WayWords Literary Journal The Writer's Workout

This journal invites works from writers around the world in all stages of their writing career. We're looking for fresh, inspiring pieces; give us chills, fill us with awe. Show us all sides: your home is here.

Issues are themed; fiction (up to 5,000 words) or poetry (up to 15 lines; limit two per writer).

This journal also accepts CNF tribute pieces on any topic under 5,000 words through a separate tribute call. Please note tribute pieces must include "TRIBUTE" inside the file and file name.

Please visit our website to explore our other publications, competitions, and resources.

Masthead:

Fiction Editors:
Raegan Cole, Seth Cupery, Jessica Morris-Reade, Michael Parker, Jr., Cassell Presnell, & Brittany Smith

Fiction Readers:
Hannah Dang, Alana Franasiak, Sonia Horowitz, Kit Lloyd, Jennifer Martin, Rebecca Sharp, Andrea Tode, Loren Whitmore, & Jesse Wooton

Poetry Editors:
Susan Kier, Michael Parker, Jr., & Cassell Presnell

Poetry Readers:
Isabel Flick, Amelia Napiorkowski, Britni Newton, Jules Tobias, Andrea Tode, & Loren Whitmore

Creative Nonfiction Editor:
Christina Ellison

Creative Nonfiction Readers:
Elle Alahmar, Britni Newton, & Rebecca Sharp

This journal is published in digital and print. Contributors receive a contributor copy. The Writer's Workout is a registered nonprofit organization run by volunteers.

Tribute Section Free Tip Jar Option Open

This call is for TRIBUTE pieces in Creative Nonfiction, up to 5,000 words.

Submissions will be collected at the end of each issue call on the 20th of February, May, August, and November for the corresponding issue but the call will remain open indefinitely.
NEW as of May 1: We launched a new publication space on our Substack for CNF pieces. Starting April 16, all CNF pieces will be considered for both the Substack AND the quarterly issue publications.

No identifying info inside your file.
Include your piece title at top of your doc
Add "TRIBUTE" in all caps below your piece title
TNR or Arial, 10/12, single spaced
Indent paragraphs
Empty margins on all sides
Empty line for scene breaks

Name your file with piece title and call name (WayWords TRIBUTE)

Submissions including fanfiction, religious, political, or erotic content will be rejected unread.
Please do not submit AI-assisted or generated content.
Please try to avoid subjects of abuse and suicide. Recovery subjects are welcome!

Please visit our website to explore our other publications, competitions, and resources.

Submit

Issue 24: theme of joy Temp Closed

Issue 24 invites writers to explore themes of "joy" in poetry or fiction.
Editors' advice: From the perfect cup of coffee to that big promotion to welcoming a new life, joy is all around us.

Send fiction (up to 5,000 words) or poetry (up to 15 lines, limit two per writer).

No identifying info inside your file.
Include your piece title at top of your doc
TNR or Arial, 10/12, single spaced
Indent paragraphs for fiction
Empty margins on all sides
Empty line for scene breaks
One piece per file.

Name your file with piece title and WayWords

If submitting by email, include your name/pseudonym and short bio in your email body.

If the piece was previously published, cite the original below your piece title.

Submissions including fanfiction, religious, political, or erotic content will be rejected unread.
Please do not submit AI-generated "content".
Please try to avoid subjects of abuse or suicide. Recovery subjects are welcome!

Visit our website to explore our other publications, competitions, and resources.
Rights:WayWords requests one-time, non-exclusive serial rights with worldwide distribution.We accept simultaneous submissions, previously published works, and you're welcome to submit your work elsewhere after we publish it.
This journal is published in digital and print; issues are available on EBSCO. Contributors receive a contributor copy. The Writer's Workout is a registered nonprofit organization run by volunteers.

Not Open

Issue 25: theme of city Temp Closed

Opens on Thursday, October 1, 2026 12:00 AM UTC (in 17 days).

Issue 25 invites writers to explore themes of "city" in poetry or fiction.
Editors' advice: Bright lights, people, and entertainment—cities are full of life, and everything that includes.

Send fiction (up to 5,000 words) or poetry (up to 15 lines, limit two per writer).

Name your file with piece title and WayWords

If submitting by email, include your name/pseudonym and short bio in your email body.

If the piece was previously published, cite the original below your piece title.

Not Open

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