Interested in submitting your work?
EVENT publishes fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction. While most of our contributors are Canadian, we accept English-language submissions from writers from around the world.
We accept fiction and poetry submissions at any time. (Please note we do not read manuscripts in January, July, August or December. You may submit work during these periods; however, response time may be longer.) Submissions of creative non-fiction are generally only accepted via our yearly Non-Fiction Contest.
We review every manuscript we receive, most of which are unsolicited. Although we can’t publish them all, we make an effort to provide useful feedback for authors whenever appropriate. Please be advised that given the volume of submissions, response time can be up to six months.
What we’re looking for
EVENT’s editorial team seeks the very best in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and literary reviews by both new and established authors. What kind of writing are we looking for? In short, compositions that inspire, delight and challenge readers. Although we favour manuscripts with strong narratives, we also crave diversity and seek a variety of voices.
Fiction:
We want readability, style, well-handled characters and a strong, effective point of view (although not necessarily all in the same story).
Poetry:
We are eclectic. Send us your work.
Non-fiction:
Non-fiction submissions are welcomed through our annual Non-Fiction Contest with cash and publication prizes. Entries must be postmarked no later than April 15. Visit our contest page for information on entry fees, the final judge, and more.
Tips for successful submissions
- Read past issues of EVENT. Newsstands and libraries stock the current issue; current and back issues in print or digital format can also be purchased online or through our office.
- We accept simultaneous submissions, but we will not publish work that has previously been published elsewhere. Should a piece under consideration be accepted elsewhere, please advise us immediately.
- We do not publish work by an author who has been published in our magazine within the past two calendar years, with the exception of reviews.
- Please review our Editorial Policy for complete guidelines and rights and payments policies.
Submission checklist
- We do not accept email submissions.
- Submit three to eight poems but no more than two short stories (maximum 5,000 words each). We rarely publish excerpts from novels, unless they stand well on their own. Do not mix genres when submitting.
- Tell us if you’d prefer your manuscript to be recycled rather than returned.
- Attach a brief covering letter with your contact information, the title(s) of your submission(s) and a list of previous publication credits, if any.
- Include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Send Canadian stamps, IRCs or
US$1 if you are submitting from outside Canada.
- Mail your submission to:
Reading Service for Writers
If your manuscript is behaving like a rebellious teenager, try EVENT’s Reading Service for Writers. Our editors will assist you with your manuscript by providing a 700 – 1,000 word assessment on the strengths and weaknesses of the writing in such areas as voice, style, point of view, credibility and characterization, and provide recommendations for revision. All manuscripts submitted will also be considered for publication. For more information, please visit our Reading Service page.
