KELP JOURNAL


Kelp Journal publishes issues twice a year—once in the summer and once in the winter. For each Kelp Journal issue, there is an open and closed submission period. The Wave (Kelp Journal's bi-weekly blog) publishes year-round except for a 30 day period surrounding the publication of the summer and winter issues of Kelp Journal.

  • Kelp Journal summer issue submissions open February 15 & close May 15
  • Kelp Journal winter issue submissions open August 1 & close November 1
  • The Wave submissions are ongoing

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SUBMITTING TO KELP JOURNAL


We are seeking previously unpublished fiction, non-fiction, and poetry for our Summer and Winter issues. We are not particular in terms of style and aesthetics; however, we are looking for quality work that befits a top tier publication.

Kelp Journal section submission guidelines:


Kelp Journal Fiction

We accept all kinds of previously unpublished fiction, generally in lengths of under 6,000 words. A sense of place is important to us, and while no place is excluded from our appetite, we strongly prefer coastal themes, West Coast locales, surfing, and works that embody travel and adventure; however, all themes will be considered.
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Kelp Journal Poetry

We also seek previously unpublished poems long and short. Send us 3 to 5 of your best poems for consideration. Again, coastal, travel, and adventure themes are preferred; however, all themes will be considered.



Kelp Journal Non-Fiction

We consider previously unpublished essays of all types, generally in lengths of under 6,000 words, with extra emphasis on oceanic and surf themes. We are also looking for unique takes on global travel, like a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that blew your mind, or a strange experience abroad. 
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When submitting, please name your submission file with your last name, title of work, and section. ​ 

Ex: Olsen_Surf’s Up_Fiction  

Ex: Santana_Pirate Ghosts_Poetry 

Ex: Larks_Birds of Paradise_Nonfiction


***Please note that submissions that do not follow Kelp Journal guidelines will receive an automatic decline.***
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​​SUBMITTING TO THE WAVE

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A delightful mixture of all our sections, (fiction, non-fiction including translations, and poetry) with the addition of photography, art, and film. As with the journal, we are not particular in terms of style and aesthetics; however, we are looking for quality work that befits a top tier publication. As always, coastal, travel, and adventure themes are preferred; however, all will be considered. For The Wave specifically, we like to say that shorter is better. We are looking for previously unpublished:
​        - micro, flash, and short fiction in any genre;

        - short essays on any topic;

        - book reviews (or pitches);

        - poetry, and

        - photography and art. 

 
When submitting, please name your submission file with your last name, title of work, and section.
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Ex: Olsen_Surf’s Up_Fiction 
Ex: Santana_Pirate Ghosts_Poetry
Ex: Larks_Birds of Paradise_Nonfiction

Ends on $10.00
$10.00
Submit to Ocean Poetry Anthology

Ocean Poetry Anthology : 

Kelp Books is launching its first ever ocean poetry competition in celebration of World Oceans Day (June 8). Send us all (or any) of your ethereal, realistic, heartfelt words that celebrate the big blue. 25 -30 poems will be accepted for publication. Each entry may contain up to 3 poems of any length. Multiple entries encouraged and accepted.
 

Ocean Poetry Anthology Submission Guidelines :

  1. Submissions will be accepted from November 8, 2023 to March 8, 2024. 
  2. Open to any poet of any age anywhere. 
  3. Submissions will be accepted through the Submittable submission manager. Print or email submissions will not be considered. Please include a brief cover letter, biography and contact information in the form provided.
  4. We ask for previously unpublished poems only . No poem that has been previously published anywhere,  including blogs and social media will be accepted. 
  5. Simultaneous submissions are accepted provided  you notify Kelp and withdraw your Kelp submission immediately via Submittable if it is accepted elsewhere.
  6. All poems are to be primarily written in English.
  7. No more than 3 poems total per entry. Every entry should be a single file. 
  8. Must in some way be reference, refer to or be linked to the ocean. 
  9. Submissions in a Word document, 12 point Times New Roman font (preferred) or other readable font, and formatted on 8 1/2″ x 11″ sized paper. 
  10. Entries must be sent in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. Please do not send your poem as a pdf.
  11. When submitting, please name your submission file with your last name, title of work, and section.    
  12. Poems must be the entrant’s original work. AI-generated work is prohibited         

 Ex: Santana_Pirate Ghosts_Poetry


 

Entry Fee: 

$10.00 USD per submission. Each entry may contain 1 to 3 poems of any length. Fee waiver may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please forward all inquiries to: kelpphotoeditor@gmail.com
 

Terms and Conditions: 

Failure to adhere to the submission guidelines will result in the automatic declination of any submission. 

  1. The Anthology will contain 25- 30 poems. 
  2. Only one poem per contributor will be accepted. 
  3. All contributors will receive an electronic copy of the anthology. 
  4. All contributors may order print copies of the anthology at cost plus shipping. 
Submit to The Wave

SUBMISSIONS 

For The Wave, Kelp Journal's bi-weekly blog  is actively seeking previously unpublished micro, flash, and short fiction in any genre; translations and short essays on any topic; book reviews; poetry, and photography and art. As always, coastal, travel, adventure, nature, and ecological themes are preferred; however, all will be considered.

And, as with Kelp Journal, The Wave seeks oceanic, conservationist, and surf forward themes. We publish writers, travelers, artists, and photographers from all over the world in all types of genres. Kelp Journal values diversity and seeks to promote the work of writers of all ethnicities, orientations, and backgrounds, both domestic and abroad. We accept fiction, essays, poetry, and travel memoirs so long as the writing is in the English language or translated into English. We have no genre restrictions.


FORMATTING

When submitting, please name your submission file with your last name, title of work, and section.

Ex: Olsen_Crush_Fiction

Ex: Santana_Gone Fishing_Non-fiction

Ex: Larks_Snowfall_Poetry

Please note that submissions that do not follow Kelp Journal guidelines will receive an automatic decline.


Approximate response time 6 months. 

The Amber Waves of Autumn - Surf Noir Anthology
Ends on
Submit to The Amber Waves of Autumn - Surf Noir Anthology

This book's predecessors, The Silver Waves of Summer, and The Dark Waves of Winter were huge successes, including The Dark Waves of Winter earning a perfect 5 Stars from Indie Reader. They were both well-reviewed in myriad publications, including Kirkus Reviews.   "A potent assemblage of briskly paced tales that will satisfy mystery and crime noir fans." - Kirkus Reviews. 


We are looking to build on our previous success.The Amber Waves of Winter is planned for publication in the fall of 2024. Pay is $35.00 dollars per accepted story and a share of royalties. You will be published next to some big names. We are looking for 10-12 short stories that adhere as closely as possible to the following guidelines:


1)  It must take place in a beach locale.
2) We are looking for noir/neo-noir. Crime, capers, detective stories, and mysteries are all a good fit. Literary stories work as well provided it contain the requisite subject matter.
3) We always appreciate a surfer or water-related person (life guards, sea captains, etc) as a character.
4)  Word count between 3k and 6K preferred. 

Kelp Journal