On Submissions
Submission Guidelines
Heritage invites all Black, Indigenous, and POC artists and creators to submit to our biennial publication The Heritage Journal and our online library.
For The Heritage Journal:
We ask that artists submit work that is original, and do accept previously published pieces. In light of this, concurrent submissions are permitted, although we ask that artists notify us of any piece that has been will be printed elsewhere.
Artists are able to submit an unlimited amount of pieces for consideration, but there will be no more than 2 pieces of written work and 2 individual pieces of visual art accepted.
Photography series are accepted, but no more than 6 photographs will be accepted. For photographs outside of the same series, no more than 2 will be accepted. This is done in an effort to give voice to as many different artists as possible per volume.
For written work, pieces cannot exceed more than 2,500 words. For longer written works and additional visual art pieces, we encourage artists to submit to our online library. See additional information below.
All accepted pieces submitted to The Heritage Journal will be processed through a separate system to accommodate attachments and formatting requests. More information regarding this will be released when submissions open in December.
Any works received after submissions have closed will not be considered.
For the Library:
Submissions to our Library are accepted on a rolling basis.
To submit to the library, we ask that creators submit a short bio 5-6 sentence bio along with the selected work directly to submissions@readheritage.com with the subject line “LIBRARY SUBMISSION.”
We only consider one library submission at a time.
We are unable to respond to each creator due to the value of submissions. Because of this, only accepted works will receive responses. Our deadline for response is 14 days.
If you have not heard back after this 14 day period, feel free to submit a different piece for consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are submissions paid?
Submissions to our online library are currently unpaid.
Accepted submissions to The Heritage Journal are paid. Written submissions are paid $25 per page and visual submissions receive $25 per piece.
What does it mean that The Heritage Journal is published biennially?
Biennial publishing means that The Heritage Journal is published every other year. This break in publishing is meant to serve as a reprieve for our team, allowing time for rest and a greater embodiment of our emphasis on slow living.
This break also reminds us of the way of our ancestors who spent more time ruminating on ideas and cherished things for longer. The biennial break also allows us to explore other avenues of intimate connection with our community.
Practically, this means that The Heritage Journal will be published in 2023, have a break in 2024, and so on.
Do we have to be BIPOC to submit?
Yes. While we appreciate all interest, our publications and community center the narratives of Black people, Indigenous people, and other People of Color.
When do submissions to the journal open?
During publishing years, submissions to the journal open on the Spring equinox. This season, submissions will open on March 20, 2023.
Submissions will remain open until the June solstice- June 21st, 2023.
When will we hear back in regards to our submission?
Those who submit to the library will be notified of acceptance within 14 days of receipt of the submission.
Submission acceptances for The Heritage Journal will be notified within 14 days of our submissions closing.
How are submissions to The Heritage Journal chosen?
Submissions to the journal are chosen based on quality, proximity to the volume theme, and accordance with our community values. We will not accept any piece which promotes hatred and violence toward another community.
How are submissions to the library chosen?
Submissions to our library are chosen based on quality and accordance with our community values. Pieces submitted to our library have the opportunity to uniquely explore a wide range of topics at any time.
We celebrate your narratives and contributions and are especially interested work honoring culture, heritage, and the voices of changemakers in our communities.
How can I become an editor of The Heritage Journal?
The search for a Poetry and Prose Editor and Visual Art Editor will begin in March 2023. More information will be released at a later date. Follow our instagram and join our newsletter to be the first to know. These positions are paid.
How can I become a contributor to the library?
Contributor positions for our online library have a duration of 3 months. During these 3 months, contributors are asked to draft at least 2 articles for the library per month.
Contributors are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, we ask that writers submit a portrait and short bio along with a portfolio of 3-4 pieces directly to submissions@readheritage.com with the subject line “CONTRIBUTOR APPLICATION.”
Please note, these positions are considered separately from the standard library submission process.
Include any website/additional online portfolio if applicable. Please note, these are volunteer positions and are currently unpaid.
Please reach out to submissions@readheritage.com with any additional questions regarding submissions.
All other questions and inquiries can be submitted through our contact form.