General Submissions
***We have recently changed our submission guidelines, so please read this section carefully before submitting***
Prairie Fire is currently accepting general submissions by snail mail only. Exceptions: We will make an exception for people who live in parts of the world where mail service is not reliable, if mailing a submission is cost prohibitive or mobility is an issue. In these cases, we ask that you email us first at prfire@prairiefire.ca before submitting.
In order to find out what our editors are looking for, it’s a good idea to read back issues of Prairie Fire before submitting your work. Prairie Fire publishes literary, not commercial writing. Check recent issues and our website for information about special submission procedures, calls for submissions, contests, or to subscribe.
Prairie Fire encourages person/persons of color, LGBTQ+ & disabled writers, as well as writers from any other (or more than one) underrepresented community to submit.
If you are a beginning writer, study your craft. Learn from good writers, and consult them before you submit. You can also find Prairie Fire in many libraries and, if you live in an area where you can’t find a copy at your local bookstore, you can order a back issue from us.
Like most magazines, Prairie Fire has a standard set of submission guidelines. Following these guidelines will ensure that your writing is sent directly to the appropriate editor. This speeds up the evaluation process, an arrangement that benefits both you and our editors.
For general submissions: Prairie Fire accepts ONE submission per category (Poetry, Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction) every twelve months. Once you have submitted, please wait twelve months before submitting again.
For special calls for submission: You may submit ONE submission per category (Poetry, Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction). If you have submitted to general submission you CAN also submit to special calls for submission.
Contests: You can submit as many times as you like, provided you pay the contest fees, regardless of if you have submitted within the last twelve months to general submissions or special calls.
No revisions, replacements or substitutions once submitted.
Prairie Fire receives hundreds of submissions every year in each genre. Because of the high volume of submissions, our editors are not able to comment on work being returned. The editors meet several times per year. Generally, the response time takes 3-6 months. If you have waited longer than this for a reply, please feel free to query us.
If your work is accepted, you will be notified via email. Payment is made upon publication. Please see our contributor rates for details. We buy First North American Serial Rights and First Digital Publication Rights only. After publication, copyright reverts to the author.
Guidelines for contests are somewhat different, so please check our contest information. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at prfire@prairiefire.ca.
We look forward to receiving and reading your work!
Submission Guidelines
#1
The Cover Letter
The cover letter should be typed. Be sure to include the following:
• Please let us know you are sending a general submission or responding to a specific, special issue call for submission
• a two- or three-sentence biographical statement (with your pronouns)
• your full mailing address, e-mail address and phone number;
• the title(s) of the piece(s) you are submitting;
• the genre of the piece(s) you are submitting (poetry, fiction, non-fiction).
• let us know if you are just starting to send out your work.
#2
The Manuscript
Prairie Fire only accepts original, previously unpublished work.
We do not accept work that utilizes AI (artificial intelligence), algorithmic, machine-learning, or computer-generated text of any sort.
We ask that you let us know if your work is also submitted elsewhere, and, if it is accepted, to notify us right away.
Your submission should be typed (double-spaced) on one side of the page only. Poetry may be single-spaced.
Left and right margins of at least 1.25 inches, and top and bottom margins of at least 1 inch.
Each page of poetry must contain your name and address at the top left.
For fiction and creative non-fiction, centre the title halfway down on the first page, with your name below it. Include a word count at the top right corner of the first page and your address at the top left corner. Make sure your pages are numbered.
A maximum of 5 poems per submission.
Maximum word count for Fiction and Non-Fiction: 10,000 words.
Please do not send multiple submissions simultaneously.
#3
Physical Format
Use 8.5 x 11–inch standard white bond paper.
Do not staple the pages together (paper clips are permissible).
Include an e-mail address for notification, or a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage for the return of the manuscript or for notification.
Submissions from outside Canada are accepted but must include an e-mail address, international reply coupons, or Canadian postage for notification.
Prairie Fire Press Inc.
423 – 100 Arthur Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1H3
PLEASE NOTE
We buy First North American Serial Rights and First Digital Publication Rights only. After publication, copyright reverts to the author. We may also use a small part of your work in promotional materials for the issue.