The Bluebird Word is brand new online journal of short writing. “Like the bluebird who flashes in short takes across our paths, so too should the poems, essays, and stories that fill these pages.” They’re looking for flashes—fiction and nonfiction under 1,000 words—and poems that “capture short takes on life.” They especially like narrative writing that elicits emotion.
The Bluebird Word just launched this year. They aim to publish new writing weekly, as well as to produce monthly compilations. You can get a sense of what they publish by reading the journal online.
The Bluebird Word is especially keen to publish new and emerging authors. They define “emerging authors” as those with five publications or fewer. If you are a new or emerging author, you can note this in your submission.
The Bluebird Word accepts submissions year-round. During their launch they are not charging a fee for submissions, but they might charge a fee later. Submitting authors can expect a response within two to four weeks.
Authors of flash fiction and nonfiction may submit up to 1,000 words. Poets may submit up to three poems. Authors may submit in more than one category.
The Bluebird Word accepts submissions online, using Submittable. They also accept submissions via email, even when Submittable shows there is no open call. Again, they accept submissions year-round; even when Submittable shows otherwise, you can still email your submission. They do not accept submissions by post.
The Bluebird Word accepts simultaneous submissions, but they ask that authors withdraw work published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work.
The Bluebird Word 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 The Bluebird Word, 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.
