We’re now open for submissions for our 2023-2024 Magazine!
Submission Guidelines:
We accept all forms and genres of creative non-fiction and visual media so long as it presents a personal narrative. For visual media this simply means a piece inspired by your life experience. Memoryhouse gives some preference to writers and artists with a significant connection to the Chicago area. We still welcome all submissions, we just especially encourage stories from current and former Chicagoans. If you have a connection to the greater Chicago area, mention it briefly in the bio you send along with your submission (e.g. “I was born on the South Side,” “I used to live/work in Chicago”). Your submission itself does not have to be about Chicago, but we certainly welcome those stories!
We ask that contributors do not submit more than 5 pieces per issue or contribute any writing that’s longer than 6 pages, doubled spaced in 12pt font.
Please email all submissions to chicagomemoryhouse@gmail.com with your name included in the subject line.
If submitting writing, such as prose, poetry, etc., we ask that you include them as .doc or .pdf attachments rather than pasting them into the body of the email.
If submitting photos or artwork, please send the files as .jpg or .png email attachments (high-resolution files preferred). If the pieces have titles, include them in the body of your email.
File naming convention:
- Please name your files as ‘<NAME OF WORK>_<NAME OF AUTHOR>’
- Please attach a separate file for each piece of work (e.g. if you are sending in multiple poems, each poem should be its own file)
- We reserve the right to reject work that does not conform to these conventions.
Unfortunately because we are a student-run publication we cannot pay for work at this time. But we print physical copies of each issue (barring any technical/financial difficulties with our university) and send 2 copies to each author.
What we look for in written work:
- Unique personal narratives: as a creative nonfiction publication, we want to represent a wide variety of voices and experiences.
- Writing that captivates us: we love pieces that surprise us with innovative forms and techniques.
- Clarity and brevity: we think a succinct story is often more impactful than a long-winded one.
- Stories worth telling: we welcome writing that uncovers hidden meanings and teaches us something new.
For creative nonfiction inspiration, check out these links:
memoryhouse 