About Plenitude Magazine
Plenitude's Summer Poetry Contest accepts entries until September 21. One grand prize of $500 will go to one winner, with all submissions considered for regular publication. Click the submission category below for more details.
There is a monthly submission cap for US and international categories. If the category does not appear below, please check back at the start of next month.
A submission fee of $3.00 (Canadian funds) is now in place for US and international writers.
Submission window for all categories: August 31 to November 30, January 2 to April 30 (submissions closed the month of December for the holidays).
Plenitude Magazine is Canada's only queer literary magazine. We promote the growth and development of LGBTQ2S+ literature through online publication of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, book reviews, and interviews by both emerging and established LGBTQ2S+ writers. We especially encourage BIPOC, trans, and/or disabled writers to submit their work.
We define queer literature and arts as works created by LGBTQ2S+ people, rather than works which feature queer content alone. While we are an LGBTQ2S+ magazine, we welcome submissions that explore themes outside of sexuality and gender orientation.
At this time we are not interested in poems or stories on themes of first experience, first love, or coming out. Many of our recent submissions have focused on these common topics, and lately we are on the hunt for new and exciting perspectives.
All of Plenitude's poetry, prose, and book reviews are open sourced, free and available to read on our website. We highly recommend reading examples of previously published work in the genre you wish to submit to get a feel for our style.
- Genre Bender (Canadian writers only): Text-based submissions should be no longer than 2000 words, and can include images in the body of the text. Genre-bending poems should be no longer than 5 pages long. Standalone literary images/photographs such as collages or cut-and-paste poems can be uploaded as .jpg or .png files.
- Poetry: Up to five pages of poetry, single spaced, in a 12-point font. Each poem should appear on a new page. Submit one file per submission with all poems in the same document.
- Fiction: One story per submission, double spaced, paginated, in a 12-point font, maximum 5,000 words.
- Creative Nonfiction: One memoir per submission, double spaced, paginated, in a 12-point font, maximum 5,000 words.
- Book Reviews: Query the reviews editor for reviews (up to 1000 words): reviews(at)plenitudemagazine.ca
- Articles: Query the reviews editor for articles (up to 3000 words): reviews(at)plenitudemagazine.ca
A cover letter in the document you upload is not necessary. Instead, please enter your name, mailing address, email address, title of submission, and a 50-word bio into the Cover Letter section of the form. Let us know if you self identify as BIPOC, trans, and/or disabled.
NEW: to avoid publishing the same writer across multiple genres, please submit in only one category each year, January 1 to December 31 (our Summer Poetry Contest is exempt from this rule). Multiple submissions across genres throughout the calendar year by the same writer will be rejected.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed; however, in the event your work is accepted elsewhere, please withdraw your fiction, creative nonfiction, or genre bender submission directly from Submittable. For poems, email our editors at poetry@plenitudemagazine.ca with the title of poem(s) you wish to withdraw. We do not accept previously published work, or work created using AI.
We aim for a response time up to six months for all submissions.
Paying writers for their work is vital! As a Canadian magazine, we pay writer fees in Canadian dollars (CAD). Canadian writers will be sent a cheque upon publication; US/international writers must be able to accept a PayPal deposit. Here is our current pay model:
- Poetry - $60 per poem
- Prose (Fiction/Creative Nonfiction) - $125 per story
- Genre Bender - $100 per piece
- Book Reviews - $100 per review
- Interviews - $100 per interview
Plenitude Magazine buys first serial rights; copyright remains with the author/creator.
The gist
- Plenitude’s Summer Poetry Contest is open globally to members of the LGBTQ2S+ community only – we are a gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and queer magazine for writers who identify as such!
- The contest judge is Misha Solomon
- We welcome submissions from previous Plenitude writers and submitters. Even if you currently have a submission pending, or have recently published with us, we want to read your contest entries!
- One winner will receive $500, in Canadian funds, and their winning poem will be published on our website
- The contest runs August 1 until September 21
Entries and contest fee
- The contest entry fee is $15 (Canadian dollars) and lets you submit up to three poems
- Each entry should consist of no more than three poems; we will only consider the first three poems in the file you upload
- We have no limits on the number of times you can submit, but the $15 fee must be paid each time
- Each poem should be no more than 100 lines
- All entries must remain anonymous – don’t put your name in the document or submission title
- We choose one poem as the winner, not one batch of three poems, so please title each of your poems
What to submit
- There is no theme to this contest
- We are an LGBTQ2S+ magazine, but we welcome submissions of poems that explore themes outside of sexuality and gender orientation
- Poems of a homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, racist, or overly violent nature are not welcome
- Previously published poems in any form, or poems currently under consideration for publication with a literary magazine, are also not welcome
- AI-generated? Stay away!
