Sine Qua Non – Submissions Open (Cash Prizes)
Sine Qua Non Opens Submissions for Issue 2 — No Reading Fee
Sine Qua Non (SQN) has opened submissions for Issue 2, and writers across genres now have the chance to submit their strongest work without paying a reading fee. This issue will spotlight New Romanticism, but the editors also welcome non–New Romantic work, offering flexibility for writers working in a wide range of styles.
Submissions run from October 15, 2025 to December 15, 2025, and the journal offers generous prizes, publication opportunities, and an honorarium for all accepted contributors.
Prizes for Issue 2 of Sine Qua Non
SQN offers awards in both Poetry and Creative Prose:
- First Prize (Poetry): $500
- First Prize (Creative Prose): $500
- 1st & 2nd Runner-Up (Poetry): $250 each
- 1st & 2nd Runner-Up (Creative Prose): $250 each
All selected contributors receive:
- $30 honorarium
- A free physical copy of the journal
This makes SQN one of the rare literary journals offering no-fee submissions with paid publication.
Understanding New Romanticism
Issue 2 centers on New Romanticism, a movement rooted in emotional intensity, the sublime, and the complexities of interior life. Writers looking to expand their reading list and deepen their literary grounding may find this resource useful:
This guide points writers toward enriching texts that can inspire thematic depth and stylistic nuance.
Submission Guidelines: Theory & Craft
SQN welcomes scholarly articles on creative writing theory and craft. Submissions should:
- Be 2,500–5,000 words (including Works Cited and endnotes)
- Include a 100-word abstract
- Follow MLA style
- Use 12 pt Times New Roman
- State the word count on page 1
Each submission must be original, properly cited, previously unpublished, and not AI-generated.
Submission Guidelines for Sine Qua Non: Poetry & Creative Prose
SQN accepts poetry, creative prose, and flash fiction, with the following requirements:
Creative Prose
- Maximum 15 pages
- Double-spaced, 1″ margins
- 12 pt Times New Roman
- Include word count and genre on page 1
- Multilingual work is welcome but should target English-language readers
Poetry
- Up to 3 poems
- Maximum 10 total pages
- 12 pt Times New Roman
- Each poem must begin on a new page
- Multilingual poems welcome
All submissions must include a cover letter and brief third-person bio.
The journal asks for first North American serial rights, which revert to the author after publication.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed as long as writers notify SQN at the time of submission and withdraw promptly via email if accepted elsewhere.
Helpful Craft Resource for Writers
Whether you’re submitting theory, poetry, or prose, strong craft foundations matter. This article offers practical guidance for writers looking to refine their skills:
Submit to Sine Qua Non
Writers can submit year-round, but entries for Issue 2 must arrive between October 15 and December 15, 2025.
Submit through the following portals:
Sine Qua Non remains committed to publishing original, thoughtful, and boundary-pushing work. If Issue 2 aligns with what you’re creating, this may be the perfect time to submit.
