight to twelve weeks.
Penstricken accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work, or writing that has been generated by AI.
Penstricken only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.
If you would like to learn more or submit to Penstricken, 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.
