Dear fellow readers and writers,
Columbia Journal finds the writing it publishes in two ways. First, we use our literary noses, to follow the paper trail of words, track down our favorite writers, and chase lines as journalists chase leads. Our print editors have been scouring the literary landscape to bring in fresh, fierce voices for our upcoming issue with pieces from Moscow, the Henan Province, drizzly Seattle, and our own home here in New York City. Our online team has been featuring thought-provoking fiction, nonfiction, poetry, interviews, and art at a dizzying pace, including a special Veteran’s Day themed issue edited by guest editor, Brian Castner.
The second type of engaging, brave, exciting writing comes to us almost unexpectedly. This is the writing that hits us over the head, squeezes our hearts, and expands our worlds. This work can come from anywhere and from any writer — yes, even you. So just as the holiday clamour descends on street corners and radio stations, our entire staff is totally consumed by reading submissions for the Winter Contest. We’re taking our time to acknowledge that good writing is never business as usual.
This work can come from anywhere and from any writer — yes, even you.
That is why we have extended the Winter Contest deadline and invite you to submit your very best work. Our 2017 Winter Contest judges are the literary luminaries: Karan Mahajan for Fiction, Bianca Stone for Poetry, and Valeria Luiselli for Nonfiction.
The winner of each category (fiction, nonfiction, and poetry) will receive a cash prize of $500 and have their winning work published in the print edition of the journal, which comes out in May 2018. For more information on the contest guidelines and how to submit, click here.
…Cash prize of $500 and have their winning work published in the print edition of the journal…
We are excited to read your pieces: send over your most engaging, brave, exciting work! This is what drives us to continue publishing, because we believe that this writing, no matter where or who it comes from, needs to be read.
Yours,
Etan Nechin
Managing Editor
