Submit Your Work to Irreantum
Irreantum seeks to publish high-quality work that explores the Mormon experience,
directly or by implication, through literature. We acknowledge a broad range of
experience with Mormonism, both as a faith and as a culture — on the part
of devoted multi-generation Mormons, ethnic Mormons, new converts, and people outside
of the faith and culture who interact with Mormons and Mormon culture. We are committed
to respectful exploration of Mormonism through literature.
We accept creative work and critical essays. We also encourage an interactive element
by publishing responses from our readers, both in Letters to the Editor and in Readers
Write. We accept submissions in the following categories:
Critical Essays
We publish approximately 2-4 critical essays per issue. Critical essays may explore
the intersections of religion, literature, and film in the context of the Mormon
experience. They may address general theoretical issues or specific works. We are
especially interested in the following topics: Film and Religion, The Nineteenth
Century, Spiritual Autobiography, International Contexts, Poetry, Sacred Texts,
The Mormon Stage. Essays should follow MLA style for citations and notes.
Fiction
We publish 3-5 pieces of original fiction each issue. These can be short stories,
stand-alone novel excerpts, one-act plays, or stand-alone excerpts from longer plays
or screenplays.
Creative Nonfiction
We publish creative nonfiction (also called personal essays) where the primary focus
is on personal experience. Creative literary techniques are expected in this genre
as much as for fiction.
Poetry
We place a strong emphasis on publishing poetry. We publish approximately 8-15 poems
per issue, depending on the availability of quality work.
Readers Write
We wish to encourage development of the mini-essay format and welcome submissions
from our readers on topics announced in advance. Topics may be broadly construed,
but submissions should be thoughtful, honest, and well-articulated. Approximately
10-20 are published each issue. Submissions should be between 200-500 words. Editors
reserve the right to edit for length. Submission deadlines are June 15 and December
15 for Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer publication, respectively.
Reviews
We publish reviews of any books of fiction or poetry, films, or plays written by,
for, or about Mormons, or that also may be of interest to a Mormon readership (such
as books with strong religious themes). We are interested in longer review-essays,
reviews of 1–2 pages, and capsule reviews.
Letters
We love letters. Tell us what you think by writing to
irreantum@mormonletters.org.
Submission Guidelines
Submit work to irreantum@mormonletters.org.
We accept electronic submissions only, in Microsoft Word or WordPerfect file format.
Short pieces (such as Poetry or Readers Write) may be included in the body of the
email message. Please include the category of work you are submitting in the subject
line (e.g., Poetry submission, Critical Essay submission). Writers will receive
a copy of the Irreantum issue in which their work appears (Readers Write contributors
excepted).