Kerning: a space for words A project of Toad Hall Editions (see other related projects). This project is on indefinite hiatus. Check their site to find out whether this is a submission and/or publication hiatus. (March 2025) About In typographical parlance, kerning is the space between two letters, an often-unnoticed adjustment made by designers to connect the letters, which in turn helps with our understanding of a word. Kerning is the unseen in everything, it’s the liminal space. And since we’ve said we want to publish the work of writers whose work lives in this particular space, it feels perfect.The word liminal comes from the Latin. Its root is limen, which means threshold. So the liminal space is the space between here and there—the transition space between something we have left behind and where we might end up. It’s a space full of curiosity and possibility. It’s the space where we make adjustments to further our connections, where we leave room for vulnerability and trust. It’s our opportunity for kerning. And so we’ve made a shift, adjusted our plans, and we’re thrilled to share the new title of our bi-annual publication is: kerning | a space for words Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for some submissions. They charge fees for "basic" and "pay it forward" submissions. The fee range is USD $7 to $14 (above average for magazines that charge). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2021 Publication Medium & Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationPublished 2 x per year Collapse section Fiction On Hiatus Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 100 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 4,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: May vary.Payment:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Provides free copy/copies Professional payment. Provides free copy/copies. Details: USD $75; print copies only available to contributors in the US.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Unknown.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction On Hiatus Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 1,000 words. Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 2,500 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: May vary.Payment:Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) to Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Provides free copy/copies Pay ranges from Semi-pro payment to Professional payment. Provides free copy/copies. Details: USD $75; print copies only available to contributors in the US.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Unknown.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry On Hiatus Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Up to 5 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: May vary.Payment:Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Provides free copy/copies Professional payment. Provides free copy/copies. Details: USD $75; print copies only available to contributors in the US.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Unknown.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to publication's website Report: Correction/Update Kerning: a space for words 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 This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsKerning Cover Art Contest OPTED OUT Charges fees for all submissions Before SubmittingWe 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. DatesLast Updated: 22 May 2026 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only