At Bonds & Verses, we operate on a quarterly submission cycle, with calls for submissions opening three times a year. This gives us the opportunity to focus on curating the best possible work for each issue while ensuring that our contributors are fairly compensated.
1. Spring Issue: Submissions open January 1st - February 28th
2. Summer Issue: Submissions open April 1st - May 31st
3. Fall Issue: Submissions open July 1st - August 31st
writers by choice. honest by nature. creative by spirit. storytellers by heart. dreamers by habit. connected by words.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
We are open to a range of literary works that explore love, friendship, and the connections that bind us. Whether you write poetry, fiction, or essays, we welcome pieces that are reflective, heartfelt, and creative. Below are some of the genres we love to feature:
Poetry: up to 5 pages. submit all in one file
Short Fiction: 1,000-5,000 words max
Prose: 500 - 1,200 words max
Flash Fiction: up to 1,000 words
Spiritual Writing: 500 - 2,500 words max. pieces that explore spirituality, faith, or christianity
Creative Nonfiction: 1,000-3,000 max
Visual Poetry: High-resolution images of the piece (JPG or PNG)
Lyric Essays: 1,000-2,000 words max
Photography: Images that tell a story, evoke emotions, or capture the theme visually, with brief artist’s statement if possible.
Photography submission: Photography can range from landscapes, seascapes, and nature shots to intimate moments of human connection.
Candid portraits that capture raw emotion, connection, and personal moments of change.
Abstract shots that evoke a sense of emotional or spiritual awakening.
Style: We are open to all photography styles, including but not limited to:
Documentary Photography: Capturing real moments that reflect vulnerability, change, and growth.
Fine Art Photography: Artistic interpretations with a focus on composition, light, and mood.
Minimalism: Simple, yet powerful images that convey deep meaning in the small details.
Street Photography: Images that capture moments of human connection or reflection in urban settings.
Resolution: Minimum of 300 DPI for print-quality images.
Format: JPEG, PNG, or TIFF files.
Size: File size should not exceed 20MB.
Editing: You are welcome to edit your photos for exposure, color correction, etc., but please do not submit over-edited or heavily filtered images. We want to see the true beauty and emotion captured in your photos.
Caption: Include a brief description of the photo. Explain the emotion or message you aimed to convey through the image.
Original Work: Submissions must be the original work of the photographer, with proper rights to the content. Please ensure you have permission to submit photos that include identifiable people or private property.
we value the work of writers and artists and believe that creative contributions should be compensated. We are proud to offer $75 per accepted submission to our featured contributors, whether you’re submitting poetry, fiction, visual poetry, or lyric essays. Because we want to showcase only the most exceptional and heartfelt work, we accept only a limited number of submissions per issue—ensuring that each selected piece is given the attention and space it deserves.
How to Submit:
1. Format: Please send your work as a .doc, .docx, or PDF file. Visual poetry submissions should ensure formatting or images are clear..
3. Subject Line: In your email subject line, include your submission title and genre (e.g., “Submission: Love in the Rain – Poetry”).
4. Author Bio: Include a brief third person bio (2-3 sentences) and any relevant social media links or websites.
5. Submission Fee: No submission fee required. We are excited to read your work!
We encourage you to get creative! Whether it’s the way you format your poem or the lyrical prose you use in an essay, we love seeing how writers play with form and explore themes that matter deeply to them.
What We’re Looking For
Emotional Resonance: We want pieces that resonate deeply, whether through raw vulnerability, warmth, or thought-provoking reflection.
Originality: We’re looking for fresh perspectives, creative formats, and the courage to experiment with language.
Connection: Work that fosters connection—whether personal, spiritual, or emotional—through storytelling.
VERSES WE SKIP: THE NO-GO LIST
1. No Nudity or Offensive Content
We embrace art and expression in all its forms, but we ask that all submissions, whether visual or written, avoid explicit nudity, graphic violence, or any other offensive material. Content that may be considered inappropriate or disrespectful will not be accepted.
2. No Hate Speech or Discriminatory Language
All content submitted should promote respect, inclusivity, and understanding. Hate speech, racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, or any language that targets or marginalizes individuals or groups will not be tolerated.
3. No Plagiarism
We expect all work to be original and created by the person submitting it. Any submission found to be plagiarized or copied from another source will be immediately disqualified. Proper attribution should be given when referencing another artist’s work.
4. No Overly Edited or Artificially Filtered Photography
While creative editing is encouraged, please do not submit images that are overly manipulated or filtered to the point of losing authenticity. We value the true emotions and beauty captured in the raw moments of life.
5. No Submissions with Incomplete Permissions
If your photograph or artwork includes recognizable people, private property, or copyrighted elements, please ensure you have obtained the proper permissions before submission. We cannot accept work that violates copyright or privacy rights.
6. No Submissions Outside of the Specified Theme
Ensure that your submission aligns with the current theme and guidelines of the issue. While creativity is encouraged, submissions that do not fit the theme may not be considered for publication.
7. No Excessive Self-Promotion
While we welcome bios and links to your personal work, please do not use submissions as an opportunity for self-promotion. This magazine is about showcasing your art, creativity, and connection, not marketing products or services.
8. No Offensive or Derogatory Language in Submissions
The use of offensive language or insensitive phrases in written work or art that could be interpreted as derogatory is not acceptable. Please be mindful of the tone and language used in your submission.