Chinua Achebe writes: 

“It is the storyteller who makes us what we are, who creates history. The storyteller creates the memory that the survivors must have – otherwise their surviving would have no meaning.” Also, in a famed Facebook post dated December 26, 2010, he rallies writers on the need for individual expressionism, thus: “If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own.” It is with this in mind that The Muse Journal happily calls for submission for its 51st Annual Publication. For Issue 51, we encourage breathtaking perspectives that are genre-bending and profound, rich in language and distinct in style. We invite submissions from writers all over the world.

Do note, however, that this call is significantly different from the Mid-semester Spotlight series currently open, and does not place a limit on eligibility. While The Mid-semester Spotlight focuses on young unpublished writers, and is strictly an online publication; The Annual Publication is a printed issue open to all category of writers. 

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION

N/B: Kindly note that entries that do not strictly adhere to our guidelines will be DISMISSED.

1. Entries MUST be sent in as doc. or docx attachments in 12 font size, Times New Roman font. Do not include your name in the body of work.

2. Entries MUST be the original work of the author and MUSTnot have been published elsewhere.

3. Entries are to be restricted to the following genres and specifications:

● Poetry: Submit a maximum of 3 poems of not more than 40 lines each.

● Short stories should be between 1500-3500 words. Submit a single entry.

● Plays (One Acts) MUST not exceed 3500 words. Submit a single entry.

● Pidgin Poetry: Submit a maximum of 3 poems of not more than 30 lines each.

● Creative Non-fiction should not exceed 2500 words. Submit a single entry. 

● Flash Fiction MUST not exceed 1000 words.

● Critical Essays/Research Papers on Language or Literature MUST not exceed 3500 words. Submit a single entry.

● Literary Reviews MUST be of a book not published earlier than 2021 and MUST not exceed 2500 words. Submit a single entry.

● Artworks/Photography should be scanned and sent as a Microsoft Word doc. Submit a maximum of 3 entries. 

● Hybrids are accepted too. Should not exceed 1000 words. Submit a maximum of two entries.

4. Subject of the email should strictly follow this format. Failure to do so automatically invalidates your submission: SUBMISSION FOR THE MUSE 51: GENRE: Title of the work.

5. A brief, well-written cover letter will be appreciated. 

6. Include a bio of not more than 100 words in a seperate doc. attachment.

7. Send your entries to the email: museunn@gmail.com

8.  Originality is of the essence.

WINDOW OPENS: October 16th,  2023

DEADLINE: 11:59 pm, December 15th, 2023.

SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSION

The Muse Journal allows for simultaneous submissions but kindly inform us if your work is accepted elsewhere so we can celebrate with you.

RESPONSE TIME 

Our response time varies between 2 – 4 months of receiving your work. 

PRIZES

Only STUDENT contributors are eligible to enter for and win prizes in the underlisted genres. Writers who  frolick with language and experiment with style will be considered for: 

● Emeka Anuforo’s Prize for Most Outstanding Literary Artist of the Year. 

● Fidelis Okoro’s Prize for Poetry

● Eriata Oribhabor’s Prize for Pidgin Poetry.

● Leo Ejesu’s Prize for Drama.

● Okereke Wilson’s Prize for Short Story.

● Ugwuanyi Leonard’s Prize for Flash Fiction.

● Damian Opata’s Prize for Critical Writing.

● Nmesoma Emeruche’s Prize for Creative Non-Fiction.

Cash prizes and certificates will be awarded to winners. 

For enquiries, WhatsApp the Editors: +2348148452447 or +2348165366437

We look forward to reading your beauties, until then, keep musing!