Thank you for your interest in publishing work with The Bluebird Word. We publish monthly compilations of new writing at the beginning of the month and feature each piece at the top of the journal’s homepage throughout the month. We use Submittable to manage submissions and charge a nominal fee to cover administrative costs. At this time, we are not a paying market.
We are listed on Duotrope and Chill Subs and are a member of the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP). You may also find our listing on other literary websites such as NewPages.com, DL Shirey’s The Short List, in Poets & Writers, and other resources.
Our reading periods are:
- January 1 – March 15: General submissions
- May 1 – August 15: General submissions
- October 10 – November 1: Winter Holiday Reflection Issue submissions
What we are looking for
We are especially interested in supporting and showcasing work from new and emerging writers (emerging defined as writers with fewer than five publications across all genres). That said, we seek submissions from writers across all cultural backgrounds and experience levels. Anyone is free to submit to us!
- Poetry – up to three (3) poems per submission
- Flash nonfiction – up to 750 words with maximum of 1,000 words
- Flash fiction – up to 750 words with maximum of 1,000 words
What we accept
We welcome almost any topic. We seek writing that tells a unique story and lets the reader reflect and linger.
At this time, submissions must be in English. All submissions must be new writing, original writing by the author, and previously unpublished work. No artificial intelligence allowed.
What we do not accept
All voices are welcome. While we read almost any topic, The Bluebird Word will not tolerate writing which fosters or promotes discrimination, hatred or violence. Such submissions will be immediately declined.
We do not accept previously published work (i.e. from other online or print publications, personal blogs, websites or social media).
We will not accept any AI-generated work, and we prefer you not use AI to influence, edit, or review your work. Original writing is strictly encouraged and amplified on The Bluebird Word.
How to submit
To submit to The Bluebird Word, please use Submittable (using the link below) and submit to only one category per submission.
- In Submittable, attach your submission (.doc or .docx) within the form. We highly recommend .doc or .docx to ensure proper formatting.
- For poetry submissions, you may include up to three poems in one document or separate them into individual documents.
- Please include a short (50 words max) third-person bio with your submission.
Simultaneous submissions are fine, but please let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere and withdraw your submission immediately.
Once you hear back from us, please wait 30 days before submitting new writing. If your work is not selected, it may simply be it does not fit our journal at this time.
Response time
We aim to respond to contributors within four weeks. If you haven’t heard back after that time, please reach out via Submittable message or send a message to thebluebirdword(at)gmail.com.
TERMS OF USE and Author rights
Upon submitting, you agree that your work has not been published elsewhere (online or in print) to include social media, personal websites, or blogs. You also certify no artificial intelligence tools have been used to generate, create, influence, or edit your work. You agree to withdraw or advise The Bluebird Word if your work has been accepted elsewhere. Upon acceptance, you agree to withdraw any simultaneous submissions as soon as possible. Any major edits to the accepted work(s) will be coordinated with you in advance.
Author Rights: By submitting your work to The Bluebird Word and upon notification (and your confirmation) of acceptance, you are agreeing to publish your poem, essay, or story with our online journal and grant The Bluebird Word first rights to publish at thebluebirdword.com. After first publication, all rights revert back to you as the author. If you need to make minor edits after publishing, you may contact The Bluebird Word to make such changes. If you publish your work elsewhere after The Bluebird Word’s initial publication, we kindly request acknowledgement be given to The Bluebird Word in the journal, website, anthology, or other publication.
Thank you
We look forward to reading your work!
