Doek Literary Magazine is currently accepting submissions for creative nonfiction pieces exploring the known and the unknown.
Founded in 2019, Doek! is a free, independent, and Pan-African online literary magazine produced in Windhoek, Namibia. It publishes short fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art from Namibia, Africa, and the African diaspora.
The editorial team is interested in considering submissions that discuss a wide variety of topics in interesting styles; prospective nonfiction writers and visual artists should read previous issues of Doek! to see the themes and topics that have been previously explored.
This call for submissions is open to all African writers and those of African descent, residing both on the continent and in the diaspora. Please note that submissions must adhere to the guidelines outlined below.
Submission Guidelines For Doek Literary Magazine
- Your submission should be typed in Times New Roman, 12 pt font, with 2.0 line spacing.
- It should also be written in english, with the option to include words or phrases from Namibia’s indigenous languages, provided their meaning is clear within the text.
- Nonfiction submissions must range between 1500 to 4000 words.
- Writers can submit only one piece of writing per submission window.
- Unsuccessful writers and poets can submit to the same category or a different category if their submissions are not accepted for publication.
- Writers must wait six months from the date of their publication before submitting any work again.
- Writers must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
- Work directed primarily at the white gaze is discouraged.
- Novels or manuscript excerpts, film scripts or plays, journalistic reportage or columns, management or business guides, and “self-help” texts are not eligible for consideration.
- Click here to submit your work.
What They Want
Exploration of Themes: Creative nonfiction pieces that delve into the known and the unknown.
Fresh Narratives: Encouragement for storytellers to explore new narrative territories.
Engaging Topics: While topics like death, grief, and trauma have been explored, contributors are encouraged to approach them in innovative ways.
Diverse Styles: Writers are invited to employ diverse writing styles to discuss a wide array of topics.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizens of Namibia living either within the country or in the diaspora.
- Individuals of African descent residing on the continent or in the diaspora, including North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and elsewhere.
- There is no entry fee.
More Information
All successfully published submissions from Namibian writers, poets, and visual artists are automatically eligible for the Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards.
Does Doek Literary Magazine Pay Contributors?
Yes. Accepted writers and artists will receive a modest payment.
Deadline
Submissions must be received by February 29, 2024. Good luck.