Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to submit to Aster Lit?

Yes! To maximize accessibility, we do not charge any submission fees. If you are interested in helping support our work as a nonprofit organization, please consider donating to us through our Ko-fi!

Do you provide feedback on submissions?

Though we are unable to provide feedback on all pieces due to the volume of submissions, you may purchase personalized feedback from our editors on your submission(s) here.

How many pieces can I submit?

You can submit up to two prose pieces and five poetry pieces. If you’d like to submit more pieces beyond this limit, you may purchase the opportunity to do so here.

Can I submit both prose and poetry?

Yes! You can submit any combination of prose and poetry as long as you don’t exceed the limit of two prose and five poetry. Just make sure you fill out the form separately for each piece and follow the directions for submitting prose to our email, submit@asterlit.org.

What counts as prose?

Almost any kind of creative writing that isn’t poetry is eligible for submission as prose. Short stories, personal memoirs, journalistic pieces, novel excerpts, and even dramatic scripts all are eligible for submission as prose. Both creative nonfiction and fiction are highly encouraged!

Are prose poems considered poetry or prose?

We know it’s confusing, but prose poems are considered poetry and should be submitted as such. They must also abide by the 100-line limit of our poetry category.

How are pieces selected for publication?

Every piece is read by two reviewers who each give the piece a numerical score. The highest-scored pieces are then pooled and reviewed by around ten different adjudicators. Active deliberation and discussion on each piece occur prior to the final selection of pieces for the issue. Do we disagree? Of course! Still, we do our best to debate and discuss each piece until we narrow it down to a list that the majority of the adjudicators are satisfied with.

What are the criteria for selection?

The first round of scoring is based on a rubric that includes originality of content, command of language, distinct voice, organization and structure, and technical effort. We recognize that, ultimately, creative writing is subjective, so our discussion process is designed to try to acknowledge these differences of opinion. In selecting the final pieces, we also take into account how each piece fits into the issue as a whole; we want to create a collection of diverse voices and writing styles. This also means that if your piece isn’t selected, it is NOT a representation of the worth of your writing!

Is there a theme for the issue?

There is! More information can be found on the submission form.

Does my writing have to fit the theme?

Nope. Pieces that are inspired by or somehow respond to the theme may have a higher chance of publication, but we’ll be publishing both pieces that relate and don’t relate to the theme in the final issue.

If Aster Lit has published my work before, am I still eligible to submit?

Yes! Your writing is still eligible for both the Starlit Award and for publication in our magazine. We’d love to read what else you have to write! If you have previously won a Starlit Award from Aster Lit though, you are still eligible to submit for publication, but you are no longer eligible for another monetary award.

Am I allowed to resubmit a piece that I’ve already submitted to a previous issue of Aster Lit?

Maybe. While we don’t explicitly prohibit resubmission, we strongly advise against it unless you believe significant enough revision has been made to the piece. On the other hand, if a piece was previously rendered ineligible due to special circumstances such as another magazine requesting first publishing rights, resubmissions are welcome.

How many pieces will be published?

We aim for around 20-30 pieces each issue.

I still have questions!

We’re thankful for your interest! Email additional questions to us at asterlitmagazine@gmail.com or send us a message on Instagram @aster.lit. We’ll try our best to respond in a few business days.

Also, follow us on Instagram @aster.lit for exclusive Q&A sessions and other updates regarding the magazine!