Submit

Thank you for your interest in submitting to Smudge, a literary magazine that aims to showcase writing and artwork from people of underrepresented identities. We are not currently accepting submissions, but plan to begin accepting them this fall. In the meantime, check out our past issues here and follow our instagram for updates: @smudgemag

The theme for our 2025 issue is “Fallen Angels”. 

Fallen Angels (1995), directed by Wong Kar Wai, is the inspiration for this year’s theme. It weaves through the lives of underworld figures in Hong Kong as they stumble through relationships, jobs, and the demands of their lives. Filmed exclusively at night, Wong creates an atmosphere of isolation and longing, a sense of existential loss within his characters’ mostly unchanging situations. Asking questions of what we can make of life’s fleetingness, Wong shows us that these characters’ struggles are actually romantic. Despite the darkness they are responsible for, they still yearn for the warmth of love and connection.

This issue is interested in the tragic but beautiful complexities of being human. The phrase ‘Fallen Angel’ alludes to a kind of potential. We all possess a core of endless inspiration and love, which warps when met with the complications of reality. Is it possible to ever live up to the goodness in our hearts? What warps us? We are looking for submissions that find beauty and value in the immeasurable sufferings that all humans experience, as well as the hope that keeps us waiting for a new dawn.

Our early deadline is December 18, 2024. All submissions before then will get priority consideration. Considering checking out our current and past issues, joining us at events, and reaching out to our email for any questions or concerns!

General Guidelines

Please send all submissions to our email smudgemagwc@gmail.com.

All submission files should be submitted in the format of lastname_Title.

Please do not put your name in the document itself. This is to ensure anonymity and fairness in our selection process.

In the email, please include your

• Name

• School & Class Year

• Pronouns

As well as a cover letter (60 words max), which should include

• A short bio about yourself

• If you’re published & where

• If you’re involved in writing/art-related organizations or programs

• And anything about yourself

Other Things

• We do not charge for any submissions.

• At this time, we are unable to grant monetary compensation for accepted work. We are a team of undergraduate students and work off limited funds.

• We gladly accept simultaneous submissions. Please notify us if your work has been accepted for another publication via email.

• We do not accept previously published work.

• Please refer to our previous editions for the type of work we have published, how to construct a cover letter, etc.

• If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us by email or Instagram!

Genre Guidelines