Submissions

Hey there!

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for writing that makes us think. We welcome writing from all genres, although we are particularly fond of stories with some sort of fantastical aspect. We love clever ideas, colorful prose, and interdisciplinary stories (stories that draw parallels between or inspiration from other disciplines, like mathematics, science, philosophy, history, or art).

Most of all, we want writing that feels as though it came straight from a dream. This literary magazine is aimed at cultivating a collection of dream fiction: work that feels surreal, liminal, or too strange for a clear description. If ‘dream fiction’ feels like it could fit your work (even loosely!), we’d love to read it!

Ultimately, your writing can be as conventional or unconventional as you wish. Your story can be all dialogue, or none at all. It can have a traditional plot, or not. Whatever it is, we simply ask for it to be brimming with meaning.

We are currently open to submissions for our first issue!

Frequently Asked Questions

General Guidelines

We accept flash fiction (under 1000 words) and short stories (typically 1000-7500 words, thought this is not a hard limit).

We currently accept only original (non-translated) works written in English. We hope to expand to additional languages in the future.

We accept original, previously unpublished work only. No fan fiction! We also do not accept AI-generated or substantially AI-written work.

We do not accept submissions containing sexually explicit content, gratuitous graphic violence, or hateful/discriminatory material. Be a good person!

We are currently not a paying market.

Submissions are open until we reach our submission cap.

And finally, we welcome writing from everyone! We encourage submissions from emerging and established writers across all countries, cultures, and communities.

How to Submit

We’re excited to read your work! To submit, please email your piece to blueseagullreview@gmail.com as a PDF (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.docx) attachment. We do not accept other file types (.odt, .txt, and others)

Please use the subject line:

  • [Category] — [Your Name]

  • Example: Flash Fiction — Jane Doe

Include the following in the body of your email:

  • Title of your work

  • Category (Flash Fiction or Short Story)

  • Word count

  • A brief third-person bio (50 words maximum)

  • Your name (in your bio or in the sign-off)

Format your work in a readable 12-point font (such as Times New Roman, Garamond, or Georgia), double-space prose, and number your pages. It makes life easier for us!

We read submissions blind. Do not include any identifying information in the attached document. Keep it all in the email!

All writing must be original and previously unpublished, including on personal websites, blogs, and social media.

Simultaneous submissions are welcome! If your work is accepted elsewhere, please let us know as soon as possible so we can withdraw it from consideration.

Authors retain copyright to their work. By submitting, you grant Blue Seagull Review first North American serial rights and the non-exclusive right to archive your work on our website if accepted.

All work is read and reviewed by a real human! We aim to respond within 1 month, but take that with a grain of salt. If you do not receive a response within 1 month, feel free to send a follow up email.

  • We ask that you submit one piece at a time, either in our Flash Fiction or Short Story category.

  • Yes! We encourage you to submit new work after you’ve heard back from us.

  • Yes. Send us an email at blueseagullreview@gmail.com.

  • Congratulations! Just let us know so we can withdraw your submission.

  • We aim to respond within one month, though response times may vary.

A sunset sky with hues of pink, purple, and orange, silhouettes of trees, and power lines crossing the sky.

The sky and the telephone wires.

By the way, you can find us on Duotrope and Chill Subs to track response times, submission statistics, and leave feedback.