dirtcakes welcomes writing and art of all genres—the surreal, the 21st century, the conventional.
- we do not necessarily believe the polemic, strident, or didactic makes the best art. While an implicitly activist publication, we prefer works that say some thing before they say Something.
- we are always looking for artistic crackheads—creators capable of inducing a metaphorical skull fissure, letting new light reach the dark recesses of the brain. And the heart, of course.
- our limited budget seeks to lighten the hunger of the starving artist: Payment of $25 and 2 contributor copies will accompany all accepted artists.
- we love work in any language. Please include author-approved English translation. All text will appear in English, original language, and any other author-provided translations.
- previously published work, including publication in an online venue which provides edited image or word content, is not accepted.
- simultaneous submissions are encouraged. Please notify us upon acceptance elsewhere.
- submitting in multiple categories and themes is okay, too.
- dirtcakes acquires First Serial Rights to publish on our website, to print, and the right to keep credited work in our archives.
- dirtcakes is a homegrown and operated.
Guidelines for Creative Nonfiction
- we accept personal narratives, immersion journalism, satires, reflections, meditations, and textual & cultural analyses.
- acceptable formats include.doc, .rtf., .pdf., and .docx
- send submission of up to 5,000 words to dirtcakes.new.nonfiction@gmail.com
Guidelines for Poetry
- all forms, schools, and creeds are considered.
- acceptable formats include .doc, .rtf., .pdf., and .docx
- send up to 5 poems/10 pages to dirtcakes.new.poetry@gmail.com
Guidelines for Visual Media
- we accept photography, paintings, drawings, and computer art.
- photography may not be computer-manipulated in any way.
- all images are considered for cover, which will be printed in full color at 6×9 inches. It will include the name of the journal and the issue number (see examples).
- artwork published within the journal will be printed in b&w, though we make make a limited run of color interiors. The images may also be displayed on our online version, where they will be full color.
- there are no restrictions or thematic guidelines for subject matter.
- acceptable formats include png, jpg, jpeg, or gif file type, and don’t need to be full resolution, 800×600 pixels is fine, and must be smaller than 2mb.
- send no more than 5 images to dirtcakes.new.art@gmail.com
Reading Periods:
Issue #6 – Is there a witchcountryplayingwhoatomicfeelgoodoctopusofstrangelovequinnpepperswithoutborderskevorkianruthbunsenhoneydew in the house?
Dedicated to U.N. Millennium Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases.
- What forms do doctors take in our global societies?
- What kind of healing do we need most?
- What qualifies as medicine?
- How does the advance of/resistance to medical progress shape our world?
- Do doctored items–drinks, documents–promote the antonym of the title?
- Are they really there to just hold your hand?
Reading Until July 31, 2013
Issue #7 — TBD
Dedicated to U.N Millennium Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Reading Until January 31, 2014
Issue #8 — One
Dedicated to U.N Millennium Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development
- “We’re one, but we’re not the same”
- How do a multitude of cultures co-exist meaningfully and honestly in the coming century?
- How have multinationals co-opted/corrupted/created the global paradigm?
Reading Until July 31, 2014
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What we’ve published:
Issue #1 — The Hunger Issue: Released 2011
Dedicated to UN Millennium Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty & Hunger
Issue #2 — School Me: Released 2011
Dedicated to UN Millennium Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
Issue #3 — Girls Will Be Women: Released 2012
Dedicated to UN Millennium Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
Issue #4 —“Oh Baby!”: Journal Coming soon
Dedicated to UN Millennium Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality
Issue #5 — Mama Said: Journal Coming soon
Dedicated to U.N. Millennium Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health
