MockingOwl Roost Submission Guidelines

Themes are intentionally vague to leave the concept up to the writer’s interpretation.

We have some specific things we’re looking for, but even if your work doesn’t fit these exactly, send it anyway (unless they break our “we don’t publish” guidelines). We’re dedicated to helping writers get published in almost any genre or type, even if it doesn’t fit our “norm.” We love unique!

• Flash fiction (250 words or fewer): Any genre
• Short fiction (under 5,000 words): Any genre
• Lengthy short stories and serialized fiction: If you have a serialized story or work of fiction longer than 5,000 words, please send them along. We love long-running, well-connected stories.
• Opinion: On just about any topic out there
• Poetry: Long and short form
• Personal essays: Have an interesting essay? Submit the full manuscript

There is no reading fee for submissions to the MockingOwl Roost.

We accept simultaneous submissions on a few conditions. Because of the many complications that accompany simultaneous submissions, we will accept them on conditions that

1. If the piece is accepted elsewhere before we commission, you will let us know immediately.
2. Once we have accepted a piece for publication, you will inform others that the piece is no longer available for publication.
3. Once we begin the editing process, you may no longer withdraw the piece from our publication calendar. If issues arise due to legal reasons or other legitimate reasons, we will discuss the procedures at this time.

We gladly accept multiple submissions, with these limitations:

1. 1. Each piece longer than 3 pages should be submitted in a separate document.
   2. On all submission files, include your full name and the title of the work.
   3. You may submit up to 15 poems, 15 essays, 15 short stories/serialized fiction works, or 15 other works at this time, with a combination of no more than 20 written works. All poetry may be submitted together in a single file. All flash fiction or micro essays may be submitted together in a single file. All other works should be submitted in separate files.
   4. If you do not follow these limitations in submissions, you will be asked to resubmit following the guidelines or will automatically be rejected, depending on the editor’s discretion.