Copper Nickel

Submitting your work

Copper Nickel accepts submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction during specific reading periods, typically from September 1 to November 30 and January 1 to March 31. Submissions are accepted via Submittable, and there is no fee for general submissions, though a fee-based expedited option is available. Writers should send up to five poems, one story or novel excerpt of up to 7,500 words, or one nonfiction piece of up to 7,500 words. The editors appreciate work that demonstrates a strong command of language, a clear sense of purpose, and an awareness of the larger literary tradition. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but please notify the journal immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. Response times vary, but generally range from two to four months. Before submitting, it is advisable to read recent issues to understand the journal's aesthetic, which favors work that is both artful and engaged with the world.

We try to respond to most submissions within 2-4 months, though we can definitely take longer—particularly in the spring and over the holidays. We charge $3 per submission.