Submissions are now OPEN for the 2026-2027 edition of Polaris.
Note: Only previously unpublished work will be accepted. Polaris will only accept work from undergraduates.
AI-generated work will not be considered.
Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but the author must notify us immediately if his/her work is accepted for publication elsewhere. Contributors will be notified if their submissions were accepted by Polaris via e-mail
Authors may not submit to more than two genres at a time.
We look forward to receiving your submissions!
All selected pieces will be considered for prizes. Prizes awarded in each genre:
1st Place – $50
2nd Place – $25
There is no monetary compensation for general acceptances.
Submission Guidlines:
- Fiction: Up to 2,500 words, open to anything with an interesting voice including absurdist, experimental, flash, et cetera. Multiple submissions of fiction will be accepted if all works together meet or are under the word count.
- Poetry: Submit 1-3 poems, free verse, experimental, prose poetry, et cetera.
- Nonfiction: Creative nonfiction up to 2,500 words, humor, travel narrative, et cetera. Academic essays will not be considered. Multiple submissions of nonfiction will be accepted if all works together meet or are under the word count.
- *Please do not include additional media like photos in your text submissions. We reserve the right to alter funky formatting.
- *Please do not include additional media like photos in your text submissions. We reserve the right to alter funky formatting.
- Visual Art: Up to 3 works per artist, .TIFF or .JPEG files, all media are acceptable. Artists should also include a Microsoft Word document containing their name, the titles and media of works submitted, and a brief artist’s statement.
- Keep in mind, if you want to be considered for the cover, our journal is horizontal.
- Due to our magazine being only print, we cannot accept videos or media alike.
- If you photograph a sculpture, please have the background be neutral in color.
Tips For Success
We firmly believe that all aspects of the complex experience of being human are available to artists. However, we ask that you not submit work that glorifies sexism, homophobia, racism, transphobia, or sexual violence.
Send questions to:
Fiction: polarisfiction@gmail.com
Poetry: polarispoetry@gmail.com
Creative Nonfiction: polarisnonfiction@gmail.com
Visual Art: polarisvisualart@gmail.com
For general questions, contact us at: onupolaris@gmail.com
