Syncopation is a journal of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry inspired by music. They accept writing by new, emerging, and established authors, both musicians and non-musicians alike. You can read the journal online to get a sense of what they publish.
Syncopation is helmed in Canada, and the journal has been published online since 2022. So far, they’ve published seven issues, each with writing from around 40-50 contributors.
Now through March 1, they’re seeking submissions for Volume 4, Issue 2, scheduled for publication in June. The theme of this issue is “The ‘80s”: “Syncopation wants your poetry and prose that relates to the music of this colourful decade.” Some examples of topics that could be explored include: “Tributes to the artists we lost in the 1980s such as John Lennon and Marvin Gaye,” “Soundtracks of ’80s movies such as Purple Rain, Pretty in Pink, etc.,” and “German pop music of the 1980s.”
Authors of fiction may submit one short story, 7,500 words or fewer, or one flash, 1,000 words or fewer. Authors of creative nonfiction may submit one piece, 5,000 words or fewer. Poets may submit up to three poems.
Authors may send one submission in each genre per submission period. Submitting authors should note that it’s difficult to publish another artist’s song lyrics, so it’s best to paraphrase when possible.
Syncopation accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They do not accept simultaneous submissions, but they aim to respond to all submissions in a timely manner. They do accept previously published writing, and authors should note any previous publishers in the submission.
Syncopation only accepts writing that follows the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.
If you would like to learn more or submit to Syncopation, 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.
