Shift is a journal of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and translations, as well as image-based and hybrid writing. They especially love “literary oddities”: “language-based creations that push boundaries, challenge expectations, and defy easy categorization.” The journal is produced and published by students at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.

Shift was established in 2018, and since then they’ve published seven annual issues. Each edition is available online as a free digital journal, and in print. Most issues contain writing from around 40 contributors.

Now through January 15, 2026, Shift is seeking submissions for their eighth issue. Authors of fiction and nonfiction may submit pieces up to 4,000 words. Poets may submit poems up to 75 lines. Authors may submit up to five pieces across all categories (poetry, fiction, and nonfiction), and each piece must be sent as a separate submission. This includes poems, which should be submitted one at a time. Submitting authors will receive a response by May 31, 2026.

All authors published in Shift receive a print copy of the journal. Shift also nominates authors published in the journal for prizes and anthologies like Best of the Net, The Pushcart Prize, and others.

Authors of especially strong submissions might be invited to join Ringling’s Visiting Writers Forum, “a conversation series with authors and other literary professionals.” You can learn more about the Visiting Writers Forum here.

Shift accepts submissions using an online form, not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions, but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work.

Shift does not accept writing generated by AI. They only accept submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online, so please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Shift, please visit that website here.