. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

submission guidelines
 
General

We welcome submissions of up to two pieces of fiction, three "short shorts", two essays, five poems, or ten photographs/artwork items. Fiction is limited to 5,000 words, but we'll accept exceptional stories that exceed the limit.  "Short shorts" are limited to 500 words. 

What we're looking for

We are looking for thoughtful, well-crafted poetry and prose.  FICTION: stories from around 1,000 words to no more than 5,000 words.  We may, on occasion, accept exceptional work that does not meet these requirements.  NONFICTION: in general, we're look for creative essays as well as autobiographical/memoir-type pieces.  They must be thought-provoking and, of course, well-written.  POETRY: poetry of any slant, bent, and length is acceptable, as long as it's not epic-length. 

Rights

We purchase exclusive first publication rights, which expire after 120 days.  However, we reserve the non-exclusive right to include your work in all archives and anthologies, electronic or print.

Simultaneous submissions

We expect and welcome simultaneous submissions, but we do ask that you withdraw your piece from consideration from other markets if/when it is accepted by Sotto Voce, and we ask that you notify us immediately if a piece you have submitted to us is accepted elsewhere.

File formats

We accept submissions in all digital text formats (Microsoft Word preferred) via e-mail attachment.  We accept artwork and photographs in all digital formats (JPG or TIF preferred). 

Format for Word docs
Do not use running headers, or insert your name on any page other than the first.  Inclusion of your name within the text of the document may result in the automatic rejection of your work.  At the beginning of the document, include the following lines: your name, your e-mail address, and the title of the submission.

Submission process

After you submit your work, all identifying information will be removed and it will be sent to one or more editors for review.  We may be able to respond in a few days or less, although during periods of excessive submissions the process may take longer.

Pay rates* for published work

Fiction  ...............................  $20 / 5,000 words**

"Short shorts"  ...............................  $10 / 500 words**

Essays  ...............................  $20 / 2,500 words**

Poetry  ...............................  $10 per poem

Photography  ...............................  $10 per piece

Artwork  ...............................  $10 per piece

* all payments made upon publication
** rates will be prorated based on length

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

editorial vision
 
Below, in great detail, we've described what exactly we're looking for.  For detailed submissions guidelines (i.e., info about manuscript requirements, submissions requirements, rights, payment, etc.) click here.

Please note that these are editorial preferences only, and that our opinions are just those--opinions.  Work that is not a perfect fit for Sotto Voce may be an excellent fit in another publication or market.

PUBLICATION NOTES:  Sotto Voce will be published quarterly online, and we will also publish a full-color annual print anthology in which we will select our favorite pieces from the previous year.  The print publication will be perfect-bound, book format.

FICTION: We prefer work that is mainstream but literary, meaning that it is appealing to a broad population of readers but is also finely crafted and well-written. 

We are willing to entertain genre fiction (e.g., science fiction, mystery) or fiction with speculative elements, as long as we feel that it still has mainstream appeal.  Please do not send us erotica, work containing excessive explicit language (i.e., use the f-word sparingly and only when omitting it would untenably detract from the piece), overly violent, super-depressing, or action-adventure pieces.  We'll accept "dark" fiction, but not "shock-factor" pieces.  Stories that contain humor as well as drama are much-appreciated.

Overall, submissions must be compelling, thought-provoking, and well-executed.  They must have dynamic characters; strong narrative voice; and unique and interesting plots.  We are more concerned with the quality of the story than its genre, so don't be afraid to submit work that you think might be just outside our boundaries.

Important: Take the time to proofread your work!  If possible, have at least two other writers, editors, or proofreaders review it before you submit it.  We will reject work that is otherwise perfect if it needs excessive work in terms of grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.

POETRY: Poetry submissions should be vivid, evocative, imaginative, heartfelt, and compelling.  We are not concerned with the length of the poem, but epic-length works will most likely not be published.

CREATIVE NON-FICTION: Creative non-fiction includes essays and memoir-type pieces.  They should have depth and a compelling style, and be easily identifiable as more than just a story about something that happened to you (memoir) or a monologue about something you do or don't like (essay).  Make sure that you are speaking to and engaging the reader, not lecturing them.  Write confidently and in a personable tone.  Overall, creative non-fiction should have a point and a purpose.

ARTWORK/PHOTOGRAPHY: Submissions of artwork/photography should be vivid, evocative, imaginative, heartfelt, compelling, and should show technique and depth.  Yes, these are the same adjectives we used for "Poetry should be..."  And there's a reason for that.  We're looking for submissions that provoke the same visceral reaction as a good poem.  The artwork included in Sotto Voce should complement, but not overpower, the written work.  We are not concerned with the medium, but if the work is not digital (e.g., painting, drawing), we must have the best-possible digital rendering (i.e., high-resolution photograph or high-resolution scan of the work).