To be rooted is to be centered in one’s self, environment, and community. Rooted Literary Magazine is a literary platform dedicated to showcasing art, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, spoken word, music, and film that captures the full spectrum of human experience—from the beautiful to the devastating, and everything in between.
We welcome work from both emerging and established creators who are unafraid to push the boundaries of form and genre. We are especially drawn to speculative fiction and pieces that challenge conventions, expand perspectives, or reimagine reality. Our goal is to platform voices that resonate deeply, disrupt gently, and leave a lasting impact.
We accept pieces from each category:
- Poetry
- Fiction
- Nonfiction (Essays, Reviews)
- Creative Nonfiction
- Visual Art
- Audio (Spoken Word/Music)
- Video (Short Form)
Formatting Guidelines
- Flash Fiction: 1000 words or less
- Short Stories: 5000 words or less
- Poetry: Up to 3 poems (2 pages max)
- Nonfiction: 2000 words or less
- Visual Art: Up to 3 pieces
- Audio: Up to 4 Minutes
- Video: Up to 5 Minutes
- 12 Pt. Times New Roman Double-Spaced. *Poetry can be single-spaced
- All submissions must be original and unpublished.
Other Restrictions
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please let us know if it is accepted elsewhere by emailing info@stayrootedent.com
- Any work created entirely, in part by, or with the assistance of AI will be rejected.
- All submitters must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
Publication Rights
First Electronic Publication Rights: You grant Rooted Literary Magazine exclusive rights to publish your work online for the first time, whether in text, image, video, or audio form.
Archival Rights: After publication, we may keep your work archived on our platform indefinitely.
Non-Exclusive Rights: Following the initial publication, you are free to submit the work elsewhere or republish it.
Promotional Rights: We may use your work for promotional purposes (e.g., social media, newsletters, and website promotions) during and after publication, with proper credit given.
Compensation: Accepted contributors for digital anthologies will be paid a one-time stipend of $10. Accepted contributors for print anthologies will receive a free physical copy of the print Anthologies upon release.*
Anthology/Compilation Rights: If Rooted Literary Magazine decides to create an anthology or print collection, you grant Rooted the right to include your work, with proper compensation to be discussed at that time.
*There is no financial compensation for accepted monthly features
- Amendment (09/15/2025): There is no financial compensation for accepted monthly features submitted before September 15th.
All are welcome here. Tell us your truths. Show us what it means to be rooted.
The Home Issue
Home is where the heart is; it’s where people get their first pets, cry themselves to sleep, eat their favorite meals, and experience loneliness. It’s where we unwind after a long day, and the place we avoid when we get off work. It’s drenched in silence and raucous laughter. It’s where we can be ourselves and where we have to hide ourselves. Some of us never leave, while others hate to stay.
Home means a lot of things, whether it's a physical place, a person, a hobby, or a sense of being we’ve all felt at home. And a home can provide comfort just as easily as it can cause pain. For November, we are seeking pieces that offer a glimpse into home. Show us what home means—love it or hate it, take us home.
Formatting Guidelines
- Short Stories: 5000 words or less
- All written work should be submitted as a PDF, Word, .docx
- 12 Pt. Times New Roman Double-Spaced.
- All submissions must be original and unpublished.
Other Restrictions
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please withdraw if it is accepted elsewhere.
- Any work created entirely, in part by, or with the assistance of AI will be rejected.
- All submitters must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
Publication Rights
First Electronic Publication Rights: You grant Rooted Literary Magazine exclusive rights to publish your work online for the first time, whether in text, image, video, or audio form.
Archival Rights: After publication, we may keep your work archived on our platform indefinitely.
Non-Exclusive Rights: Following the initial publication, you are free to submit the work elsewhere or republish it.
Promotional Rights: We may use your work for promotional purposes (e.g., social media, newsletters, and website promotions) during and after publication, with proper credit given.
