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Top-Shelf Cover Art Contest

A project of Top-Shelf Literary Magazine (see other related projects).

Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (June 2026). We provide the following information as an archive.

About

This first issue is a beginning, and we want a cover that feels like one. Autumn and early-winter palettes are welcome but not required — what matters is mood, atmosphere, and resonance. We’re less interested in literal interpretations of “fall” or “literature” than in work that draws the reader in, that lingers, that has something to say beneath its surface.

No Fees! This contest does not charge mandatory fees.

Country of Publication & Year Established

United States
Established in 2026

Publication Medium & Contest Frequency

Electronic Publication Electronic Publication
One-time contest

AI Policy

Human-created work only; no AI use allowed

Visual Art Closed

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Lengths:

Artwork:

Art Media:

Open to all/most Art Media, including...
Digital art.
Drawing.
Mixed media.
Collage.
Painting.
Photography.

Art Styles:

Open to all/most Art Styles.

Topics:

Open to all/most Topics.

Winner's Prize:

Professional payment (US$50 or more per piece) Provides free copy/copies Professional payment. Provides free copy/copies. Details: USD $50 winning prize.

Submissions:

Method: Email.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.
Media: Image.

Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.

Top-Shelf Cover Art Contest Submission Statistics

The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics.

Filter:
Accuracy
We have received 1 report within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information.

Other Information

Most recent response reported was received on 28 Aug 2026.
Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 25 Jun 2026.
Date compiled: 07 Sep 2026 04:52 UTC (less than a minute ago).
View report of recent responses from this project

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Your Submissions

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Fresh Ink Youth  FLEDGLING  NEW!
Lamps in the Dark  FLEDGLING

Before Submitting

We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.

  • Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.
  • Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.
  • Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.
  • Be professional, patient, and persistent.

Dates

Last Updated: 30 Jun 2026

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