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Literary Journal

Quarter After Eight

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About the magazine

Quarter After Eight is a literary journal affiliated with Ohio University, founded in 1994. It publishes innovative fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid texts, with a particular emphasis on short prose. The journal's ethos is rooted in the belief that brevity and experimentation can coexist, and it has long been a home for writing that resists easy categorization. Its annual Robert J. DeMott Short Prose Contest, judged by a rotating guest writer, furthers this mission by spotlighting exceptional short works.

Editorial focus

Quarter After Eight is an annual print literary journal devoted to exploring innovative writing, produced by Ohio University’s creative writing graduate students. The journal celebrates work that directly challenges the conventions of language, style, voice, and ideas. QAE encourages writers from underrepresented groups, including Appalachians, to submit their work. The staff often nominates contributors’ work for the Pushcart Prize and Best Small Fictions. Pieces from QAE have been reprinted in anthologies, including the Best American series.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to May 1
Reading feeNo
PaymentContributor copies only
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should familiarize themselves with the journal's aesthetic by reading recent issues. The DeMott Contest typically requires a single short prose piece (under 1,000 words) and a reading fee. General submissions are accepted year-round, but response times can be slow. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but notify promptly if accepted elsewhere. Always include a brief cover letter and adhere strictly to word limits.

We also hold the Robert J. DeMott Short Prose Contest, with a $1,008.15 prize and publication. Recent judges include Steven Dunn, Kirstin Valdez Quade, David Haynes, and Dinty W. Moore. In addition, we hold a Summer Chapbook contest each year with a $1,000 prize and print publication. Previous judges include Karyna McGlynn, Kaveh Akbar, and Hieu Minh Nguyen. For general submissions, please submit (via Submittable) only one story or essay, or up to three flash prose pieces, or up to four poems at a time. Multiple submissions will not be considered. We do accept simultaneous submissions. Only previously unpublished work will be considered for inclusion in the journal.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

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