Fiction submissions should be no longer than 4,500 words. Flash stories cannot exceed 1,000 words each. Please send no more than one fiction submission per reading period. We can accept up to three flash pieces per submission. We are interested in both traditional literary fiction that excels in form and experimental fiction that pushes boundaries. We love pieces that play with style and structure in daring ways. We appreciate stories grounded in realism as well as speculative pieces that depart from our expected reality. Above all, we look for strong writing that captivates us from start to finish. We value inclusivity and publish work informed by a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.

Creative nonfiction submissions should be no longer than 5,500 words. Flash essays cannot exceed 1,000 words each. Please send no more than one CNF submission per reading period, either as a single essay or up to three flash essays. We prefer narrative nonfiction from diverse voices, and welcome hybrid and experimental forms. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify us immediately should your work be accepted elsewhere.

We accept submissions of 1-3 poems per reading period–no more than 5 pages total. Please send no more than one poetry submission per reading period. We prefer poems with a strong lyric voice and sense of urgency. Simultaneous submissions are accepted as long as you withdraw your piece immediately should it be accepted elsewhere.

For $3 we will respond to your submission within 2 weeks. Choosing our expedited submission option does not  guarantee acceptance. 

We accept submissions of 1-3 poems per reading  period–no more than 5 pages total. Please send no more than one poetry  submission per reading period. We prefer poems with a strong lyric voice  and sense of urgency. Simultaneous submissions are accepted as long as  you withdraw your piece immediately should it be accepted elsewhere.

Harpur Palate welcomes art submissions for our online issue. All styles are welcome, though we encourage you to study recent issues for a sense of size and space considerations. We promote all of our artists permanently on our website, as well as in our social media channels. 

All material must be original to the submitter. We will not consider art generated using AI technology. All submissions will be kept on file for future consideration.  It is the responsibility of the artist to withdraw the submission if it is no longer available.   

Submit up to three images as .pdf, .jpg, or .png files (1 submission per artist, per reading period).

Specs and specifics: 

• Aspect ratio of 0.69:1 is preferred, or images will be made to fit that aspect ratio for consistency across our platforms.
• We can only accept high quality images (minimum 72 dpi for web publication).
• Art submissions may be picked for the cover, and if it is, we will ask for your approval with the caveat that it may be altered to fit our cover's aspect ratio, as well as adding Harpur Palate and the issue number.