The Brussels Review (Gold Star Program) Gold Star

Fiction Submissions Information

We are seeking fiction submissions that capture the imagination, provoke thought, and offer readers a journey into new worlds or perspectives. We welcome a diverse range of voices and styles, whether your fiction is grounded in realism, explores speculative elements, or delves into the surreal. We value originality, compelling narratives, and well-crafted prose.

1. Length: We accept:
   • Short Fiction: A collection of 3 to 5 short stories, each ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 words. These can be stand-alone stories or thematically linked pieces.
   • Long Fiction: 1 longer story or novella, with a word count between 3,000 and 7,000 words. This piece should offer a more in-depth narrative that allows for complex character development and plot.
2. Originality: Submissions must be unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere. We are looking for fresh, original stories that have not been featured in any other publications, including personal blogs, websites, or other platforms.
3. Content and Style: We are interested in fiction that:
   • Engages the Reader: A narrative that captures attention and holds it through well-developed characters, intriguing plots, or unique settings.
   • Explores Unique Perspectives: Stories that offer new angles on familiar themes or introduce readers to unfamiliar worlds, situations, or ideas.
   • Demonstrates Craft: A strong command of language and storytelling technique.
4. Format: Please submit all fiction pieces in a single document. Ensure each story is clearly titled and formatted for readability. We accept submissions in Word or PDF formats.
5. Simultaneous Submissions: We accept simultaneous submissions, but kindly inform us promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere.
6. Language: While our primary language is English, we welcome fiction that incorporates elements of other languages if the context is clear or a translation is provided.
7. Author Bio: Include a brief bio and, if desired, a note on your writing or the themes explored in your submission (optional).

We look forward to discovering your stories and potentially sharing them with our audience.

Nonfiction Submissions Information

We welcome nonfiction submissions that offer insightful, thought-provoking, and original perspectives. We are interested in a wide range of nonfiction, including essays, memoirs, literary criticism, cultural commentary, and personal narratives. Your work should aim to engage our readers with compelling storytelling, nuanced analysis, and a unique voice.

1. Length: We accept:
   • Short Nonfiction: A collection of 3 to 5 shorter pieces, ranging from 500 to 1,500 words each. These can include essays, reflective pieces, or vignettes.
   • Long Nonfiction: 1 longer piece, with a word count between 2,000 and 7,000 words. This could be an in-depth essay, a critical analysis, or a narrative nonfiction work that delves deeply into a subject.
2. Originality: Submissions must be unpublished and not currently under consideration elsewhere. We seek work that has not appeared in any other publications, including personal blogs, websites, or other media.
3. Content and Style: We are looking for nonfiction that demonstrates:
   • Clarity and Insight: The ability to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner.
   • Engagement: Writing that draws readers into the narrative or argument.
   • Original Perspective: A unique voice that offers new angles on familiar themes or explores lesser-known subjects.
4. Format: Please submit all nonfiction pieces in a single document. Each piece should have a clear title and be formatted for readability. We accept submissions in Word (preferred) or PDF formats.
5. Simultaneous Submissions: We accept simultaneous submissions, but request that you notify us promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere.
6. Language: Submissions should be primarily in English. However, we welcome works that include minimal use of other languages, provided context or translation is offered within the piece.
7. Author Bio: Include a brief bio and, if applicable, any relevant background or context for your submission (optional).

We look forward to reading your nonfiction and considering it for publication.

Poetry Submissions Information

We invite poets from all backgrounds to submit their work for consideration. We are open to both established and emerging voices, looking for poetry that moves, challenges, and resonates with our readers. Our focus is on original, unpublished work that has not appeared in any other publications, including personal blogs, social media, or self-published platforms.

1. Number of Poems: We recommend submitting either:
   • 5 short poems: These can be individual pieces or thematically linked. We welcome a variety of forms, including free verse, sonnets, haiku, and other concise forms of poetry.
   • 1 long poem: If you prefer to submit a longer piece, ensure it is compelling, with a length that allows for depth and exploration without becoming overly extended.
2. Originality: Submissions must be unpublished. We seek poetry that has not been featured elsewhere, ensuring that our readers receive fresh and unique content.
3. Content and Style: We are looking for poems that showcase a strong command of language, creativity, and emotional depth. We value works that are thoughtful and evocative, whether they explore themes of love, loss, identity, nature, society, or the human experience.
4. Format: Please submit all poems in a single document. Ensure that each poem is clearly titled and formatted for readability. We accept submissions in Word or PDF formats.
5. Simultaneous Submissions: We accept simultaneous submissions, but kindly inform us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.
6. Language: While our primary language is English, we also accept poetry that incorporates other languages if accompanied by a translation or if the non-English portion is minimal and comprehensible in context.
7. Author Bio: Include a brief bio and any relevant background about your work (optional).

We look forward to reading your work and potentially sharing it with our audience.