Unwashed is a Bay View–based annual creative writing and art review that’s currently open for submissions through May 31, 2026 They’re looking for creative fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and black-and-white art—including photography—and they especially hope to see more experimental work and visual art come in. I had the chance to talk with their Caretaker, Bill Zman, about the journal’s roots, its community, and what keeps Unwashed going.

HOPKINSON: Tell me a little bit about Unwashed. 

ZMAN: Unwashed is an annual creative writing and art review published in Bay View, Wisconsin. It is primarily available as a hard copy with each issue containing about 50 pages of previously unpublished writing and art from 25 to 30 writers and artists. While Unwashed is based in Bay View, it seeks submissions from everywhere on Planet Earth.

HOPKINSON: How/why was Unwashed originally started? 

ZMAN: Bay View is a Milwaukee neighborhood located on the shores of Lake Michigan. The neighborhood is home to a burgeoning herd of creative people. Until four years ago it didn’t have a hard copy creative writing and art journal/review that carried its name. That’s when Unwashed arrived and the rest is history:^)..

HOPKINSON: Who is your target reader audience? 

ZMAN: Anyone with an open mind and a taste for creative writing and art.

HOPKINSON: What type of work are you looking for in submissions? 

ZMAN: Creative fiction and nonfiction, poetry, and black and white art, including photography

HOPKINSON: What do you wish you’d see submitted, but rarely comes in? 

ZMAN: Art/photography submissions and experimental creative writing.

HOPKINSON: What are some of your favorite lit mags/journals?

ZMAN: Cream City Review, Elm City Blues

HOPKINSON: What is your favorite part of being on staff with the Unwashed?

ZMAN: Meeting creative people, being part of a creative community.

HOPKINSON: Where can we send submissions? 

ZMAN: unwashed53207@gmail.com

HOPKINSON: If someone has a question, how can they contact you? 

ZMAN: Email us – we always respond. Also, check out our webpage for information about us, including Unwashed’s guidelines.

HOPKINSON: Is there anything exciting coming up you’d like to mention? 

ZMAN:  Submissions close May 31st and the next issue of Unwashed should be available in October.

Click here to read submission guidelines.

• SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 31, 2026
  • Open annually for submissions March 1st through May 31st
  • Creative writing should be submitted on Word or Google Doc. Art and photography should be submitted as JPEG or PDF files.
• THEME(S): No themes, but our sweet spot is work that comes from the heart or gut 
• FORMAT: Print
• SUBMISSION FEE: None
• PAYMENT: No payment, no fees, no prizes, nothing nefarious.
• ISSUE FREQUENCY: Annually
• AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME: We strive to acknowledge receipt of submissions within 24 hours. We also strive to announce selections for our next issue by mid–August.
• SUBMISSION METHOD: Email
• SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: Yes, just remember to let us know whenever a submission is selected for publication elsewhere.
• FORMS: Creative fiction and nonfiction, poetry, and black and white art, including photography
• LISTINGS: Duotrope
• SOCIAL MEDIA: Bluesky, Instagram

If you like this post, please share with your writerly friends and/or  follow me on Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram. You can see all the FREE resources my site offers poets/writers on my Start Here page.