WayWords
a quarterly literary journal
Welcome to WayWords!
We designed this literary journal to welcome the self-willed writers who dare to break the mold. With so many varied options for writers around the world, The Writer's Workout wants this literary journal to inspire fresh ideas for pieces new and old with our chosen themes and tributes at the heart. We're excited to publish first-time writers, seasoned authors, and everything in between.
WayWords welcomes everyone using words as a way forward.
Show your support with our full line of WayWords merchandise on TeeSpring!
teespring.com/stores/the-writers-workout
What are we looking for?
We want to see fresh, inspiring pieces that leave us with chills, emotions, and awe. No matter what you write, this is the place for you.
Please understand: due to licensing restrictions, The Writer's Workout cannot accept religious or political topics. Editors will refuse pandemic topics and erotica.
Sections
Each issue of WayWords includes two separate sections. The Theme section houses most of the accepted fiction stories and poems while the separate Tribute section is limited to a few creative nonfiction pieces from writers with first-hand knowledge of the topic.
> Themes
The theme is the one-word, central topic for the bulk of each issue. For this section, submit fiction short stories up to 5,000 words or two poems up to 15 lines each, inspired by the issue's theme. WayWords welcomes fresh writing as well as pieces you may have submitted elsewhere, provided the piece was not previously published and fits the central theme of the issue.
> Tributes
The tribute section highlights people whose real-life amazing work sometimes goes unnoticed. This section strives to shine a light on everyday heroes through creative nonfiction.
Submissions & Formatting
Entries must meet the following general formatting requirements:
Arial or Times New Roman, size 10 or 12pt, black text only
Single spaced
No extra spaces between lines or paragraphs except for scene breaks.
1" empty margins on all four sides
0.5" (12.7mm) or Tab indentations for all paragraphs
Do not use the spacebar for indentations
Empty line for scene breaks
Do not include your title a second time before your entry.
Tip: Keep things simple!
The Writer's Workout uses industry standard formatting; it's designed to let the work shine without extra flourishes and unnecessary efforts. You can find great examples of industry standard formatting in a traditionally published book.
Title Information
Entries must include the proper Title Information at the start of the document, aligned left:
Name and email
Title of Entry
Theme or Tribute, Issue Number
Word Count
Entries not meeting the general formatting requirements will not be considered. Entries not including Title Information in the order listed above will not be considered. Entries must be in English.
You may submit one short story up to 5,000 words or two poems up to 15 lines each per issue.
The Writer's Workout accepts these file types: .doc, .docx, .odt
Email entries to OR use our DropBox button above.
Rights
Rights information is crucial no matter where you send your work!
WayWords accepts previously unpublished short stories and poetry. We do not require the right to first refusal so if your piece was declined elsewhere, we'd love to see it! If accepted, your piece will be published in that issue of WayWords. The Writer's Workout will not retain publication rights for future issues or compilations so once the issue is live, you're welcome to send your piece elsewhere. Keep in mind many places will not accept previously published works.
If you submit a piece elsewhere that we've published in WayWords, be sure to let them know! Provide them with the issue number and any other supporting information they request. Remember: the rights to a WayWords story are yours, following issue publication.
Contributors to WayWords receive a contributor copy of the issue with their published piece. For now, this literary journal is a digital publication.
Issue 2
Deadline: March 15
Theme
Heritage
Editor's tip: Explore the sense of identity connected to family, community, or clan socialization.
Fiction prose or poetry
Tribute
Teachers
This limited section helps us share your first-hand knowledge on this topic.
Creative nonfiction
Accepting fiction and creative nonfiction submissions up to 5,000 words or two poems up to 15 lines each.
The Writer's Workout will not accept submissions without proper Title Information. Please include your email and review the submissions information on this page for details before you submit.
Due to licensing restrictions, The Writer's Workout cannot accept religious or political topics. Editors will refuse pandemic topics and erotica.
Schedule
WayWords is a quarterly journal. Feel free to start writing when and where you're inspired! To help improve the selection process, please wait to submit entries for future issues until the submission window opens.
Issue 2
January 1st - March 15th
Theme: Heritage
Tribute: Teachers
Issue 3
April 1st - June 15th
Theme: Connections
Tribute: Service Workers
Issue 4
July 1st - September 15th
Theme: Unreal
Tribute: First Responders
Issue 5
October 1st - December 15th
Theme: TBD
Tribute: TBD
Open calls run on the dates provided. Submissions close at 12 am, UTC. Submissions received outside the open call window cannot be considered for publication. You are welcome to submit your piece again for a future issue.
You may submit one short story up to 5,000 words or two poems per issue.
Creative nonfiction is accepted for the tribute section only.
The Writer's Workout will not accept submissions without proper Title Information. Please review the submissions information on this page for details before you submit.
Due to licensing restrictions, The Writer's Workout cannot accept religious or political topics. Editors will refuse pandemic topics and erotica.
Show your support with our full line of WayWords merchandise on TeeSpring! From tee shirts to hoodies, mugs, totes, and masks, even your small pooch can help encourage you in your WayWords journey.
teespring.com/stores/the-writers-workout