Manuscripts are considered September 15th—December 15th & February 1st—May 15th for our annual fall/winter and spring/summer issues. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but we ask that you inform us immediately if work is accepted elsewhere. Submit one piece of fiction or nonfiction or up to five poems (or flash fiction). Please wait to hear from us before sending more work. Writers are encouraged to sample recent issues before submitting. If your work is accepted for publication, please wait one year before submitting again.
All non-contest submissions should be uploaded electronically via Submittable. Both digital and printed submissions are accepted for contests. The $3 upload charge for "regular" submissions is necessary to offset the increase in production expenses and contributor payments.
SIR pays contributing authors at two rates: $100 (five layout pages or fewer accepted for publication) and $200 (six layout pages or more accepted). Featured visual artists receive a stipend of $250. Contributors also receive two complimentary copies of "their" issue (with the option to buy additional copies at a reduced rate) and a year's subscription to the magazine.
Flash fiction, short stories, and stand-alone novel excerpts are accepted. Though there are no word count guidelines, because of limited space, stories over 10,000 words will be particularly difficult, though not impossible, to publish. Submissions should be double-spaced, and please include a word count in your cover letter or on the first page of your manuscript. For more information about fiction submissions, see our fiction editor's statement.
Creative essays may be personal, critical, historical, nostalgic. They may be profiles, interviews, or discussions regarding social or intellectual history or ideas. For more information about nonfiction submissions, see our nonfiction editor's statement.
May be on any subject or in any form. Please submit no more than five poems. For more information about poetry submissions, see our poetry editor's statement.
All media and genres are considered for SIR cover art. Please submit five to ten images and include a thumbnail with titles. Uploaded files should be web-friendly. High-resolution images (300 dpi) will be requested if selected for publication.