Timeworn Literary Journal welcomes unpublished historical fiction submissions in English under 5,000 words. They should be set before 1996, rooted in history and voice-driven.

We’re looking for “Historical Fiction from the fringe.” Work with a bend toward the surreal, the dream-like, the strange. The offbeat kind of story that settles into your heart long after reading. That said, we also value beauty and warmth and a generally well-written story with soul. Romance, Mystery, Crime and the Gothic are all acceptable. Speculative elements strongly encouraged.

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Think, The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O’Neill.

Think, The Invention of Everything Else by Samantha Hunt.

Think, Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood.

Think, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

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While we love a tasteful sex scene, no erotica. No gratuitous violence or rape.

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History can vary a great deal based on the perspective it’s written from. We aim to publish stories from all walks of life and encourage submissions from those in marginalized groups.

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PLEASE NOTE we do not accept novel excerpts or poetry. For Book reviews and Essays please see Guidelines.

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Guidelines (updated for 1/2020 call)

 

• Story should be between 2,000 and 5,000 words.

• Send via e-mail to 

• Include a short cover letter in the body of the e-mail.

• Attach submission in .docx format.

• Use Standard Manuscript Format in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced.

• Subject line should read: SUBMISSION: [story title] [word count].

• Simultaneous submissions ok, but let us know as soon as the story is accepted elsewhere.

• One submission per person per cycle.

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Stories will be published in a limited quantity of hand-bound, saddle stitch publications twice a year, available for purchase in October and April for $10. Stories will also be available on our website for all to enjoy.

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Payment of $25 will be sent to authors upon acceptance + print contributor copy upon publication.

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RIGHTS

Timeworn asks for non-exclusive first serial print rights to publish in print, e-book and online formats. We also ask for archival rights for as long as timewornlit.com is in existence. Once work is published, rights revert back to the author. We do not ask for exclusivity for any length of time.