Tolka Magazine Opens Non-Fiction Submissions for 2026

Writers of creative non-fiction now have an exciting opportunity to submit their work to Tolka, the acclaimed Irish literary journal known for publishing bold, reflective, and innovative writing from both Irish and international voices.

Submissions are currently open and will close at midnight on May 31, 2026.

What Tolka Is Looking For

Tolka publishes a wide range of non-fiction, including:

• Personal essays
• Memoir
• Reportage
• Travel writing
• Auto-fiction
• Hybrid and experimental non-fiction

The magazine is especially interested in fresh, adventurous writing that pushes boundaries while remaining emotionally and intellectually engaging.

Writers hoping to strengthen their craft before submitting may find these creative writing course lessons useful for improving narrative structure, voice, and storytelling techniques.

Tolka Submission Guidelines

Writers submitting to Tolka should carefully follow the magazine’s requirements:

• Submissions must be previously unpublished
• Recommended word count is between 1,000 and 3,000 words
• Manuscripts should be double-spaced
• Accepted file formats include .doc, .docx, and PDF
• Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but writers must notify the editors if work is accepted elsewhere
• The magazine does not accept AI-generated work unless explicitly framed as an artistic experiment

Tolka also notes that images should generally be avoided unless they are essential to the piece.

Payment and Contributor Benefits

One standout aspect of Tolka’s submission call is its generous contributor payment. Writers whose work is accepted will receive:

• A flat fee of €600
• A contributor copy of the issue
• An invitation to read at the magazine’s launch event

Importantly, copyright remains fully with the author.

Commitment to Diverse Voices

Tolka actively encourages submissions from writers who are underrepresented in the arts due to factors such as socio-economic background, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender identity, sexuality, or age.

This commitment to inclusive storytelling has helped the magazine become a respected space for thoughtful and diverse literary voices.

Writers interested in personal essays and literary reflection may also enjoy reading this personal essay on the Purple Hibiscus Trust Creative Writing Workshop for inspiration on crafting emotionally resonant non-fiction.

How to Submit to Tolka

Submissions are accepted exclusively through Tolka’s website. Writers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the type of work the magazine publishes before submitting.

The editorial team aims to respond within three months after submissions close, though individual feedback cannot be provided due to the volume of entries received.

For non-fiction writers seeking a respected platform that values originality, experimentation, and literary depth, Tolka remains an excellent publication to consider in 2026.