☞ We have a cap of 400 submissions in each category. Once we are maxed out, we can no longer accept submissions in that category. It’s a good idea not to wait until the end of the reading period.
☞ As mentioned, we are looking for unpublished contributions. For us, blogs, college magazine articles, social media posts —anything accessible to a larger audience— counts as a publication.
☞ Submit in just ONE category.
☞ FICTION SUBMISSION: The short story should be between 2,000 and 7,000 words in length.
☞ POETRY SUBMISSION: Please submit five poems, all in one document. Please do not send us fewer than five poems— we wish to understand your range and style through a substantial sample. We are publishing a poet, not a poem.
☞ TRANSLATION: We welcome translated poetry (3-5 poems) and translated short fiction. Each is considered a separate category. Along with the translation, we recommend including (1) a proper citation for the original source and (2) a translator’s note (all in one document). If accepted for publication, we will need to verify you have the copyright to translate the text (see FAQs).
☞ GRAPHIC FICTION: We are looking for innovative graphic fiction, suitable for adults. The length is up to you. We’ve published 20+ page fictions as well as 3-6 pagers. We especially welcome radical, experimental, non-didactic works.
☞ ESSAYS & VISUAL NARRATIVES (Photo-essays): Currently, we directly commission these two types of narratives.
☞ You may send your work to other outlets (i.e. simultaneous submissions are okay). However, please inform us (help@bombaylitmag.com) if your work has been selected elsewhere. We remember such acts of courtesy. Please note that if more than 2 of your poems are accepted elsewhere, we will not have enough material to consider your submission, and it will therefore be marked withdrawn.