WAYWORDS
This quarterly literary journal welcomes work from writers around the world in all stages of their writing career. Each issue invites writers to explore a different theme.
We want to see fresh, inspiring pieces; give us chills, fill us with awe. Show us all sides, your home is here.
Please try to refrain from sending us abuse and suicide topics.
Recovery pieces are welcome!
Masthead:
Jessica Morris-Reade, Réven Widener, & Seth Cupery
Read our interview on Six Questions For...!
Issue 10, themes of sandbox
This issue features the collected works of Amanda Ball, Margaret Bravo, Felicia Change, Leonardo Chung, Miranda Clarity, Linda M. Crate, Calen Cross, Seth Cupery, Sarah Das Gupta, Hugh Findlay, DM Frech, D. Dina Friedman, Meg Hendry, Paul Hostovsky, Nia Ibrahem, Stephen Kingsnorth, Laurinda Lind, Jonathan Lipps, Priyanka Malhotra, Sarah Muldowney, Jo Nageswaran Kinnard, James B. Nicola, Rain Preece, and Isla Richardson.
On average, WayWords publishes 53% of submissions received.
This publication rarely solicits specific authors for work; everything we publish comes from open calls.
Theme section accepts fiction (up to 5,000 words) and poetry (up to two poems, up to 15 lines each).
Tribute section accepts creative nonfiction, up to 5,000 words.
Submission to WayWords will always be free.
Check our FAQ for more information.
Issue 10 is available
Issue 11: CLOSED, in review
Theme
Seasons
Editor's tip: seasons aren't just about the weather; they signify the passage of time. Show us seasons of perfect and imperfect timing—no matter the time of year.
Fiction prose or poetry
Up to 5,000 words or 15 lines each
Tribute
OPEN TOPIC
Creative nonfiction tributes
Up to 5,000 words
The Writer's Workout will refuse submissions lacking proper Title Information as specified in our submissions guidelines below.
The Writer's Workout will reject all fanfiction, religious, political, erotic, or AI-copied content.
Submissions Guidelines
Submissions must be in English and include the Title Information listed below.
Please limit yourself to one fiction (theme) or CNF (tribute) piece or two poems per issue, up to 5,000 words or 15 lines, respectively.
Times New Roman or Arial font, size 10 or 12, single spaced
Indented paragraphs except for poetry
Empty margins on all four sides
Empty line for scene breaks
Entries must include this Title Information in this order at the top of the document body, aligned left:
Please do not add your Title Information to the header margin.
Name or Pseudonym, email
Entry Title
WayWords (Theme or Tribute)
Word or Line Count
If your submission was previously published, please let us know where below your word/line count.
Accepted file types: .doc, .docx, .odt
Submit via email OR DropBox OR Duosuma.
Live, unlocked Google Docs or Microsoft Word links are accepted via email (submissions[at]writersworkout.net). Set your document permissions to "anyone with the link can [comment or edit]" so we can collect it. We will not request access and we are not responsible for locked docs.
Tip: Keep your formatting 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.
Rights
The Writer's Workout requests one-time, non-exclusive serial rights with worldwide distribution.
We accept simultaneous submissions, previously published works, and you retain the right to submit your published work elsewhere after we publish it.
WayWords accepts fiction short stories, poetry, and creative nonfiction. We do not require the right to first refusal so if your piece was declined elsewhere, we'd love to see it!
If you'd like to withdraw, please let us know by email: submissions[at]writersworkout.net
WayWords is published in digital and print.
This organization is run entirely by volunteers.
Your submission is a charitable donation; we appreciate your support!