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Descant (Canada)

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Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions. We provide the following information as an archive.
We list other projects with similar titles. Please check that you report any submissions under the correct listing.

About

Now in its fifth decade, Descant is a quarterly journal publishing new and established contemporary writers and visual artists from Canada and around the world. Begun in 1970 as a mimeograph, Descant has evolved into an exquisitely produced journal of international acclaim. Over the years many ground-breaking special editions of Descant have been published, including issues focusing on single artists such as Dennis Lee, Michael Ondaatje and R. Murray Schafer, theme issues such as Male Desire, Romantic Love, Anatomy and Music, and issues exploring the culture of countries such as India, Australia/New Zealand, China, the former Yugoslavia and Japan. Descant is devoted to the discovery and development of new writers, and to placing their work in the company of celebrated writers. The standards are high – all of the many submissions received are carefully read, but only a few are accepted. Many emerging writers have launched their careers at Descant, some have gone on to become prominent players in the literary community. Renowned authors such as Anne Michaels, Timothy Findley, Evelyn Lau, Margaret Atwood, Isabel Allende, Tom McGuane and Jane Urquhart have all published new work on the pages of Descant. Share in the discovery of great writers such as these. Be stimulated by the ideas, moved by the visuals: read Descant today.

Country of Publication

Canada

Publication Medium & Frequency

Print Publication Print Publication
Published 4 x per year

Collapse section Fiction Closed

Audience:

Unknown

Genres:

Open to all/most Genres, including:
General

Lengths:

Short Story: No specific word count limits known (our definition: 1000 to 7500 words).

Styles:

Literary.

Topics:

None found.

Payment:

Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word).
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Postal.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.
Media: Text.

Collapse section Nonfiction Closed

Audience:

Unknown

Lengths:

Essay: No specific word count limits known.
Narrative Nonfiction: No specific word count limits known.

Styles:

Literary.

Topics:

None found.

Payment:

Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word).
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Postal.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.
Media: Text.

Collapse section Poetry Closed

Audience:

Unknown

Genres:

Open to all/most Genres, including:
General

Lengths:

Poem: No line limits known; Up to 6 pieces.

Poetry Forms:

Open to all/most Forms.

Styles:

Literary.

Topics:

None found.

Payment:

Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem).
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Postal.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.
Media: Text.

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

Descant (Canada) 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.

This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months.

Your Submissions

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Winston Collins Prize for Best Canadian Poem CLOSED  Charges fees for all submissions

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: 22 May 2026

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