Print Submissions

 

Debut Fiction Fall 2025:

The Oxford American welcomes submissions for a work of fiction from an emerging writer for publication in our Fall 2025 issue. We are eager to feature a writer whose fiction has not yet been published in a print publication with a circulation over 5,000 copies. Stories under 10,000 words will be considered, and the selected writer will receive $1000. The Fall issue will be on newsstands starting September 2025.

Our primary consideration is quality, though we would be especially pleased to include the work of an author with ties to the South and/or a story that furthers our mission of exploring the complexity and vitality of the South.

Simultaneous submissions are welcome, though we ask that stories are immediately withdrawn from consideration following acceptance elsewhere. Submissions will be open through Friday, March 21st.

Visit the Oxford American’s Submittable page to submit!

 

Digital Submissions

 

The Oxford American has launched a digital imprint designed around our mission “to explore the complexity and vitality of the American South,” which complements the print magazine. The OA has long documented the outsize impact of the South: a global exporter of food, music, and culture—and home to the most exciting cultural shifts in the country.

Our imperative is to meet readers where they are and offer thoughtful coverage of our region that “cuts through the noise” of traditional news media by centering real people and writers working from within their communities. 

Dispatches:

The first series we’re seeking pitches for is Dispatches. Dispatches identify and draw attention to the space where “policy meets people,” centering human impact and celebrating counter-narrative. At 500 to 2,000 words, this series offers the flexibility to respond to current events as they happen with adequate speed and requisite attention. The OA seeks stories of the American South that are neglected by national news media.

We’re looking for reported, journalistic pieces that respond to what is happening right now in the communities you’re based in or connected to, with a hyper-focus on extraordinary stories that are specific to locales.

This series pays a flat fee of $300 per article.

How to Pitch:

You are welcome to submit on Submittable (which will include a Submittable fee), but we encourage you to directly email Digital Editor, Benjamin Stallings at bstallings@oxfordamerican.org with the subject line, “Dispatch Pitch.” There is no fee associated with an email pitch. In the Submittable form's "Pitch" section or in the body of the email, include:

• A clear and concise explanation of the story

• A plan to make your story a great read (is there an interesting figure at the center? A narrative arc to the story?)

• A headline (even if we don’t end up using it, it can help us understand the essence of the story you’re trying to tell)

• A very short argument for why this story is interesting, unique and needs to exist

• A note on why you should be the person to write it

• A plan to make it happen

   

Eyes on the South:

Eyes on the South is the Oxford American’s online series highlighting photography and visual art. You can find examples of Eyes on the South here. In addition to artists, non-profits, galleries, publications, and museums are all welcome to submit with permission from the artist.

This series pays an honorarium of $100 per project.

How to Submit:

You are welcome to submit on Submittable (which will include a Submittable fee), but we encourage you to submit for free at this link. There is no fee associated with submitting at this link.