Launched in 2016 by the students of the Arkansas Writers’ MFA Program at the University of Central Arkansas, Arkana is an online magazine of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, scriptwriting, translations, book reviews, illustrated narratives, and artwork. They aim to give a voice to the silent, a light to the mysterious, and a home to the outsiders. They welcome work by marginalized authors, as well as work within under-represented genres. For their fourth issue, they are especially hoping to find an excellent script for stage or screen. They publish both emerging and established writers of all ages. You can get a sense of what they’re looking for by browsing past issues online, and by reading their latest call for submissions on their blog: https://arkanamagblog.wordpress.com/.
Right now, Arkana is seeking submissions for their fourth online issue. Past issues showcase work from around fifteen authors, and each issue includes an audio feature in which authors read their work aloud.
Authors of fiction may submit any number of stories, totaling 4,000 words or fewer. Poets may submit up to three poems. Authors of nonfiction may submit essays, memoirs, and other investigations, 4,000 words or fewer. They are also seeking work in other genres, work that defies genre and convention, and work that embraces ambiguity. Basically, they are looking for great art, however it’s packaged. If truth comes from a voice that’s never spoken—or never been heard—they’re listening.
Arkana accepts submissions online, but not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions, but ask that authors immediately withdraw work published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work, and they do not accept work by authors affiliated with the University of Central Arkansas.
If you would like to learn more or submit to Arcana, please visit their website at https://arkanamag.org/submission-guildelines/.
