The University of Iowa is known for its acclaimed writing programs. The University’s Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the International Writing Program were central to UNESCO’s decision to designate Iowa City as a City of Literature in 2008. Recently, Iowa was ranked #2 in US News and World Reports’ list of writing universities. Iowa’s standing as a top writing school is evidenced by the school’s many undergraduate literary magazines. For many of these magazines, fall submission deadlines are closing in.
For students, these magazines represent a chance to showcase their creative and artistic abilities. “The literary magazines on campus fuel both a community of writers and a passion for writing; I have never written more than when submitting to a literary magazine,” says executive editor of Snapshots, Noelle Franzone.
Ben Alrich, editor in chief of Ink Lit Mag, agrees. “Lit mags give students the opportunity to express themselves as writers. They give students the guidance to create and engage in spaces where they can create work, make friends, and establish a broader literary community at Iowa.”
Maura O’Dea, executive editor of Earthwords, finds that these magazines contribute to the campus’s literary community. “Earthwords is the oldest literary magazine on campus, meaning we are carrying with us part of the legacy of Iowa’s writing tradition. But I think what makes us unique is our capacity for growth as literary magazines as a collective become more equitable spaces.”
These student publications provide a valuable experience for students at Iowa. Read on to learn more about how to submit to some of these publications.
Some upcoming dates for literary submissions
Snapshots’ submissions close Oct 1st . They accept short stories, poems, art pieces, picture books, and more. “Our magazine is unique because we provide short stories and poems to younger audiences. Many amazing literary magazines cater to older audiences, and we want to ensure the younger reading community also has access to content from the incredible writers at the University of Iowa! We also hand-illustrate our pieces, which is a super fun aspect of snapshots.” Find more about Snapshots on their website or Instagram.
Ink Lit Mag’s submissions close Oct 2. Submissions are open to all first years in the genres of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, drama, art, and photography. “Ink is a magazine run by first years, for first year students. It offers new students the perfect opportunity to gain experience working on a lit magazine and allows us to establish community and friendships early on while here at Iowa,” Ben Alrich said. Find out more about Ink on their website.
Earthwords’ submissions close Oct 15. Submissions are open to art, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama. “Earthwords is the oldest literary magazine on campus, meaning we are carrying with us part of the legacy of Iowa’s writing tradition. But I think what makes us unique is our capacity for growth as literary magazines as a collective become more equitable spaces,” executive editor of Eartwords, Maura O’Dea said. Find out more about Earthwords, on their website or Instagram.
To find more publications, visit the Magid Center for Writing site, or the Department of English site.