Submission Guidelines
It doesn’t sound flippant, we hope, if we say that the most meaningful guide is the magazine itself. We’ve published it continually since 1966 so, to some extent, past is prologue. While we hope we will always be open to new ideas, it seems unlikely that we will develop an interest in formula romance or sing-song verse. Sample copies may be ordered directly from us ($21.00 including postage print/$18 digital) on our website. Writers who send work to publications they’ve never seen are usually wasting time, money and effort, theirs and ours.
Magazine Submissions
As a rule, send up to six poems or one story at a time. If you are sending in a story, please make sure it is no longer than 10 pages. We rarely publish non-fiction, but there are exceptions. We do not publish reviews. Manuscripts must be legible and be sure that includes your name and address, and please do not staple your work. Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope of adequate size or we cannot reply. If you don’t want your work returned, please make that clear. Cover letters are welcome if they contain pertinent information, but they are hardly a requirement. Because we read all submissions carefully, please allow up to six months for an answer. That’s also why we will not consider simultaneous submissions. We also cannot accept submissions by fax or e-mail. We never have contests or theme issues. We do have a regular section of work by high school writers: special guidelines for high school writers. All contributors receive checks on acceptance and copies of the issue containing their work. Please note: submissions that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered for publication.
Artwork and book manuscripts are by invitation only, without exception. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited work.
Send all work to: Hanging Loose, PO Box 150608, Brooklyn, NY 11215
***Never send mail that requires a signature.***
Due to the large number of submissions we receive, please wait at least six months before submitting more of your work.
High School Submissions
Since 1968, every issue of Hanging Loose has included a special section dedicated to high school writing. We’re always looking for new writers, and we invite you to submit your work. Please follow these instructions:
- Send all work as an email attachment to HighSchool@hangingloosepress.com. Please also include a note in the body of the email identifying yourself as a high school age writer, telling us the name of your school and your age. Be sure your name and address appear on each page of your work. Note: please send all work in one file, not mutiples. Please format all work as a Word or PDF document in 12 point Times New Roman font. Please do not send any links to work.
- Send up to six poems, or flash fiction, or short fiction (up to 1000 words).
*Please Note: We prefer to receive submissions from young writers themselves, rather than from their teachers or relatives. We strongly discourage teachers from submitting samples of work from their students. Similarly, we discourage teachers from asking students to submit their work as a class assignment. We prefer teachers to encourage students who take themselves seriously as writers to write us directly.
Hanging Loose has long been known for its special interest in teen writers. We look forward to reading your work.