We are currently accepting submissions for our inaugural contest. Please have a read at the following submission guidelines and click the button below to be directed to the Duotrope listing. The deadline for this contest is the 31st of March 2025. Happy writing ✨

1. Overview

litl is an insta-native journal dedicated to genre-defying fiction that pushes boundaries and showcases original, eclectic voices. We invite bold work that challenges conventions, offering fresh perspectives and a forward-thinking spirit.

2. Eligibility & Requirements

  • Original Work: Submissions must be previously unpublished and entirely your own.

  • Language: Entries must be in English.

  • Word Count: Pieces should range between 1,000 and 4,000 words.

  • Multiple & Simultaneous Submissions: You may submit more than one piece (each with its own fee), and you are free to submit the same work elsewhere. Please let us know if your piece is accepted elsewhere.

3. Formatting & Anonymity

  • Document Format: Submit your manuscript as a PDF document.

  • Font & Spacing: Use a readable font (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial) in size 12, with double spacing and 1-inch margins.

  • No Identifiers: To ensure a blind judging process, do not include your name or any identifying details within the file itself.

4. Submission Process

  • Platform: Submissions are accepted exclusively via Duotrope.

  • Fee & Prize: Each entry requires a $5 fee. The winning submission will receive a $100 award.

  • Response Time: We aim to respond to all entrants within one month of the deadline.

  • No Individual Feedback: At present, we do not provide editorial feedback on submissions.

5. Judging & Selection

  • Judges: All entries are reviewed by Arjun, litl’s founder and editor-in-chief. (Guest judges may be invited for future contests, but not for this first one.)

  • Criteria: Submissions are evaluated on originality, craft, and impact. All decisions are final.

6. Publication & Rights

  • First Digital Rights: By submitting, you grant litl first digital rights if your work is selected.

  • Further Publishing: Pieces may also appear in a future zine or anthology.

  • Rights Revert: Following publication, all rights revert to you, though we request acknowledgement in any reprints.

  • Promotion: Excerpts may be shared on our website and social media channels.

  • Post-Production Collaboration: As part of reimagining how people consume fiction, contest winners may collaborate with a graphic designer to bring the piece to life on Instagram. Winners can be as involved as they wish in this process. However, final editorial decisions remain with the editor-in-chief.

7. Ethical, AI & Content Standards

  • Plagiarism & AI: Any work found to be plagiarised or generated (in whole or in part) by artificial intelligence will be disqualified. Although final selection decisions are made by human judges, we use AI-based tools to verify eligibility, detect AI-generated text, and flag inappropriate content.

  • Hate Speech: We do not accept content endorsing violence, hatred, or discrimination.

  • Excessive Explicit Content: Submissions containing gratuitous violence or explicit material without artistic merit may be declined.

8. Additional Terms

  • Adherence to Guidelines: Submissions that fail to follow these guidelines may be disqualified.

  • Contest Modifications: litl reserves the right to extend deadlines, amend rules, or cancel the contest if necessary.

9. Contact

For any queries, please email arjun@litl.world.