Jelly Bucket is the national literary journal produced by the Bluegrass Writers Studio, the MFA program at Eastern Kentucky University. Edited by graduate students in creative writing, the journal publishes fiction, poetry, and nonfiction from both emerging and established voices. Its editorial vision is shaped by the program's commitment to craft and the diverse perspectives of its student editors, who are themselves writers in the early stages of their careers. The journal appears annually and has featured work by a range of contemporary writers, maintaining a presence in the literary landscape through its affiliation with the university and its participation in the wider conversation of independent literary publishing. For writers, publication in Jelly Bucket offers a credential that signals engagement with a serious literary readership and the opportunity to appear alongside peers selected by a dedicated editorial team. The journal does not charge a submission fee, according to its guidelines, making it accessible to writers regardless of financial resources. While the journal does not offer monetary prizes, contributors receive copies of the issue and the validation of a rigorous editorial process. The selection process is competitive, with student editors reviewing submissions under the guidance of faculty advisors, ensuring that each piece is considered with care and attention to literary merit. The curatorial vision of Jelly Bucket reflects the values of the Bluegrass Writers Studio: a dedication to narrative and poetic craft, an openness to a variety of styles and subjects, and a belief in the importance of literary community. The journal seeks work that demonstrates originality, emotional resonance, and technical proficiency. It is not aligned with a single aesthetic school but rather embraces the breadth of contemporary writing. Submissions are read with an eye for voices that surprise, move, and illuminate the human experience. The deadline of December 1, 2026, provides a clear target for writers to prepare their strongest work for consideration.