5 African literature magazines open for submission

With the new year comes a new opportunity to author or immerse yourself in the continent’s thrilling African literary scene. Inviting writers from Africa and the diaspora to consider, celebrate and interrogate the realities, idiosyncrasies and allure of the diverse continent, here are some online literary magazines accepting and publishing new African literature.

Doek! Literary Magazine
With its 14th issue hot off the press, Doek! Literary Magazine is an online literary publication from Windhoek, Namibia. Publishing fiction, non-fiction, poetry and visual art from Namibia, Africa and the diaspora, Doek! seeks writing that is original, exciting and bold in its exploration of novel literary terrains. Doek! is published bi-annually and submission to its 15th issue is currently open until 31 March. Offshoots of the inspiring literary magazine include the Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards, the Doek Anthology and the Doek Literary Festival. Submit your own work or read Doek! Literary Magazine at doeklitmag.com

Lolwe
Deriving its name from ‘Nam Lolwe’, the traditional Luo name for Lake Victoria, Lolwe is a literary arts platform intent on amplifying offerings from writers, poets and visual artists from Africa, the Caribbean and the black diaspora. The publication accepts submissions throughout the year and is currently open to work in the categories of drama, orature, translation, hybrid genre and visual art. Writers and visual artists are invited to “send in your fears and joys, your doubts and faiths, your curiosities and silences”. Learn more about the publication at Lolwe.org

Kalahari Review
Described as “a home for African writing” and “where Africa tells her stories”, the Kalahari Review is a weekly publication that accepts fiction, essays, poetry, photography and art. There are no deadlines or word counts unless submitting for special Kalahari Review contests such as the Igby Prize. Ideal submissions are concerned with contemporary Africa and Africans who are telling new stories from everyday life. “We are looking for stories that have not often been told but should be – through voices that have not yet been heard – but should”, says the publication which you can read at kalaharireview.com

Isele Magazine
Founded with the belief that “literature and the arts are an integral part of the daily conversations that uplift and shape our thinking”, Isele Magazine is an online literary publication accepting submissions of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art, photography and book reviews on a rolling basis. “We publish writers and artists who hold a mirror to our society, who challenge conventional expectations about ways of being, how to be and who decides who should be,” says the publication in a statement online. Accepted submissions are considered for The Isele Prizes. Find out more at iselemagazine.com

Brittle Paper
In the business of platforming African writers for well over a decade, Brittle Paper is a literary magazine that doubles as a news outlet for all things African literature. Presenting the latest news regarding new books, authors, events, prizes and literary culture, the online publication aims to “explore and celebrate African literary experiences in all its diversity”. Brittle Paper publishes fiction, poetry, book reviews and essays and excites in its series titled ‘100 Notable African Books’, ‘African Writers to Watch’ and in its themed anthologies. Submissions are welcome throughout the year. Previous issues and submission guidelines can be viewed at brittlepaper.com

– martha.mukaiwa.com; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com