Literary Journal
WestWord
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About the magazine
WestWord is a digital literary and arts publication operating via Substack, founded to provide a platform for emerging and established voices outside traditional institutional gatekeeping. Its core mission is to foster a community of readers and writers through regular themed calls, such as the annual Christmas Countdown, which invites submissions that engage with seasonal themes in inventive, non-sentimental ways. The publication prioritizes work that is formally curious and emotionally resonant, valuing clarity and craft over trend-driven aesthetics.
Submitting your work
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Before submitting to a WestWord call, read several past issues to understand the editors' tastes—they favor work that balances accessibility with originality. For themed calls like the Christmas Countdown, avoid clichés; instead, consider oblique or personal angles on the theme. Submissions should be polished, proofread, and adhere strictly to any stated word limits or format guidelines. Include a brief, professional cover letter that contextualizes your work without over-explaining. Response times can vary, so query politely after the stated period if you haven't heard back.
Submission calls
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