Submit

Thank you for your interest in submitting to Smudge, a literary and arts magazine that aims to showcase writing and artwork from people of underrepresented identities. The theme for our 2026 issue is Sobremesa. 

Sobremesa, or the Spanish tradition of relaxing at the table after a meal, is the inspiration for this edition’s theme. It’s a word describing the hours spent at the dining table after a meal, of every laugh and every inside joke. Many cultures use food as a catalyst for community, and this is especially evident when it is shared. Giving someone the food off your plate is an implicit invitation for closeness— so much so that it might as well be its own love language. Despite the challenges the world throws at us, sobremesa and the rituals surrounding it ensures that every person at the table is heard and cared for. 

This edition of Smudge Magazine invites writers to share pieces that showcase community, fulfillment, and compassion in the face of adversity. Sobremesa not only focuses on relaxation amongst loved ones, but also the vulnerability of sharing. There is a difference between sharing from the same plate and taking a bite of the same fruit. When was the last time you bared your heart in front of another? We are looking for submissions that dare to find community where there is none and illustrate the way love creates resilience.

The theme is meant as inspiration for submissions, and we encourage you to submit work even if it does not perfectly adhere to the theme!

To submit to our 2026 issue, please fill out this google form before February 15, 2026.

General Guidelines

  • All submission files should be named in the format lastname_title. If your work does not have a title, submit it as lastname_untitled, although we would prefer a title.

  • Please do not put your name in the document itself. This is to ensure anonymity and fairness in our selection process.

  • In addition to your submission, we would like a Contributors’ Note, which will be published in the issue if your work is accepted. This should be 2-3 sentences about you, see the bottom of this page for examples.

  • We gladly accept simultaneous submissions. Please notify us via email if your work has been accepted for another publication.

  • We do not accept previously published work.

  • Reach out to smudgemagwc@gmail.com with any questions, we are more than happy to answer them.

    • You may submit up to 5 fiction pieces, each on a separate document.

    • Please submit as a PDF file.

    • 3000 word limit.

    • Plays in standard format are welcome.

    • We do not accept fanfiction submissions.

    • You may submit up to 5 non-fiction pieces, each on a separate document.

    • Please submit as a PDF file.

    • 3000 word limit.

    • You may submit up to 5 poems, each on a separate document.

    • Please submit as a PDF file.

    • 500 word limit per poem.

    • You may submit up to 5 art pieces, each as a separate file.

    • Please submit as a high resolution JPEG file.

    • Please make sure the photo is clear with adequate writing and clarity. Do not have background obstructions or shadows cast upon the artwork.

    • Any medium is accepted; 2D or 3D photographed, as well as digital photography or art.

  • We will accept audio and video art (songs, short films, music videos, etc.) to be published on our website. These submissions will not be included in our physical print issue.

    • You may submit up to 2 audio works and 2 video works, each as a separate file.

    • For audio, please submit as an MP3 file. For video, please submit as an MP4 file.

    • 10 minute limit per file.

Genre Guidelines