How to submit
- Send your contest entries and $15 entry fee using Submittable only
- Poems with no entry fee, or poems emailed to our editor, will not be considered
- We are a digital magazine, so your entry should be digital, as well (we can’t accept mailed entries)
- Upload your file with one, two, or three poems together, as a Word or PDF document
Cover letter
- In the Submittable cover letter section of your submission, list your name, country of residence, and titles of poems
- The cover letter section should be the only identifying area of your submission, and will be separated from your entry to maintain anonymity
The poem document
- The only thing your uploaded document should contain are the poems! (No cover letter or name)
- We like 12-point fonts, single spaced
- Each poem must start on a new line with each poem title in bold
This call is for hybrid submissions from Canadian writers. This includes Canadian citizens living in Canada or abroad; those who identify as Indigenous; and/or residents of Canada (temporary residents or refugees).
Plenitude's genre bender submission is open to hybrid works that don't fit into standard categories of poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. We're seeking new and exciting pieces that blur the lines between categories: literary blends of two or all three standard genres (poetry/fiction/nonfiction); cut-and-paste flash fiction; found poems from legal documents; erasure; conversations; collage text; you name it! Surprise us. We look forward to reading your cutting-edge submission.
Text-based submissions should be no longer than 2000 words, and can include images in the body of the text. Genre-bending poems should be no longer than 5 pages long. Standalone literary images/photographs such as collages or cut-and-paste poems can be uploaded as .jpg or .png files.
A cover letter in the document you upload is not necessary. Instead, please enter your name, mailing address, email address, titles of poems, and a 50-word bio into the Cover Letter section of the form. Let us know if you self identify as BIPOC, trans, or disabled.
We pay $100 (in Canadian funds) per published hybrid piece. Canadian writers will be sent a cheque upon publication.
NEW: to avoid publishing the same writer across multiple genres, please submit in only one category each year, January 1 to December 31 (our Summer Poetry Contest is exempt from this rule). Multiple submissions across genres throughout the calendar year by the same writer will be rejected.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed; however, in the event your hybrid piece is accepted elsewhere, please withdraw it directly from Submittable. We do not accept previously published work, or work created using AI.
Plenitude Magazine buys first serial rights; copyright remains with the author/creator.
This call is for poetry submissions from Canadian writers. This includes Canadian citizens living in Canada or abroad; those who identify as Indigenous; and/or residents of Canada (temporary residents or refugees).
Send up to five pages of poetry, single spaced, in a 12-point font. Each poem should appear on a new page. Submit one file per submission with all poems in the same document.
A cover letter in the document you upload is not necessary. Instead, please enter your name, mailing address, email address, titles of poems, and a 50-word bio into the Cover Letter section of the form. Let us know if you self identify as BIPOC, trans, or disabled.
We pay $60 (in Canadian funds) per published poem. Canadian writers will be sent a cheque upon publication; US/international writers must be able to accept a PayPal deposit.
NEW: to avoid publishing the same writer across multiple genres, please submit in only one category each year, January 1 to December 31 (our Summer Poetry Contest is exempt from this rule). Multiple submissions across genres throughout the calendar year by the same writer will be rejected.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed; however, in the event your poetry is accepted elsewhere, email our editors at poetry(at)plenitudemagazine.ca with the title of poem(s) you wish to withdraw. We do not accept previously published work, or work created using AI.
At this time we are not interested in poems or stories on themes of first experience, first love, or coming out. Many of our recent submissions have focused on these common topics, and lately we are on the hunt for new and exciting perspectives.
Plenitude Magazine buys first serial rights; copyright remains with the author/creator.
This call is for poetry submissions from US and international writers.
A submission fee of $3.00 (Canadian funds) is now in place.
Send up to five pages of poetry, single spaced, in a 12-point font. Each poem should appear on a new page. Submit one file per submission with all poems in the same document.
A cover letter in the document you upload is not necessary. Instead, please enter your name, mailing address, email address, titles of poems, and a 50-word bio into the Cover Letter section of the form. Let us know if you self identify as BIPOC, trans, or disabled.
We pay $60 (in Canadian funds) per published poem. Canadian writers will be sent a cheque upon publication; US/international writers must be able to accept a PayPal deposit.
NEW: to avoid publishing the same writer across multiple genres, please submit in only one category each year, January 1 to December 31 (our Summer Poetry Contest is exempt from this rule). Multiple submissions across genres throughout the calendar year by the same writer will be rejected.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed; however, in the event your poetry is accepted elsewhere, email our editors at poetry(at)plenitudemagazine.ca with the title of poem(s) you wish to withdraw. We do not accept previously published work, or work created using AI.
At this time we are not interested in poems or stories on themes of first experience, first love, or coming out. Many of our recent submissions have focused on these common topics, and lately we are on the hunt for new and exciting perspectives.
Plenitude Magazine buys first serial rights; copyright remains with the author/creator.
