Writers: Journal Submissions
Submissions are open for Opus II, Issue IV of Half Mystic Journal, celebrating the theme of Fioritura: a decorative run of notes added to a melody, and an Italian noun meaning “flowering.” For our fourteenth issue, we’re seeking death valley superblooms, vocal fry as ornamentation, matryoshka dolls, effervescence and efflorescence, wind chimes harmonising with birdsong, peacock tails, appoggiaturas, monogrammed everything, crown shyness, filigree, honeysuckle buds blossoming into jasmine, petri dishes as still lifes, dirt beneath painted fingernails, technicolour tenderness, flowers outsinging their neighbours down the length of the garden. In the Fioritura issue, devotion wears the voice of decoration. The best encores outlive their applause, and the trellis was only ever a suggestion. Bring us a symphony snaking over the house entire.
Half Mystic Journal publishes poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, translations, and hybrid work. We ask that each piece links to music and the Fioritura theme.
Submit up to five pieces of up to 3000 words each. We don't accept previously-published writing; we do accept and encourage simultaneous submissions.
In your cover letter, include a brief biographical note and the genre(s) of your submission. For translations, enclose the full text of the piece in its original language and a statement declaring that you have the author’s permission to publish the translation, or that the original text is in the public domain. Translations must be to or from English. In all submissions, authors are responsible for acquiring the rights to print copyrighted material (including song lyrics!).
We pay US$20 per accepted piece and charge US$2 per submission. We recognise that submission fees present a barrier to access, so if you're in need of a fee waiver to share your work with us, please reach out to journal@halfmystic.com. Limited waivers are available for writers in need on a first come, first serve basis.
You can expect to hear from us within four weeks. Thank you for honouring us with your work. We don't take that privilege for granted.