Compensation: Accepted contributors for digital anthologies will be paid a one-time stipend of $10. Accepted contributors for print anthologies will receive a free physical copy of the print Anthologies upon release.*
Anthology/Compilation Rights: If Rooted Literary Magazine decides to create an anthology or print collection, you grant Rooted the right to include your work, with proper compensation to be discussed at that time.
All are welcome here. Tell us your truths. Show us what it means to be rooted.
The Home Issue
Home is where the heart is; it’s where people get their first pets, cry themselves to sleep, eat their favorite meals, and experience loneliness. It’s where we unwind after a long day, and the place we avoid when we get off work. It’s drenched in silence and raucous laughter. It’s where we can be ourselves and where we have to hide ourselves. Some of us never leave, while others hate to stay.
Home means a lot of things, whether it's a physical place, a person, a hobby, or a sense of being we’ve all felt at home. And a home can provide comfort just as easily as it can cause pain. For November, we are seeking pieces that offer a glimpse into home. Show us what home means—love it or hate it, take us home.
Formatting Guidelines
- Poetry: Up to 3 poems (2 pages max)
- All written work should be submitted as a PDF, Word, .docx
- 12 Pt. Times New Roman Double-Spaced. *Poetry can be single-spaced
- All submissions must be original and unpublished.
Other Restrictions
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please withdraw if it is accepted elsewhere.
- Any work created entirely, in part by, or with the assistance of AI will be rejected.
- All submitters must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
Publication Rights
First Electronic Publication Rights: You grant Rooted Literary Magazine exclusive rights to publish your work online for the first time, whether in text, image, video, or audio form.
Archival Rights: After publication, we may keep your work archived on our platform indefinitely.
Non-Exclusive Rights: Following the initial publication, you are free to submit the work elsewhere or republish it.
Promotional Rights: We may use your work for promotional purposes (e.g., social media, newsletters, and website promotions) during and after publication, with proper credit given.
Compensation: Accepted contributors for digital anthologies will be paid a one-time stipend of $10. Accepted contributors for print anthologies will receive a free physical copy of the print Anthologies upon release.*
Anthology/Compilation Rights: If Rooted Literary Magazine decides to create an anthology or print collection, you grant Rooted the right to include your work, with proper compensation to be discussed at that time.
All are welcome here. Tell us your truths. Show us what it means to be rooted.
The Home Issue
Home is where the heart is; it’s where people get their first pets, cry themselves to sleep, eat their favorite meals, and experience loneliness. It’s where we unwind after a long day, and the place we avoid when we get off work. It’s drenched in silence and raucous laughter. It’s where we can be ourselves and where we have to hide ourselves. Some of us never leave, while others hate to stay.
Home means a lot of things, whether it's a physical place, a person, a hobby, or a sense of being we’ve all felt at home. And a home can provide comfort just as easily as it can cause pain. For November, we are seeking pieces that offer a glimpse into home. Show us what home means—love it or hate it, take us home.
Formatting Guidelines
- Nonfiction: 2000 words or less
- All written work should be submitted as a PDF, Word, .docx
- 12 Pt. Times New Roman Double-Spaced. *Poetry can be single-spaced
- All submissions must be original and unpublished.
Other Restrictions
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please withdraw if it is accepted elsewhere.
- Any work created entirely, in part by, or with the assistance of AI will be rejected.
- All submitters must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
Publication Rights
First Electronic Publication Rights: You grant Rooted Literary Magazine exclusive rights to publish your work online for the first time, whether in text, image, video, or audio form.
Archival Rights: After publication, we may keep your work archived on our platform indefinitely.
Non-Exclusive Rights: Following the initial publication, you are free to submit the work elsewhere or republish it.
Promotional Rights: We may use your work for promotional purposes (e.g., social media, newsletters, and website promotions) during and after publication, with proper credit given.
