Submit to the Magazine
We’re happy that you are interested in submitting to the Magazine! Here are some guidelines to help you get started.
Why should I publish with Napkins?
When you publish with Napkins Magazine, you’re not just submitting your work; you’re joining a community that’s got your back. Our editorial team knows firsthand how lonely the creative process can feel. That’s why we’re here to offer you all the support you need, right from the start. You’ll have access to a space that nurtures your creativity and connects you with fellow creators.
ELIGIBILITY TO BE A CONTRIBUTOR
Napkins accepts submissions from anyone who is associated with Minerva, which includes, but is not limited to:
- current students
- alumni
- faculty members
- staff
CATEGORIES
Poetry
Submission limit: up to 3 poems
Line limit: as you reasonably deem fit (just maybe don’t pull a John Milton in Paradise Lost!).
Flash Fiction
Submission limit: up to 3 pieces
Word limit: <1000 words.
If you include images in your work, please upload the .jpg or .png files in a Google Drive Folder, and set the sharing permissions to “Minerva University” and “Editor.”
Short Fiction
Submission limit: 1 piece.
Word limit: <4000 words
If you include images in your work, please upload the .jpg or .png files in a Google Drive Folder, and set the sharing permissions to “Minerva University” and “Editor.”
Nonfiction
Essays
Submission limit: 1 piece
Word limit: <4,000 words
Reviews
Submission limit: up to 2 pieces
Word limit: <1,500 words
Other non-fiction pieces (e.g., journal entries, creative non-fiction recounting interesting activities, reflections, etc)
Submission limit: up to 2 pieces (if under 1500 words); 1 piece only (for those over 1500 and under 4000 words)
Word limit: <4,000 words
If you include images in your work, please upload the .jpg or .png files in a Google Drive Folder, and set the sharing permissions to “Minerva University” and “Editor.”
Art
Submission limit: up to 5 pieces.
E.g., music lyrics, collages, paintings, sketches
Please upload the .jpg or .png files of your work in a Google Drive Folder, and set the sharing permissions to “Minerva University” and “Editor.”
Special Assignment
Artists can work with writers to create accompanying illustrations. You can indicate this in the submission form, and you will be paired with writers!
Video & Animation
Submission limit: from 2 minutes for animation; from 4 for film
Please upload the .mov file of your work in a Google Drive Folder, and set the sharing permissions to “Minerva University” and “Editor.”
Photography
Submission limit: 15 photos, negotiable depending on the context.
Photographers are required to write accompanying captions or text for the submitted photos.
Please upload the .jpg or .png files of your work in a Google Drive Folder, and set the sharing permissions to “Minerva University” and “Editor.”
Translation
The guidelines for translated pieces are the same as those from other genres.
Translators must obtain permission from the original author in order to submit the translated work.
STEPS IN THE PUBLISHING PROCESS
1. Sign up to submit your first draft or concrete ideas you would like to work on. You do not need a complete draft—just make sure you have ideas to work with.
2. Communicate with your editor. You will be assigned an editor after the deadline for signup has passed. Discuss with your editor what you intend to work on, the approximate timeline, and the kind of assistance you need.
3. Work on your drafts. It is rare for everyone’s first draft to be the perfect end product. Make sure you allocate enough time to anticipate at least 2 refinements after submitting your first draft!
4. Submit the final product to your editor. There is a set final deadline for all submissions, which will typically be one month before publishing date. We leave one month so the Editor-in-Chief and Graphic Designers have enough time to design and curate everything into a neat bomb magazine.
5. Annotate your pieces throughout your process. We have a Genius-inspired page on our website where we show readers the authors’ annotations of their works.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
We recognize that Fall and Spring tend to be busy for Minervans. To ensure all contributors have sufficient time to flesh out and refine their works with the Editorial Team’s assistance, we have two separate deadlines: first and final drafts.
Winter 2026
Sign-up: 10th of September
First draft submission: 1st of October
Final draft submission: 30th of October
Release date: Late December/Early January
FAQs
Is it guaranteed that my works will be published?
We cannot guarantee that all submissions will be published in the digital magazine. Your works may be excluded from the issue if they
- do not meet the theme;
- require heavy editing that cannot be done in time for publishing;
- do not match the quality of other accepted submissions;
- are submitted after the deadline
How polished should my first draft be?
We do not expect a perfect first draft—it’s typically rare to have a flawless first draft!! However, we do wish to see a thoughtful first draft, that is, a first draft that clearly tells us the editors the direction you’re taking.
Can I just submit a final draft?
No :( From our experience, it is rare for an unedited draft to be polished enough for publication. Most of the rejected submissions are those drafts that are submitted for the first time on the submission deadline. Therefore, we highly encourage that you start early with a first draft and refine based on the suggestions you and your editor agree upon.
Can I submit works that have been published elsewhere?
No, we don’t accept works that have been published anywhere, including on personal websites.
Can I take down my works once they have been published?
Depends, but very often no. Any requests for the taking down of a work will be discussed by the Editorial Team. Unless the published work touches on personal and sensitive issues, we generally reject any requests of this sort.
Can I submit works to more than one category?
Yes, you can. Make sure you adhere to the submission limit in each category.
Can I exceed the word count limit?
We highly encourage you to stick to it. However, you can exceed the limit if you have a strong justification. As always, when in doubt, speak with an editor!
Who will edit my works?
Every submission will go through 2 editors before a final review by the Editor-in-Chief.
Where do editors play a role in the editing process? Will editing affect the creator’s intention?
Editors never edit your works directly. We will always provide you with feedback and have you edit your own works before submitting the final drafts. In cases where the we do edit your works, you will get a final say in the edits.
Who can I contact if I want additional support?
You can reach out to the Editorettes-in-Chief. Each of them has their specific expertise.
Divya Tarak-Balaji (M28): written mediums (divya.tarak@uni.minerva.edu)
Yuxi Hou (M29): art and photography (yuxi@uni.minerva.edu)
Nokutenda Chimbetete (M28): written mediums (nokchi1@uni.minerva.edu)