Founded in 1971, Seems is an irregularly published print literary magazine that accepts poetry, short stories, flash fiction, and short creative nonfiction pieces. 

The magazine seeks pieces that exhibit sensory imagery and inventive diction. Common themes tend to encompass natural elements and the human condition, but acceptance is not limited to these factors. Really, we are looking for work that makes us ruminate, makes us pause, makes us look past the literal to the substance beneath. 

Seems does not publish overtly political pieces or erotica. It accepts submissions at no cost.

Usually, we take less than six months to respond, but sometimes it’s longer, especially if we have interest in all or any of the work submitted. 

Payment of accepted work is through a copy of the issue in which a contributor’s work appears.  

We buy First North American Serial Rights and the option to use the work on our website for an unspecified length of time. Of course, if the work is reprinted in any fashion, we want credit for having been the first to publish it. 

Guidelines

• 1-5 poems, including prose poems 
• 1  short story or personal essay under 5,000 words  (double spaced)
• 1-2 flash fiction/nonfiction pieces under 1,000 words (double spaced)
• Please attach submission in a Word.doc (do not copy and paste your work in the text box)
• Name, address, and email are necessary on first page of every piece
• Include a cover letter and short bio
• Please do not re-submit until you have heard from us regarding your current submission
• Send submissions through Submittable or mail to Seems Publishig c/o Jodie Mortag, W3718 South Dr. Plymouth, WI 53073 (include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for our reply)
• We do not read simultaneous submissions

Check out some of our current issues by heading to our website: https://seemsmagazine.com/