SUBMIT

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN

Theme: Omission

Deadline: April 10, 2026

We invite writers in all stages of their writing careers to submit their works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that align with the theme of Omission. We are interested in works that engage concepts of concealment, conceit, white lies, and more. Omission may also operate at the level of subject, memory, language, or form.

Who Can Submit?

We welcome submissions from writers who identify as African or those of African descent, whether residing on the continent or in the African diaspora.

How To Submit

Submit poetry here

Submit fiction here

Submit nonfiction here

Submission Guidelines

Poetry

  • Up to 3 poems

  • No more than 5 pages total submitted as a single document

  • Please submit as a .doc or .pdf file, single-spaced, with one poem beginning on a new page.

  • We may select one or all of the poems

Fiction (short story)

  • 1,000–2,500 word limit

Non-fiction (essays/life-writing)

  • 900–2,500 word limit

  • No book or film reviews

Originality

  • Work must be entirely your own. AI-generated or plagiarized content will not be considered.

  • We do not accept works previously published in print, or online where via a magazine, a personal blog or other related website.

Formatting: Numbered pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, word document only except to accommodate certain forms of poetry.

Simultaneous Submissions: We allow simultaneous submissions and ask that writers inform us via email at editor@poda-poda.com if their work is accepted for publication elsewhere.

Anonymity: Do not include your name in your submitted work.

Suggested file naming format: Genre_FirstLastInitials_TitleOfWork

Example: Poetry_MA_StillIRise

Other Details

  • There is no submission fee for this issue (a submission cap may apply if entries exceed judge capacity).

  • Accepted submissions will be published in June 2026.

  • Questions? Email editor@poda-poda.com or DM us on socials.

Alternative Submission Procedure (use only if necessary)

If this form becomes faulty/broken, please email your work as an attachment to editor@poda-poda.com with the subject line: 'Genre_OmissionIssue_FirstAndLastInitialsOfWriter'. Include a brief writer bio in the body of your email, and ensure your work follows all other formatting guidelines provided.


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REGULAR SUBMISSIONS

If you would like to contribute to Poda-Poda Stories outside of our themed calls for submission, please email your submission to editor@poda-poda.com using the following format in your email subject: Genre_Lastname_Submission Title. If your submission is time sensitive, kindly indicate that in your email subject line using the following format: TimeSensitive_Genre_Lastname_Submission Title.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

  • We accept fiction (1000 - 5000 words), nonfiction (1000 - 5000 words), poetry (3poems maximum), and book reviews (700 -1000 words maximum). 

  • Send us your best work. Ensure that your work is well-written with accurate. grammar, punctuation, and the correct use of tenses.

  • Your work must be in Microsoft Word (docx) format; Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, and double-spaced. Please do not submit your work as a PDF, except where required to accommodate unique poetry formats.

  • Include a brief writer’s bio in your email submission.

  • We will not accept plagiarized work. This includes AI-generated work.

  • Do not submit work that contains elements of harmful stereotypes. 

  • Simultaneous submissions are acceptable. We ask that you email us immediately your work is accepted elsewhere.