They accept Black speculative fiction and poetry. They feature stories by and about Black people of the African Diaspora. This definition is globally inclusive (Black anywhere in the world) and also applies to mixed/biracial and Afro-appended people. For the Black Kishōtenketsu theme, “All stories are the same: we meet our characters, a conflict arises, and our crew journeys to set things right. Correct? Well, allow us to introduce another tradition: kishōtenketsu.
Ki = Introduction | Shō = Development | Ten = Complication | Ketsu = Reconciliation
Henry Lien’s SFWA article is particularly insightful: “The Asian four-act structure is not necessarily based on conflict, tension, and resolution. It is more interested in exploring the unseen relationships among the story’s elements than in pitting them against each other. It is also not symmetrical. The first two acts [Ki, sho]are characterized by a gradual buildup. A radical twist appears in the third act [ten]that introduces a new element. The fourth act [ketsu] “harmonizes” all the elements that came before. By ‘harmonize,’ I don’t necessarily mean a peaceful resolution. I mean that the fourth act contains a revelation about the relationships among the elements that often feels like a new element in itself.”
We’re eager to see submissions without the confines of Western three-act (or five-act) story structure. What could that look like? Films like Kiki’s Delivery Service and Parasite, and even Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” are cited as great examples.”
Also their notes on preferred genre and story length for this issue.
Length: Short fiction 2,000 – 7,000 words and novelettes up to 15,000 words; up to 1,000 words for poetry
Deadline: 30 April 2026
Pay: $0.08/word for fiction, $50 for poetry
Details here.

(-- Submissions are also open for The Cookout Anthology from Android Press; they want uplifting speculative fiction on the theme from Black individuals of the African Diaspora only. Pay is $0.10/word for submissions of 500-5,000 words, and the deadline is 30 April 2026; details here, here and here.

-- And, submissions are open for a writers and poets from Minnesota ages 14 and above for MN Reflections: A Chapbook Project; “We’re creating a chapbook of art and writing in response to the illegal ICE occupation of Minnesota. Our goal is to honor the compassionate efforts of our neighbors and organizers, and give us space to process and heal.
If you’re based in Minnesota, we want to hear from you! Send us your poems, stories and essays under 400 words.” People of color, and/or of Native and immigrant communities are strongly encouraged to submit. They pay $50, and the deadline is 30 April 2026; details here and here.)

Deadline: April 30th, 2026