Submit to QALB
Thank you for considering submitting to Qalb Writers Collective. We’re excited to read your work.
Qalb Writers Collective publishes flash fiction, short stories, poetry, personal essays, critical essays, book reviews, interviews, craft essays and cultural criticism. Our magazine strives to be a home for bold, original writing by Muslim women around the world.
We welcome writing that brings new perspectives into ongoing conversations—whether you’re sharing the intimate, the political, the joyful, or the complex, we’re here for it. We believe in writing that moves, questions, and lingers.
Continue reading below to see our guidelines.
What We Accept
And examples of what we’ve published:
Fiction – flash fiction (up to 1,000 words), short stories or standalone novel excerpts (up to 5,000 words).
Nonfiction – personal essays, critical essays, book reviews, interviews, craft essays, cultural criticism (1,000–3,000 words).
Poetry (up to three poems).
Submission Requirements
Format:
Submit work as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or Google Doc
Double-spaced (prose) or single-spaced (poetry)
Include page numbers on prose or multi-page poems.
Indicate stanza breaks in poetry. If submitting more than one poem, begin each poem on a new page.
Include word count at the top of document
Name your file: YourSurname_SubmissionTitle
Simultaneous Submissions
We accept simultaneous submissions but require immediate notification if your work is accepted elsewhere.
Previously Published Work
We do not accept previously published work, including work published on personal blogs or social media.
We will not accept:
Any element of plagiarism.
Work that is offensive, especially to any marginalised group.
Content that depicts gratuitous violence/sex/erotica.
Work generated using AI
Rights, Payment and Publication
Rights: We request first publication rights. All other rights remain with the author.
Payment: We are currently unable to pay our contributors.
Publication: Accepted work will be published online at qalbwriterscollective.substack.com, shared via our newsletter and archived on our website.
Our Editorial Process
What to Expect:
1. Submission Receipt: You’ll receive confirmation within 3-5 business days that we’ve received your submission.
2. Review Period: Our editorial team reviews all submissions. This typically takes 2-4 weeks.
3. Decision: You’ll receive one of three responses:
Acceptance: Your work is accepted for publication as submitted or with minor copy edits
Revise & Resubmit: We see potential but the piece needs revision. We’ll provide specific feedback on what needs work
Decline: The piece isn’t the right fit for Qalb Writers Collective at this time
Note: If you haven’t heard back after two months, contact us with questions via: qalbwriterscollective [at] gmail [dot] com
Important: Understanding Our Editorial Approach
If your piece is accepted: We will provide light copy editing for grammar, spelling, and clarity. You’ll receive an edited version for approval before publication.
If we request revisions (Revise & Resubmit): We’ll provide feedback on what needs strengthening, but you are responsible for revising your work. We do not edit or rewrite pieces to fit our vision. Our feedback guides your revision process, but the creative work remains yours.
Think of our feedback as a roadmap - we’ll tell you what needs work and why, but you drive the revision.
If your piece is declined: We may or may not provide feedback, depending on submission volume. A decline doesn’t reflect on your worth as a writer - it simply means the piece isn’t the right fit for Qalb Writers Collective at this time.
How to Submit
Submit via our submissions form
We look forward to reading your work!