The London Magazine

Short fiction should emphasize elegance in voice, structure and characterisation; genre fiction such as science fiction and fantasy is normally not published, and flash fiction is not accepted. Stories must be no more than 4,000 words, with one story per submission. Free submissions are accepted January, March, May, July, September and November; submissions outside those windows cost £3.50. During live prizes, this category may close.

Finished essays and pitches are accepted, including lyric, memoir, personal, reportage, criticism and features; academic essays are not accepted. Finished essays tend to be under 4,000 words. Pitches should include an outline, context, structure, projected word count, biography and sample writing; non-fiction pieces typically run 2,000–5,000 words. Pitches are emailed to the editorial team and aim for a reply within a month. Free submissions are accepted January, March, May, July, September and November; submissions outside those windows cost £3.50.

Poetry should demonstrate commitment to the ultra-specificities of language; submit no more than five poems, each no longer than 50 lines. Free submissions are accepted January, March, May, July, September and November; submissions outside those windows cost £3.50. During live prizes, this category may close.