Creative Writing
In October 2016, Waking Writing launched Quiet Spaces, where we publish stories and poems as well as articles from established or emerging authors. Quiet Spaces accepts submissions from all authors, previously published or unpublished, and focuses on exposing readers to the beauty of the written word. All genres are acceptable, excluding religious-themed material and erotica. Eclectic and eccentric stories and poems are welcome!
Fiction Submission Guidelines
Quiet Spaces accepts unpublished stories only. Please thoroughly proofread and edit your work prior to submitting. Your work must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Preferred Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Georgia, 12pt.
- Word Count: 200 to 2,000 words.
- Format: Google Doc.
Submissions should be sent to Questions@BernetaHaynes.com. Indicate “STORY SUBMISSION” in your subject line. Submissions without “Story Submission” in the subject line will be deleted unread.
In the body of the email (not as an additional attachment), include a cover letter that provides a brief author biography, written in third-person. All bios are subject to editing. Additionally, provide a URL to your blog, website, and/or Twitter if applicable.
Poetry Submission Guidelines
Quiet Spaces accepts unpublished poetry, and authors are allowed to send up to 3 poems in a single submission. Please thoroughly proofread and edit your work prior to submitting. Your work must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Preferred Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Georgia, 12pt.
- Format: Google Doc.
Submissions should be sent to Questions@BernetaHaynes.com. Indicate “POETRY SUBMISSION” in your subject line. Submissions without “Poetry Submission” in the subject line will be deleted unread.
In the body of the email (not as an additional attachment), include a cover letter that provides a brief author biography, written in third-person. All bios are subject to editing. Additionally, provide a link to your blog, website, and/or social media if applicable.
Additional Note
Story and poetry submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, and authors should expect a response time of one to two months. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but not preferred. If your work is accepted elsewhere, please inform us immediately.
If your work is accepted at Quiet Spaces, you grant us first electronic rights and non-exclusive rights. Upon publication, all rights revert back to the author. You agree that if your story or poem subsequently appears elsewhere (in print or online), you will give due credit (e.g. “originally published by Quiet Spaces at Waking Writer” epitaph) to Quiet Spaces at Waking Writer.
Articles and Essays
Do you have something to say about writing, publishing, books, or social issues in the world of writing and publishing? We accept queries and submissions of unpublished articles, short essays, or opinion editorials falling into or related to the following categories:
- book reviews
- listicles and curations
- writing and creative process
- publishing
- book marketing
- social issues in writing and publishing (e.g. women writers, writers of color, queer/LGBTQ writers, etc.)
Your work must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Preferred Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Georgia, 12pt.
- Word Count: no more than 500 words.
- Format: Google Doc.
Please thoroughly proofread and edit your work prior to submitting. Submissions should be sent to Questions@BernetaHaynes.com. Indicate “ARTICLE SUBMISSION” in your subject line. Submissions without “Article Submission” in the subject line will be deleted unread.
In the body of the email (not as an additional attachment), include a cover letter that provides a brief author biography, written in third-person. All bios are subject to editing. Additionally, provide a link to your blog, website, and/or social media if applicable.
If your article is accepted at Quiet Spaces, you grant us first electronic rights and non-exclusive rights. Upon publication, all rights revert back to the author. You agree that if your story, poem, or article subsequently appears elsewhere (in print or online), you will give due credit (e.g. “originally published by Quiet Spaces at Waking Writer” epitaph) to Quiet Spaces at Waking Writer.
Waking Writer 