FAQ — Mollusk Literary Magazine

No! We do not have entry fees. If you’d like to donate to help us fund possible print editions or cash prizes for future contests, email us at mollusk.lit@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

When Mollusk is accepting submissions, we are open every week from Wed-Sun 9 PM PST. This is to help us get your submissions back as soon as possible, with the highest quality judging and critiquing possible.

There are no hard word limits (except for flash fiction, which has a limit of 1000 words), but you may want to check out our submissions page for our recommended lengths. Submissions within the word limits usually stand better chances of being accepted.

People of all ages can submit! If you are below 13, please state so in your cover letter and have a parent/guardian consent to you being published. We are particularly interested in young voices, so don’t be afraid!

We cater to the audience of Mollusk Lit, and therefore prefer thought-provoking and moving literature and art meant for young adults. Of course, our editors have their own biases, and you can read more about what our editors love to read by checking out our Masthead.

Yes! Writers and artists from any country are encouraged to submit.

Yes! If your piece is accepted elsewhere, please notify us immediately.

Pieces should be primarily in English. If they contain words or phrases from another language, they should be accompanied by a translation.

See our page on cover letters under our Resources tab.

We expect many of our writers to not have any previous recognition, and you are not alone. Talking a little about your identity, favorite genres, hobbies, or your pets is always a fun addition to your bio.

Yes, if it enhances your piece. However, make sure that your profanity is not derogatory towards any groups and does not encourage violence or hate towards anybody.

No. Due to Mollusk Lit’s emphasis on finding new voices and new perspectives, we would like to you to submit pieces that have never been recognized, exhibited, or published before.

If the piece is significantly different than your initial submission, feel free to resubmit!

Yes; if accepted, you will have 1 week to make final edits before we publish your piece on our website. If you’d like to make an alteration to your piece after submitting but before we respond, you can email us (but we can’t necessarily guarantee making a change to your submission if we have already read it).

Yes! Please email us with your updated bio and we’ll update it when we have the time.

Yes! But please credit us with first publication if accepted elsewhere.

We’re so sorry about that! Likely, there are just too many submissions and we’re having trouble getting through everything immediately. However, if it’s been over 4 weeks, please check in with us by emailing a query at mollusk.lit@gmail.com

You will receive an email notification from mollusk.lit@gmail.com. You will have one week to make any final edits to your story and bio, and then your piece will be published online. Then, in April, August, or December, your piece will be moved into an issue.

You will own all rights to own and republish your works. However, we ask for you to credit Mollusk Lit with initial publication if accepted elsewhere after having been published on our website.

Unfortunately we cannot pay our writers and artists at the moment. If you’d like to donate to Mollusk Lit to help fund future cash prizes, please email us at mollusk.lit@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

We offer general feedback for those looking for more basic feedback as well as line edits and specific commentary for those looking for more in-depth feedback. Please keep in mind that we will likely take longer to respond if you request more feedback.

Unfortunately, Mollusk Lit does not offer critiques for all genres. This is because our editors do not feel comfortable offering critiques in that genre due to lack of experience.

Here is the list of genres that we do offer critiques for: