Literary Journal

Ubwali Literary Magazine

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About the magazine

Ubwali Literary Magazine is a digital publication dedicated to amplifying contemporary African writing and visual art. Founded with the conviction that literature thrives at the intersection of tradition and innovation, the magazine takes its name from the Bemba word for 'storytelling,' signaling a commitment to narrative in its many forms. Since its inception, Ubwali has provided a platform for both emerging and established voices, curating work that engages with the complexities of African life and diaspora without reducing them to monolithic narratives. The magazine publishes poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art, with a particular interest in work that experiments with form and language while remaining deeply rooted in cultural specificity.

Editorial focus

Mainly work by Zambian writers, except for January, when work by African writers living in Africa is also considered.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Jan 31

Reading feeNo

PaymentCash

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Ubwali welcomes submissions from writers and artists of African descent, regardless of geographic location. Before submitting, familiarize yourself with the magazine's aesthetic by reading several issues; they favor work that demonstrates a strong command of craft and a willingness to take creative risks. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify them immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter with your submission, and adhere strictly to the stated word limits and formatting guidelines. Response times can vary, so patience is appreciated. Above all, they value authenticity and originality over trend-following.

We are open to all genres and most content and do not prescribe themes. Please read all our submission guidelines before sending us your work. Submissions that do not adhere to any of the guidelines will be deleted unread.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

1 listed

OpenDeadline · 2027-01-01