This call is for fiction submissions from Canadian writers. This includes Canadian citizens living in Canada or abroad; those who identify as Indigenous; and/or residents of Canada (temporary residents or refugees).
Send one short story, double spaced, paginated, in a 12-point font, maximum 5,000 words.
A cover letter in the document you upload is not necessary. Instead, please enter your name, mailing address, email address, title of short story, and a 50-word bio into the Cover Letter section of the form. Let us know if you self identify as BIPOC, trans, or disabled.
We pay $125 (in Canadian funds) per published story. Canadian writers will be sent a cheque upon publication; US/international writers must be able to accept a PayPal deposit.
NEW: to avoid publishing the same writer across multiple genres, please submit in only one category each year, January 1 to December 31 (our Summer Poetry Contest is exempt from this rule). Multiple submissions across genres throughout the calendar year by the same writer will be rejected.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed; however, in the event your fiction is accepted elsewhere, please withdraw it directly from Submittable. We do not accept previously published work, or work created using AI.
At this time we are not interested in poems or stories on themes of first experience, first love, or coming out. Many of our recent submissions have focused on these common topics, and lately we are on the hunt for new and exciting perspectives.
Plenitude Magazine buys first serial rights; copyright remains with the author/creator.
This call is for fiction submissions from US and international writers.
A submission fee of $3.00 (Canadian funds) is now in place.
Send one short story, double spaced, paginated, in a 12-point font, maximum 5,000 words.
A cover letter in the document you upload is not necessary. Instead, please enter your name, mailing address, email address, title of short story, and a 50-word bio into the Cover Letter section of the form. Let us know if you self identify as BIPOC, trans, or disabled.
We pay $125 (in Canadian funds) per published story. Canadian writers will be sent a cheque upon publication; US/international writers must be able to accept a PayPal deposit.
NEW: to avoid publishing the same writer across multiple genres, please submit in only one category each year, January 1 to December 31 (our Summer Poetry Contest is exempt from this rule). Multiple submissions across genres throughout the calendar year by the same writer will be rejected.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed; however, in the event your fiction is accepted elsewhere, please withdraw it directly from Submittable. We do not accept previously published work, or work created using AI.
At this time we are not interested in poems or stories on themes of first experience, first love, or coming out. Many of our recent submissions have focused on these common topics, and lately we are on the hunt for new and exciting perspectives.
Plenitude Magazine buys first serial rights; copyright remains with the author/creator.
This call is for creative nonfiction submissions from Canadian writers. This includes Canadian citizens living in Canada or abroad; those who identify as Indigenous; and/or residents of Canada (temporary residents or refugees).
Send one creative nonfiction memoir, double spaced, paginated, in a 12-point font, maximum 5,000 words.
A cover letter in the document you upload is not necessary. Instead, please enter your name, mailing address, email address, title of memoir, and a 50-word bio into the Cover Letter section of the form. Let us know if you self identify as BIPOC, trans, or disabled.
We pay $125 (in Canadian funds) per published memoir. Canadian writers will be sent a cheque upon publication; US/international writers must be able to accept a PayPal deposit.
NEW: to avoid publishing the same writer across multiple genres, please submit in only one category each year, January 1 to December 31 (our Summer Poetry Contest is exempt from this rule). Multiple submissions across genres throughout the calendar year by the same writer will be rejected.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed; however, in the event your memoir is accepted elsewhere, please withdraw it directly from Submittable. We do not accept previously published work, or work created using AI.
At this time we are not interested in poems or stories on themes of first experience, first love, or coming out. Many of our recent submissions have focused on these common topics, and lately we are on the hunt for new and exciting perspectives.
Plenitude Magazine buys first serial rights; copyright remains with the author/creator.
This call is for creative nonfiction submissions from US and international writers.
A submission fee of $3.00 (Canadian funds) is now in place.
Send one creative nonfiction memoir, double spaced, paginated, in a 12-point font, maximum 5,000 words.
A cover letter in the document you upload is not necessary. Instead, please enter your name, mailing address, email address, title of memoir, and a 50-word bio into the Cover Letter section of the form. Let us know if you self identify as BIPOC, trans, or disabled.
We pay $125 (in Canadian funds) per published memoir. Canadian writers will be sent a cheque upon publication; US/international writers must be able to accept a PayPal deposit.
NEW: to avoid publishing the same writer across multiple genres, please submit in only one category each year, January 1 to December 31 (our Summer Poetry Contest is exempt from this rule). Multiple submissions across genres throughout the calendar year by the same writer will be rejected.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed; however, in the event your memoir is accepted elsewhere, please withdraw it directly from Submittable. We do not accept previously published work, or work created using AI.
At this time we are not interested in poems or stories on themes of first experience, first love, or coming out. Many of our recent submissions have focused on these common topics, and lately we are on the hunt for new and exciting perspectives.
Plenitude Magazine buys first serial rights; copyright remains with the author/creator.