Thank you for considering Barnstorm as a place for your work! 

We publish only previously unpublished work. Please refer to our website for a more detailed submission policy per genre. While we welcome submissions in multiple genres,  please wait to hear from us before submitting twice in the same genre. Send files as .doc, .docx or .rtf.

Simultaneous submissions are fine, but please withdraw your piece as soon as your work is accepted elsewhere. 

Publishing Rights

Barnstorm Journal holds first rights for submissions that we choose to publish. Upon publication, the rights revert to the author, but we reserve the right to reprint, both in print and digital forms, in the future.

A note on our submission fee: 

This small financial resource will provide support for new possibilities - it can support the work of Barnstorm's staff; it may fund future projects such as writing contests, prizes and awards, or a live reading event. Ultimately, it will help us achieve our mission: to publish the best personal and creative nonfiction essays, short stories, poetry and art that is playful, takes risks, and, as our motto says: harnesses energy.

Publishing Seasons

As the literary journal of a graduate program, we follow an academic calendar. We publish work September—December, and February—May. Submissions will not be read during the summer (June—Aug) or the month of January. If you reach out during the off-seasons we will not be able to respond. 

We look forward to reading your work!