Compensation: Accepted contributors for digital anthologies will be paid a one-time stipend of $10. Accepted contributors for print anthologies will receive a free physical copy of the print Anthologies upon release.*
Anthology/Compilation Rights: If Rooted Literary Magazine decides to create an anthology or print collection, you grant Rooted the right to include your work, with proper compensation to be discussed at that time.
All are welcome here. Tell us your truths. Show us what it means to be rooted.
The Home Issue
Home is where the heart is; it’s where people get their first pets, cry themselves to sleep, eat their favorite meals, and experience loneliness. It’s where we unwind after a long day, and the place we avoid when we get off work. It’s drenched in silence and raucous laughter. It’s where we can be ourselves and where we have to hide ourselves. Some of us never leave, while others hate to stay.
Home means a lot of things, whether it's a physical place, a person, a hobby, or a sense of being we’ve all felt at home. And a home can provide comfort just as easily as it can cause pain. For November, we are seeking pieces that offer a glimpse into home. Show us what home means—love it or hate it, take us home.
Formatting Guidelines
- Audio: Up to 4 Minutes
- All written work should be submitted as a PDF, Word, .docx
- 12 Pt. Times New Roman Double-Spaced. *Poetry can be single-spaced
- All submissions must be original and unpublished.
Other Restrictions
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please withdraw if it is accepted elsewhere.
- Any work created entirely, in part by, or with the assistance of AI will be rejected.
- All submitters must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
Publication Rights
First Electronic Publication Rights: You grant Rooted Literary Magazine exclusive rights to publish your work online for the first time, whether in text, image, video, or audio form.
Archival Rights: After publication, we may keep your work archived on our platform indefinitely.
Non-Exclusive Rights: Following the initial publication, you are free to submit the work elsewhere or republish it.
Promotional Rights: We may use your work for promotional purposes (e.g., social media, newsletters, and website promotions) during and after publication, with proper credit given.
Compensation: Accepted contributors for digital anthologies will be paid a one-time stipend of $10. Accepted contributors for print anthologies will receive a free physical copy of the print Anthologies upon release.*
Anthology/Compilation Rights: If Rooted Literary Magazine decides to create an anthology or print collection, you grant Rooted the right to include your work, with proper compensation to be discussed at that time.
All are welcome here. Tell us your truths. Show us what it means to be rooted.
The Home Issue
Home is where the heart is; it’s where people get their first pets, cry themselves to sleep, eat their favorite meals, and experience loneliness. It’s where we unwind after a long day, and the place we avoid when we get off work. It’s drenched in silence and raucous laughter. It’s where we can be ourselves and where we have to hide ourselves. Some of us never leave, while others hate to stay.
Home means a lot of things, whether it's a physical place, a person, a hobby, or a sense of being we’ve all felt at home. And a home can provide comfort just as easily as it can cause pain. For November, we are seeking pieces that offer a glimpse into home. Show us what home means—love it or hate it, take us home.
Formatting Guidelines
- Video: Up to 5 Minutes
- All written work should be submitted as a PDF, Word, .docx
- 12 Pt. Times New Roman Double-Spaced. *Poetry can be single-spaced
- All submissions must be original and unpublished.
Other Restrictions
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please withdraw if it is accepted elsewhere.
- Any work created entirely, in part by, or with the assistance of AI will be rejected.
- All submitters must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
Publication Rights
First Electronic Publication Rights: You grant Rooted Literary Magazine exclusive rights to publish your work online for the first time, whether in text, image, video, or audio form.
Archival Rights: After publication, we may keep your work archived on our platform indefinitely.
Non-Exclusive Rights: Following the initial publication, you are free to submit the work elsewhere or republish it.
Promotional Rights: We may use your work for promotional purposes (e.g., social media, newsletters, and website promotions) during and after publication, with proper credit given.
Compensation: Accepted contributors for digital anthologies will be paid a one-time stipend of $10. Accepted contributors for print anthologies will receive a free physical copy of the print Anthologies upon release.*
Anthology/Compilation Rights: If Rooted Literary Magazine decides to create an anthology or print collection, you grant Rooted the right to include your work, with proper compensation to be discussed at that time.
