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Writing Contest Submissions

Submissions for contests require a small submission fee ($5), and each contest will have a paid winner and runner-up, unless otherwise specified. All general guidelines for submissions apply to contest submissions. Guidelines specific to each contest will be explained on this page.

To read the work from winners in previous contests, visit our Writing Contest page:

Read Our Contest Winners

Current Contest: Faith Feels Like This (October 27–November 21)

 

Hierophany is defined as a manifestation of the divine through the mundane or ordinary. We are looking for poetry submissions that explore sacred experiences through the senses. How do you feel, hear, see, taste, or smell the spiritual? What evidence do you have of holiness in the human experience? Is there a particular vista, fragrance, soundscape, emotion, or even gustatory experience that bridges the gap between you and the sacred?

Channel your inner poet for a chance to win a cash prize!

 

Submission Guidelines:

  1. Literary submissions must be written in English and may not exceed specified word limits: 3 lines to 2 pages.
  2. Please submit works as a DOC, DOCX, or PDF file.
  3. Do not include your name in any of the attachments.
  4. Do not submit previously published work. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please let us know if your piece has been accepted somewhere else.
  5. Current Inscape staff members may not be considered for publication.
  6. We do not accept pieces that invoke the name of deity as an expletive.
  7. We ask that you refrain from submitting anything depicting gratuitous sexual, violent, or otherwise morally objectionable content.
  8. The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited.
  9. Any submission that does not follow these guidelines will not be considered.

Inscape observes US Fair Use copyright doctrine which states that 

  1. Authors must own the copyright of their submitted work and have full power to enter into a publication agreement with Inscape and to convey any rights they may grant to Inscape.
  2. The author’s submitted work constitutes their own original work or gives credit for ideas or material not their own, and does not in any way violate copyright.
  3. The author’s submitted work may not defame, invade the privacy of, violate the civil rights of, or infringe upon the rights of any individuals or third parties.
  4. The author has permission to submit a particular work to Inscape on behalf of all other authors in the event the submitted work has more than one author.