Lichen

(While these guidelines do not apply to LICHEN at this time, new writers looking to submit their work to other publications may find them a useful reference.)

While we plan our issues around various motifs, we base our acceptance on good writing, regardless of whether it fits a particular theme or not. Themes are merely a guide to spark the imagination, a framework to assist the writer in selecting work to submit. They are neither stringent boundaries, nor are they meant to confine. The editors interpret them loosely and simply seek a writer's best work.

We encourage prospective contributors to read a copy of LICHEN in order to acquaint themselves with what we’re about. And to give you a better idea of what the editors are looking for.

Material submitted should be original and unpublished, and in English. Please note that work presented on an Internet website (whether independent or personal) is considered previously published, unless it was only posted to writers’ forums for discussion. Read the artistic statements above for an idea of what we’re looking for.

In your cover letter, please indicate if yours is a simultaneous submission. If it is ultimately accepted elsewhere, please inform us as soon as possible.

A cover letter should indicate the number of stories, poems or visual images submitted, and include a brief bio (approx. 50 words), a brief artist’s statement in the case of visual art, and a full mailing address including e-mail address if applicable.

Manuscripts/artwork without a SASE will not be returned. See note regarding mailed submissions below.

Submissions from outside Canada require adequate International Reply Coupons to cover return postage.

Limit submissions to one per issue/theme/reading period. Submit a maximum of 1 short story OR 1 excerpt from a novel-in-progress (maximum of 3,000 words; send a query to us first for submissions over 3,000 words), OR 3 - 6 poems. Limit play excerpts to 10 pages double-spaced. Creative non-fiction or essays should not exceed 1500 words.

E-mail submissions are preferred. As a result of ongoing risks from e-mail viruses, attachments, however, will not be opened. Instead, submit text of work pasted into the body of the message and send to the appropriate e-mail address listed on the Contact Us page with the words 'Poetry (or Fiction, Essay, etc.) Submission' and the title of your work typed in the Subject line of the email. E-mails with attachments will unfortunately be deleted unread.

Mailed submissions are also acceptable. Work should be typed and double-spaced (EXCEPT POETRY) on 8 1/2" x 11" paper. Name and address should appear on the title page. Subsequent pages should be numbered and include a title header.

Due to formatting and space restrictions, the lines of poems should not exceed a width of 3 1/2".

We accept hardcopy submissions of black & white art and photography, accompanied by a brief artist's statement (up to 150 words). In the case of black & white art, photocopies are acceptable. For photograph submissions, 4" x 6" (or larger) prints are preferred, not digital files.

PLEASE NOTE: Requests directing us to visit artists' websites to view their work cannot be considered. Please submit work in hardcopy form only, via regular mail.

Please note that, as mentioned above, we are not accepting submissions at this time.

LICHEN Arts & Letters Preview purchases First North American Serial Rights and separate permission will be requested if we wish to post work to the Archives. Copyright remains with the author. Payment for work selected for publication is a copy of the issue in which the work appears and a one-year (two-issue) subscription. When finances allow, a cash honorarium will also be paid.