All are welcome here. Tell us your truths. Show us what it means to be rooted.
The Home Issue
Home is where the heart is; it’s where people get their first pets, cry themselves to sleep, eat their favorite meals, and experience loneliness. It’s where we unwind after a long day, and the place we avoid when we get off work. It’s drenched in silence and raucous laughter. It’s where we can be ourselves and where we have to hide ourselves. Some of us never leave, while others hate to stay.
Home means a lot of things, whether it's a physical place, a person, a hobby, or a sense of being we’ve all felt at home. And a home can provide comfort just as easily as it can cause pain. For November, we are seeking pieces that offer a glimpse into home. Show us what home means—love it or hate it, take us home.
Formatting Guidelines
- Visual Art: Up to 3 pieces
- All written work should be submitted as a PDF, Word, .docx
- 12 Pt. Times New Roman Double-Spaced. *Poetry can be single-spaced
- All submissions must be original and unpublished.
Other Restrictions
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please withdraw if it is accepted elsewhere.
- Any work created entirely, in part by, or with the assistance of AI will be rejected.
- All submitters must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
Publication Rights
First Electronic Publication Rights: You grant Rooted Literary Magazine exclusive rights to publish your work online for the first time, whether in text, image, video, or audio form.
Archival Rights: After publication, we may keep your work archived on our platform indefinitely.
Non-Exclusive Rights: Following the initial publication, you are free to submit the work elsewhere or republish it.
Promotional Rights: We may use your work for promotional purposes (e.g., social media, newsletters, and website promotions) during and after publication, with proper credit given.
Compensation: Accepted contributors for digital anthologies will be paid a one-time stipend of $10. Accepted contributors for print anthologies will receive a free physical copy of the print Anthologies upon release.*
Anthology/Compilation Rights: If Rooted Literary Magazine decides to create an anthology or print collection, you grant Rooted the right to include your work, with proper compensation to be discussed at that time.
All are welcome here. Tell us your truths. Show us what it means to be rooted.
The Home Issue
Home is where the heart is; it’s where people get their first pets, cry themselves to sleep, eat their favorite meals, and experience loneliness. It’s where we unwind after a long day, and the place we avoid when we get off work. It’s drenched in silence and raucous laughter. It’s where we can be ourselves and where we have to hide ourselves. Some of us never leave, while others hate to stay.
Home means a lot of things, whether it's a physical place, a person, a hobby, or a sense of being we’ve all felt at home. And a home can provide comfort just as easily as it can cause pain. For November, we are seeking pieces that offer a glimpse into home. Show us what home means—love it or hate it, take us home.
Formatting Guidelines
- Flash Fiction: 1000 words or less
- All written work should be submitted as a PDF, Word, .docx
- 12 Pt. Times New Roman Double-Spaced.
- All submissions must be original and unpublished.
Other Restrictions
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please withdraw if it is accepted elsewhere.
- Any work created entirely, in part by, or with the assistance of AI will be rejected.
- All submitters must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
Publication Rights
First Electronic Publication Rights: You grant Rooted Literary Magazine exclusive rights to publish your work online for the first time, whether in text, image, video, or audio form.
Archival Rights: After publication, we may keep your work archived on our platform indefinitely.
Non-Exclusive Rights: Following the initial publication, you are free to submit the work elsewhere or republish it.
Promotional Rights: We may use your work for promotional purposes (e.g., social media, newsletters, and website promotions) during and after publication, with proper credit given.
Compensation: Accepted contributors for digital anthologies will be paid a one-time stipend of $10. Accepted contributors for print anthologies will receive a free physical copy of the print Anthologies upon release.*
Anthology/Compilation Rights: If Rooted Literary Magazine decides to create an anthology or print collection, you grant Rooted the right to include your work, with proper compensation to be discussed at that time.
All are welcome here. Tell us your truths. Show us what it means to be rooted.