Submissions are currently OPEN!
Past submission opportunities:
Hello? Can you hear me? Join us for our 2025 mini-digital-publication THE YELLING CONTINUES, a cacophonous collection of creativity in a small package! Submissions open February 1st – June 30th.
Theme: NOISE. Submitted work titles will be styled in ALL CAPS. (NOISE is open to interpretation; let us know how your work fits the theme!)
We’re looking for:
Before submitting, please take the time to review our full submission guidelines below.
What kinds of work are you accepting as submissions?
We are likely to accept the following styles of artwork and writing, with some exceptions. If you’re interested in submitting a type of work not listed here or addressed elsewhere on this page, reach out to us via email!
Can I submit AI-generated images or text?
At this time we do not accept submissions of AI-generated content, as the current technology is based heavily on unauthorized use of copyrighted content. We also will not accept AI-derivatives, or larger works with any AI component, for the same reason.
Will PWU copyrighting the project interfere with my personal copyright?
No. Procrastinating Writers United may potentially apply for a copyright of the work as a whole, not the individual works therein. You will still have all the rights to your own work, including the ability to apply for copyright yourself.
Are there any mediums or topics that will be automatically rejected?
– We do not accept plagiarized or stolen work; fanwork; work with AI-generated elements.
– We do not accept works promoting or glorifying bigotry, homophobia, racism, ableism, or other forms of hate.
– We reserve the right to reject sexually suggestive/explicit works and works including sensitive topics such as violence and sexual assault, as well as anything else taken on a case-by-case basis at the editors’ discretion.
– Longer works (10,000+ words, 10+ pages) may be rejected depending on a variety of factors.
– We provide editing suggestions; if your work is not open to edits, we are likely not the publication for you.
How should I format my biography for the anthology?
Must be 150 words or less, in 3rd-person POV starting with your name/pseudonym. Short, simple example:
[FIRSTNAME LASTNAME] is a(n) [ARTIST / WRITER / ETC.] spending their days creating [SHORT DESCRIPTION OF WORK OR HOBBY]. They enjoy [LIST OF HOBBIES OR JUST NOUNS YOU LIKE]. In their spare time, they [HUMOROUS ANECDOTE].
Other examples on our about page. You can also link a file, if that is preferable; check out our section on how to properly upload files.
What compensation does PWU offer to contributors?
Contributor compensation for TYK includes one digital (ebook as EPUB or PDF) copy of the anthology per contributor. Submissions are free and always will be. If TYK becomes available in print, authors will have access to at-cost copies.
We’re currently not a paying market but we hope to become one someday! PWU is a labor of love, and we receive no grants or outside funding. Our publication is intended to serve as a platform for creators to see their work in print, and any possible profit from the current anthology is put toward future projects.
How will contributors get their copy?
Contributors will receive their ebook via email. For projects with a print copy version, we will reach out with options for discounted or at-cost copies.
Can I specify custom formatting or different fonts?
If you prefer a certain layout on the page, we encourage you to submit your work in DOCX format. We will not be using custom fonts within the final publication; if you would prefer your work to be in your handwriting, you are welcome to submit it in that format. If using fonts within your art or graphics, ensure that they are commercial use-friendly.
Can I submit work with a runtime (music, video, etc.)?
We do not intend to include QR codes or other forms of clickable links in the work, but may consider video stills and/or transcripts. If you feel your work has the potential to be printed, reach out to us via email!
Do you accept simultaneous submissions / previously published work?
Short answer: yes! In general, we don’t reprint work within the same year.
– Simultaneous: please email to withdraw if your work is accepted for publication elsewhere.
– Previously published: if the work can be reprinted, we can accept it. Please let us know where it has been published before; submissions that try to be sneaky will be rejected.
How does the submission period work? Are extensions available?
If you need more time to complete your work(s), please reach out to us via email within one week of the deadline for options!
How do I properly upload my submission(s) to the Google form?
We request you upload your submission(s) via links using file storage services. Here are a few options, with instructions for link sharing:
Please submit multiple works combined in a DOCX file. If complex formatting is an important aspect of your work, we may also request a PDF version (see our section on custom formatting).
How do I format the work description?
Within the document, include a work title and description:
“Title of Work,” dimensions & medium (if applicable), previous publications.
Example of traditional art description:
“The Irony is Very Strong,” 9×12 inches, inks and gouache.
Example of writing description:
“i don’t know what you’ve been told but,” free-verse poem, previously published in Both False & True by Procrastinating Writers United.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES / FAQ UPDATED 1/23/2025
Rights and Housekeeping
PWU’s editors may offer editorial suggestions (including grammatical and proofreading edits) prior to publication, and/or request revisions if the work is not yet ready for publication. We claim non-exclusive one-time rights and non-exclusive archival rights. The individual copyright of your work always remains yours. We may reach out to you about posting excerpts from your works with credit on our various social media platforms and/or in other promotional material. PWU does not post work(s) without prior permission.
Our anthologies and other projects—after initial marketing, launch, potential pre-order period, and sale—will remain for purchase at cover price on our platform of choice in perpetuity. In most cases, some production fees are paid out-of-pocket by PWU staff; all proceeds from purchases of the anthology will go toward recouping printing costs, distribution costs, and future projects. PWU staff is not financially compensated at this time.
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