Updated May 21st 2024: They closed to submissions before their deadline which is unfortunate. They reopen in August.
The Orange & Bee is an online publication that aims to, “explore, expand on, and subvert the rich traditions of international folklore, including fairy tales, fables, myths, and legends.” They primarily publish fiction, poetry, and hybrid writing, but they also occasionally publish reviews, as well as annotated stories that include discussion questions and writing prompts.
The Orange & Bee publishes all forms and styles of writing. They accept free verse, formal, and experimental poems, and short stories in all fairy tale genres. They are especially interested in showcasing diverse perspectives.
So far, The Orange & Bee has published one online edition, released this year on Substack throughout March and April. Though the first issue features exclusively commissioned writing, their second issue will primarily showcase non-solicited submitted work.
Right now they are open to submissions for their second issue through May 31. They will open again to submissions for their third issue from August 1-14, and then again for their fourth issue from November 1-14.
Authors of fiction may submit one short story, 4,000 words or fewer, or one flash, 1,000 words or fewer. The word limits are firm. Poets may submit one poem of any length, though The Orange & Bee prefers poems of 50 lines or fewer. Authors should send only one submission during each submission window.
The Orange & Bee pays authors who are published in their journal. Authors of fiction receive $0.08 per word for short stories, and $80 per flash. Poets receive $50 per poem.
The Orange & Bee also accepts experimental and hybrid writing, including work that combines life writing with fiction or poetry. They pay the same rate for hybrid writing as they do for fiction.
The Orange & Bee accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They do not accept simultaneous submissions, but they respond quickly, usually within two weeks.
They do not accept previously published writing or writing generated or assisted by AI. They only accept 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 The Orange & Bee, 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.
