Submission Guidelines

What We Publish

​​

​

• Works by neurodiverse writers (including but not limited to autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and other neurodivergent experiences)

​

• Works by queer and trans writers across the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities

​

• Works by writers from intersectional and marginalised communities

​

• Writing that challenges conventional forms and boundaries

​

• Works that reflect the complexity and richness of contemporary Irish experience

​

• International voices that resonate with our mission

​

​

Visual Art Submissions

We accept photography, digital illustration, painting, drawing, collage, mixed media, and any traditional art that can be digitised.​

​

• Up to 5 artworks per artist

​

• Files must be high-quality JPEG or PNG (300 dpi preferred for clarity)

​

• Works should have no visible watermarks

​

• Each file must be named with the title of the artwork and the artist’s name

​

Along with your submission, please include:

​

• Short artist bio (50–100 words)

​

• Titles, mediums, and year of each work

​

• 1–2 sentences about how your art connects to Oscail’s themes

​

• Optional: Short statement on your process/inspiration

​

*Important notes*

​

• Only submit work you have the right to share

​

• Please provide descriptive alt text for each artwork for accessibility

​

• If submitting traditional art, please scan or photograph your work in good lighting and at a high resolution

​

• Selected contributors will be paid €25 for each piece

​

• No submission fees

​

Writing Submission Categories

Poetry

​

• Quantity: Up to 5 poems per submission

​

• Length: No strict limit, but poems should be appropriate for publication in a literary magazine

​

• Format: Submit all poems in a single document (Word, PDF, or Google Doc)

​

​

Short Fiction

​

• Quantity: One piece per submission

​

• Length: 1,500 - 3,000 words maximum

​

• Format: Submit as a single document (Word, PDF, or Google Doc)

​

​

Flash Fiction

​

• Quantity: Up to 3 pieces per submission

​

• Length: Up to 1,000 words per piece

​

• Format: Submit all pieces in a single document

​

Non-Fiction

​

• Quantity: One piece per submission

​

• Length: Up to 3,000 words maximum

​

• Format: Submit as a single document

​

​

​Film Reviews

​

• Quantity: Up to 3 pieces per submission

​

• Length: From 500 - 1,500 words

​

• Any films with strong LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent representation. Films that speak to your community.

​

• Critical analysis welcome, but personal reflection and accessibility commentary encouraged too

​

​

How to Submit

​

Email Submissions (Primary Method):

Send your submission to: oscailmagazine@gmail.com

​

Email Subject Line: Use this format: "Submission: [CATEGORY] - [YOUR NAME]"

Example: "Submission: Poetry - Katie Murphy"

​

What to Include in Your Email:

​

1. Submission files (see formatting requirements below)

​

  2. Brief bio (50-100 words, third person)

​

No Submission Fees

No Reading Fees

​​

​

Formatting Requirements 

​

Font:

Use accessible fonts such as Arial, Verdana, or Open Sans (12-14 point)

​

Avoid decorative fonts, script fonts, or Times New Roman

​

Spacing:

Use 1.5 line spacing throughout your document

Margins:

Use standard 1-inch margins

Alignment:

Left-align all text (avoid justified text)

Page Numbers:

Include page numbers on all pages except the first

​

Document Format:

Submit as .doc, .docx, or PDF files

​

Ensure your document is conversion-ready for accessibility tools

​

Include your name and contact information in the document header

​​

​

Accessibility Support

​

We are committed to making our submission process accessible to all writers. If you need accommodations or alternative formats, please contact us at: oscailmagazine@gmail.com

​

We can provide:

​

• Extended deadlines for writers who need additional time

​

• Alternative submission formats

​

• Assistance with technical issues

​

• Plain language explanations of our guidelines

​

Audio Submissions:

For writers who prefer to submit work in audio format, please contact us to arrange this option.

​​

​

Submission Policies

​

Simultaneous Submissions:

We accept and encourage simultaneous submissions. Please notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.

​

Previously Published Work:

We only accept previously unpublished work. Publication on personal blogs or social media is acceptable.

​

Response Time:

We aim to respond to all submissions within 2-3 months. If you haven't heard from us after 3 months, please feel free to query.

​

Withdrawal Policy:

You may withdraw your submission at any time by emailing oscailmagazine@gmail.com

​​​

​

Payment & Rights

​

We pay our contributors:

Accepted writers receive €25 per published piece, regardless of length or category.

​

Rights:

We request first Irish rights and the right to archive your work on our website. All other rights remain with you.

​

​

Editorial Process

​

Review Process:

All submissions are read by our editorial team. We aim for a fair, thoughtful review process that considers both literary merit and alignment with our mission.

​

Feedback:

While we cannot provide individual feedback on all submissions due to volume, we may offer brief comments on work that comes close to acceptance.

​

Acceptance:

If we accept your work, we will contact you with details about publication, payment, and any minor editing suggestions.

​

We will not accept work generated by AI in any medium

​​

We value respect, inclusivity, and professionalism in all our interactions. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or hate speech of any kind.

​​​​​