Lucky Jefferson is an online literary journal founded in 2018 currently open for their next themed issue as well as submissions of poetry year-round into its 365 Collection, a 100% digital collection of poetry and other literature. Upon acceptance, submissions will be included on our website and social media account(s). They have a quick response time of just 4-6 weeks or sooner. “Lucky Jefferson isn’t your typical literary journal—we generate constructive and interactive conversations around poetry, art, and publishing and redefine the way journals are produced and shared with readers and writers.”
“Curious about other people’s loves, losses, or even grocery lists? Into Humans of New York, we’re not really strangers, or Stories from a stranger? For Issue 10, Sonder, we invite you to share glimpses of others’ lives — glimpses reminding us that everyone is the main character of their own story — and reminding us how important it is to recognize these hidden moments.
In the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, the word “sonder” means acknowledging that other people are “living a life as vivid and complex as your own.” Poems, flash fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrid forms, and visual art that explore these themes are all welcome.
Examples of what we’re looking for: Three Addresses by Terence Winch / Retired Ballerinas, Central Park West by Lawrence Ferlinghetti / Venice, Unaccompanied by Monica Youn”
Folks can get early access to this call here!
For more information on Lucky Jefferson, see my updated interview with Founder and Editor-in-Chief NaBeela Washington and a link to submission guidelines below.
HOPKINSON: Tell me a little bit about Lucky Jefferson.
WASHINGTON: Lucky Jefferson‘s mission is simple: we publish social change. And our vision is to see books reimagined to center the modern reader.
Founded in 2018, Lucky Jefferson is an award-winning literary journal and publisher that reimagines books by creating interactive and collaborative community experiences that center the writer and artist and cultivate inclusion and representation in contemporary literature. In 2021, Lucky Jefferson incorporated and became a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
HOPKINSON: How/why was Lucky Jefferson originally started?
WASHINGTON: Lucky Jefferson was born out of a need for community and weariness—we were tired of seeing writers of color have their stories misrepresented or grossly distorted or omitted in favor of other, less diverse narratives. We were agitated with how disengaged certain publishers seemed; how archaic certain aspects of publishing are. In everything we do, we aim to reimagine publishing.
We aren’t really trying to reinvent the wheel, more like, we want readers and authors to seek deeper connections with each other and engage with our work not just once, but repeatedly. We wanted to create a literary community that truly champions everyone involved, from the artists that create our art, to the editors, to authors dreaming up new realities. We function much like a collaborative.
HOPKINSON: Who is your target reader audience?
WASHINGTON: Our core readers are really a quirky, diverse bunch—they embrace our message and what we are trying to do and are eager to join us in our vision. They are sassy and hungry for the world to hear their stories, whether they are fresh to the writing game or on their second chapbook. We honor emerging authors, especially those who didn’t have the courage to pursue writing earlier on. But really, all are welcome.
HOPKINSON: What type of work are you looking for?
WASHINGTON: We are looking for work that makes our heart and soul go “damn, that’s good”. Whatever form this work comes in (poem, flash fiction, etc.) we embrace it with open minds and arms. We’re lucky we don’t have to turn over too many rocks to find authors we want to publish.
HOPKINSON: What do you wish you’d see submitted, but rarely comes in?
WASHINGTON: Illustrated stories or poems and flash fiction that fall under the genre of fantasy. More hybrid forms.
HOPKINSON: What are some of your favorite lit mags/journals?
WASHINGTON: We really admire ZYZZYVA. Their entire aesthetic and purpose is really interesting and impactful.
HOPKINSON: What is your favorite part of being on staff with Lucky Jefferson?
WASHINGTON: While I love reading and editing submissions, my favorite part has to be working with our interns. They are some of the smartest, most creative beings I’ve ever been so fortunate to work with and they are the heart of our journals and ability to sustain relationships with authors well after their publication. I love supporting our students, educating them about LJ, and most of all, I’m also so eager to see what art they’ll make each week. I’m an artist myself so our conversations are just so enlightening and therapeutic.
HOPKINSON: Where can we send submissions?
WASHINGTON: https://luckyjefferson.submittable.com/submit
HOPKINSON: If someone has a question, how can they contact you?
WASHINGTON: submissions@luckyjefferson.com
Click here for no fee early bird submissions.
CLICK HERE FOR REGULAR SUBMISSIONS
DEADLINE: July 31, 2022
SUBMISSION FEE: None
THEME: Sonder, we invite you to share glimpses of others’ lives — glimpses reminding us that everyone is the main character of their own story — and reminding us how important it is to recognize these hidden moments.
FORMS: Poems, essays, flash fiction, hybrid forms, and art
FORMAT: Print and Online
ISSUE FREQUENCY: Quarterly
AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME: 4-6 weeks or sooner
SUBMISSION METHOD: Submittable; only students may email us submissions
SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: yes
PAYMENT: 1 complimentary copy of the issue
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
DUOTROPE: https://duotrope.com/listing/27483/lucky-jefferson
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