2026 Theme - Unseen Spaces

As with the majority of the Midwest, South Dakota is known as part of fly-over country, leaving our patch on the Earth unvisited and unknown by others. With our theme, we challenge the idea that there are places not worthy of note.  From below the Earth’s crust, to landscapes, to cities, to a subculture, to attics and basements, and even into minds, we believe there are limitless spaces we can explore. In these areas, we connect with the world, others, and ourselves. Space is an a liminal region which bridges the gap between the greater material world and  amorphic ideas.

Due to a high submission rate, we are seeking authors who have lived, are living, or attended secondary and vocational education in South Dakota and/or the states which receive in-state tuition from the University of South Dakota. These states are: Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. We believe this allows room for lesser-heard voices, including international students and those who chose to attend a school in South Dakota's region despite familiarity with a more "known" place.  Please include your connection to one of the states listed above in your cover letter. 

We use a blind submission process (the editorial staff doesn't know who submitted work), so please give your name and contact information on a SEPARATE page - NO NAMES OR CONTACT INFO SHOULD APPEAR ON THE SUBMISSIONS THEMSELVES or the submissions will be disqualified.

Submissions will close on Dec. 15, 2025 at 11:59PM Central Time OR when the genre reaches 220 submissions--whichever occurs first.