submissions
Guidelines for contributors
At carte blanche we believe there is more than one way to tell a story. Our mandate is to provide a venue for narrative of all forms from fiction and nonfiction, to poetry and photo essays.
carte blanche is published twice a year, in the spring and the fall.
How to submit
We accept electronic submissions only.
Text should be in Word, and double-spaced (except poetry). We like it if you use Verdana 10 pt as your font.
Include the author's name, the name of the piece, its length, and the category of submission on the first page. The header should include the name of the piece.
Word limit: 3500 words
Simultaneous submissions: We accept simultaneous submissions. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are sending your piece elsewhere and notify us immediately if your piece is accepted somewhere else.
Rights: We ask for first world serial rights and the right to archive your work on the website. Copyright reverts to the author upon publication.
Deadline: Spring issue – March 15th; Fall issue – September 15th.
If you send your submission after our deadline, it will be considered for the following issue.
Poetry, fiction, nonfiction:
Send us your odes, sonnets, free verse, short stories, memoirs, personal essays, or literary journalism—as long as it's well written we'll consider it.
Note for poets: If your poem has special formatting requirements, please submit a PDF along with your Word document.
Translations:
We accept English translations of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction written in French. If your translation is accepted for publication, you will be asked to provide the original work on which the translation is based and proof of permission from the copyright holder to translate and publish the translation.
Graphic fiction:
Submit to our new graphic fiction section! Send us a sample of your work (please keep your email attachments to a reasonable size) with a brief overview of what your piece is about. If you have a website where your work is displayed, please include a link in your email. If we like your stuff, we will contact you and ask to see the complete piece. Final submissions should be in PNG format.
Photography:
Tell a story in 12 photos or less. Email us with your idea, including not more than six low-res jpegs as an example of the work. If you have a website where your photos are displayed please include a link in your email. If we like your stuff, we will contact you and ask to see the complete photo essay. Final submissions should be in JPG or PNG format.
Please submit your piece to [ submissions AT carte-blanche DOT org ] with the name of the piece and the category of submission (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic fiction, photo essay) in the subject line of the email. You will be notified of the editorial board’s decision by email. Please keep in mind that we are a volunteer organization and that it may take a while for us to get back to you. But we will get back to you. Promise.