Demitasse is open to all genres that adhere to each issue’s theme, but we are excited to read and publish pieces that are bitter and strong like an espresso. Genres that might fit Demitasse the most are magical realism, gothic horror, gothic romance, and uncanny literary fiction. We welcome all writers, both published and unpublished. We are particularly committed to highlighting writers of color, queer/trans writers, disabled writers, or anyone else who has had to suffer at the hands of the oppressive systems we have in place.

Here at Demitasse, we are seeking submissions that are bold, passionate, and innovative that feature your unique tone and style. We value work that blends dynamic storytelling with sharp, captivating writing. Pieces that allow their audience to escape to a different world–a world that leaves an aftertaste. Please send us work that tells a story that hasn’t been told before and that is founded in your magic.

For essays, we are accepting submissions that cover literary topics, with a focus on literary criticism. We encourage pieces on other writers (established or emerging), book reviews, and comparative literary essays. Essays must follow the theme stated for each issue to be accepted.

 Photography, illustrations, paintings, collages, and other visual arts are accepted. Mixed submissions of text and images are also welcome.

Demitasse will never accept pieces that present or promote racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other type of discrimination against a particular group. Pieces that are geared towards children or have excessive violence will also not be accepted. We will never accept plagiarized pieces or pieces partially or fully generated by AI.

Format:

• Prose: 1 piece maximum, 1,500-5,000 word limit  (.doc/.docx), standard format (Times New Roman, 12 point font, double-spaced)*
• Poetry: 3 piece maximum, 7-page limit collectively, all poems in a single document with each poem beginning on a new page
• Essays: 1 piece maximum, 500-1,500-word limit, standard format (Times New Roman, 12 point font, double-spaced)*
• Visual Art: 10 piece maximum, 300 dpi preferred (.JPEG or PDF)

* If your piece requires unique formatting for artistic purposes, please state so in the submission form.

We ask that you do not include identifying information in your submission file for unbiased judging. Please include the name of your piece as the name of the file. If submitting multiple pieces of poetry, please include just the title of the first piece that appears in your document.

• We only accept pieces that are unpublished. Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please let us know immediately if your piece is accepted elsewhere.
• Upon acceptance, Demitasse is expected to have first serial rights, which means we have the right to publish the piece first. Once published, however, all rights immediately revert back to you, and you’re able to submit the piece to other publications. We only ask that you refrain from submitting to other publications until 6 months after our publication and that you credit Demitasse as the piece’s first publication.
• We prefer pieces that have been thoroughly edited beforehand. We understand if mistakes happen, so please email us if you require making small changes to your piece. Huge changes will result in you having to resubmit.
• As a literary journal, we are expected to offer feedback and request edits of our own to all accepted pieces. We will not accept work that needs significant grammar or spelling edits.
• We will get back to you within 2 months of submission. If 6 weeks pass with no response, feel free to email us again with your name, category, and ‘Update’ in the subject line at demitasselit@gmail.com. We are a small team who volunteer our time on top of other huge responsibilities, so please give grace when it comes to response times.
• If you submit more pieces than allowed (e.g. you submit 2 or more prose pieces when the maximum is 1), we will contact you to ask which piece you would like to be considered for your submission. If no response is given, you will be auto-rejected for all pieces.
• If you send in an additional submission before a decision was given for your previous submission, you will be auto-rejected for both pieces.

Submissions are preferred through our Google form with those having priority. If you’re unable to access the Google form for any reason, submissions are welcome through our email demitasselit@gmail.com.

For email submission we ask that you include your name (or pen name), category (e.g. ‘Prose’, ‘Poetry’), and the word ‘submission’ in the subject line. In the email body, we ask that you include the following information:

• Name (Or Pen name)
• Third person bio
• Additional information needed for the piece (e.g. unique formatting for stylist choices, request for feedback)
• The piece(s) as an attachment