At Shortster, we are interested in making things for the thrill of bringing something that formerly didn't exist into the world for folks to see and savor. We believe in the cultivation and sharing of art, regardless of following or monetary success. To this end, Shortster currently accepts essays, poems, and short stories to be featured in a digital and print magazine. 

For books, we accept unsolicited poetry selections as well as book manuscripts. Please note that every submission is treated as confidential. Furthermore, if you do not receive a response within six weeks of your submission, it means that your submission was not accepted. 

E S S A Y S 

• We are looking for essays on art, creative living, and education which point the reader toward the glory of God that they might experience life with wonder. 

1. Please send your essay to readshortster@gmail.com.

2. In the subject line write "Essay Entry - (Your First Name and Last Name) - (Essay Title)"

3. Essays should be about 250-750 words. 

4. Please include in your email your name, a brief bio about yourself under 75 words. 

5. In the subject line write "Essay Entry - (Your First Name and Last Name) - (Essay Title)"

6. Please send your work as a pdf or a Microsoft Word file. 

S H O R T   S T O R I E S

• We are looking for engaging stories which inspire readers to see the world differently.

1. Please send your short story to readshortster@gmail.com.

2. In the subject line write "Short Story Entry - (Your First Name and Last Name) - (Story Title)"

3. Short stories should be about 500-2,000 words. 

4. Please include in your email your name and a brief bio about yourself that is under 75 words. 

5. In the subject line write "Essay Entry - (Your First Name and Last Name) - (Essay Title)"

6. Please send your work as a pdf or a Microsoft Word file. 

P O E T R Y

• For individual poems:

1. Please send your poem to readshortster@gmail.com.

2. In the body of your email give your name, and a brief bio. 

3. In the subject line write "Poem Entry - (Your First Name and Last Name) - (Poem Title)"

4. Please send your work as a pdf or a Microsoft Word file. 

B O O K S

• For anthologies: 

  1. Please send eight poetry samples to readshortster@gmail.com.

  2. In under 300 words, explain what the unifying theme is in your poetry and what you hope your reader comes away with after reading your work. 

  3.  In the  subject line write "Poetry Submission - (Your First Name and Last Name) - (Potential Title)." 

  4. If your work is accepted, be prepared to provide more. Poetry anthologies must have a minimum of seventy five poems.

• For other narratives: 

  1. Please send a suitable section large enough to grasp the essence of your story while keeping it under 1,000 words. 

  2. In under 300 words provide a gloss of your narrative.

  3.  In the  subject line write, "Book - (Your First Name and Last Name) - (Potential Title)." 

  4. If your work is accepted, be prepared to provide the rest of the work, or a timeline for when the work might be finished.