open to submissions until June 1st

the only literary journal from south central los ángeles

Since 2015

Submission Guidelines

sin cesar literary magazine

Open to Submissions

Open: January 13, 2023

Closing: June 1, 2023 (11:59PM PST)

sin cesar 

(formerly Dryland)

We accept poetry and prose and aim to publish the best of each genre. We look for subversive and bold voices; thought-provoking pieces that seek to illuminate a truth for the reader. We are proud to publish never before published, emerging, and established writers and poets. We enjoy reading and printing both English and Spanish language pieces. We publish once a year.

Do not submit more than once per submission period unless the editor requests to see more work.

Note: We prioritize works by Black and Brown artists, writers, and poets.

We do not accept work that sustains the traditional white literary Western canon that has continuously ignored and poised itself as an authority over the voices of the oppressed. We do not give a voice to stories from the perspectives of cisgender, heterosexual, white, upper-class males that continue this tradition. We also do not give a voice to feminist works that only consider white female perspectives.

POETRY:  3-5 poems

FICTION: 1 short story at 3,000 words maximum​

FLASH FICTION: 3-5 pieces

NONFICTION (memoir essays, critical essays, book reviews, & interviews): 1 piece at 3,000 words maximum​

Include a short bio or more information about yourself. Social media links accepted.​ Any of the following formats will be accepted (No ZIP files accepted):

  • Microsoft Word doc (preferred)
  • Text in an email (be aware of poetry formatting)
  • Photo of a handwritten work (must be legible)
  • PDF (do not use for complicated formatting)

Where to submit: Submittable

or send to: submissions@drylandla.org

Issue 13: Open to submissions January 14, 2023

THEME: CLIMATE

Deadline: June 1, 2023

Previously Published Work: We do not accept previously published work.

Publishing Rights: Acceptance grants us non-exclusive North American Serial Rights in print and digital format. This means we do not own anyone’s work, therefore the author may republish the work elsewhere after publication.

Response Times: Please expect a response time of 1-2 months. Feel free to check with us after the 3-month mark. We are a volunteer-based journal; your patience is appreciated.

New 2022 Payment Guidelines:

Poetry

$25 for one (1) accepted poem; $50 for two (2) accepted poems; $75 for three (3) accepted poems

Fiction

$100 for one (1) accepted short story

Nonfiction

$100 for one (1) accepted essay, book review, or interview

Contributors receive a digital copy of the issue. Cntributors in the Los Angeles area receive a print copy.

Questions? Email us at adrian@drylandla.org

sin cesar issue 13 theme
CLIMATE

The theme is open to interpretation