Kweli Journal, rooted in the Swahili word for ‘truth,’ invites writers of color to contribute their narratives to its platform.
Nelly Rosario aptly captures the nature of Kweli’s mission: ‟A journal named for ‘truth’ in Swahili invites its readers and contributors to seek for the same.”
Kweli Journal provides a platform for writers to explore and share their truths, fostering a community of diverse voices.
Submission Guidelines For Kweli Journal
- Kweli Journal accepts submissions year-round from September 1 to May 30.
- Original, unpublished works from emerging and established writers of color are welcomed.
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed but must be clearly indicated. However, authors must promptly inform editors of selections elsewhere.
- Previously published work is not accepted.
- For poetry submissions, submit up to three poems totaling no more than 6 pages in one single file in doc., rtf, or .pdf format.
- Send up to three poems at a time. Single-space, please; set your poem as you want it to appear on the printed page.
- For prose submissions, submit one (1) short story or one (1) self-contained novel excerpt or creative non-fiction piece of no more than 5,000 words in one single file in doc., rtf, or .pdf format.
- All published work will be archived online.
- All submissions should be done through Submittable, their submission manager.
What They Want
Fiction: Short stories are preferred, though self-contained novel excerpts are acceptable.
Nonfiction: Personal essays are favored, but memoir excerpts are accepted if self-contained.
Poetry: Up to three poems per submission, formatted for single-spacing, with layout preferences specified.
What They Don’t Want
- Previously published works.
- Submissions outside the designated reading period (September 1 to May 30).
Support and Acknowledgments
Kweli Journal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported by reader contributions and grants from esteemed institutions. They are also supported by grants from the New York State Council on the Arts, Community of Literary Magazines and Presses, Amazon Literary Partnership, and the Whiting Foundation.
Kweli Journal acknowledges support from the National Endowment for the Arts, through an American Rescue Plan Act grant, aiding its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Does Kweli Journal Pay Contributors?
Yes.
Payment is issued post-publication. However, the exact amount was not stated on their official website.
Deadline
Submissions will be accepted until May 30. Works received outside this period will not be reviewed.
For inquiries, you can email [email protected].