submissions

Call for Submissions: Issue 50

We like to say that there’s more than one way to tell a story and want to celebrate carte blanche turning twenty years old with having our 50th issue be open themed. Go with your heart and submit work that you’re really excited to share with us and our readers.

Creators are invited to submit previously unpublished pieces in the following genre: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, translations (French to English), photography, and comics for carte blanche issue 50.

Our call for submissions are now closed. We are not considering work at this time and will reopen a new call for submissions in the new year. Thank you.

We acknowledge the intersectionality of individuals’ lived experiences and aim to provide a safe space for racialized and marginalized voices. 

Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA2+, IBPOC, disabled, and those who live with mental health challenges or neurodivergence are encouraged and welcome to submit to us.

Please note that while Canadian and international creators are welcome to submit their work to us for consideration, as a result of our affiliation with the Quebec Writers’ Federation and Canada Council grant requirements, we may emphasize a focus on Quebec-based creators in a given issue.

Please read a recent issue and our general guidelines before sending in your work.

general Guidelines

Simultaneous submissions: We accept simultaneous submissions. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are sending your piece elsewhere and withdraw your submission via Submittable if it is accepted somewhere else.

Unpublished submissions: We do not accept submissions that have been previously published, including on personal websites and social media.

Frequency of submissions: We encourage you to submit to carte blanche no more than once a year unless solicited by an editor.

Rights: We ask for first world serial rights and the right to archive your work on the website. Copyright reverts to the author upon publication. In the case of translated pieces, you must already have received permission from the original French publisher to translate the piece prior to submitting your translation to us.

Payment: carte blanche pays an honorarium of $75 for each published piece. We hope to increase the amount in the future.

Section-Specific Guidelines

Comics: We’re looking for comics that have a story to tell, that explore the boundaries of narrative within the comics form. We’re open to all styles, subjects, shapes, and sizes, but keep in mind that your comic will be displayed on the web using a Squarespace image slideshow. Please submit your files at web resolution (72dpi) in one file (PDF or ZIP). If we choose to publish your piece, you will be asked to submit high-quality files for publication on our website and potentially in print-on-demand issues.

Creative Nonfiction: We consider nonfiction narratives including memoir, personal essay, and literary journalism. Creative nonfiction submissions should be factual. Any changes to names to protect privacy should be indicated in an author’s note. Maximum 3500 words.

Fiction: We accept all kinds of fiction. Maximum 3500 words (1 story can be up to 3500 words, 2+ stories must be 3500 words or under total).

Photography: Tell a story in 12 photos or less. Together, your photos should create a narrative–whether abstract or concrete. You may include a text-based artist's note that will accompany your piece. Keep in mind that your photos will be displayed on the web using a Squarespace image slideshow. Please submit your files at web resolution (72dpi) in one file (PDF or ZIP). If we choose to publish your piece, you will be asked to submit high-quality files for publication on our website and potentially in print-on-demand issues.

Poetry: We welcome poems in any form. As of 2021, we have instated a submission cap. Please submit early–we will not accept late submissions by email. Maximum 3 poems per submission.

Translation: We accept English translations of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction written originally in French. If possible, please include the original work on which the translation is based. If we choose to publish your piece, you will be required to provide proof of permission from the copyright holder of the original work to translate and publish the translation. Obtaining permission can take time, so please do so before you submit!