The Antonym Magazine publishes original works of translation from any language into English. The magazine is published in two formats: The Antonym Online, which features new additions every week, and The Antonym Print, which is a biannual publication. The guidelines are different for each format, so please ensure that your submission follows the correct set of requirements.

The Antonym Online Submission Categories

We accept submissions in the following categories:

1. Short fiction in translation

While there is no length restriction, longer manuscripts (above 3500) or “flash fiction” manuscripts (above 1000 words) must be truly exceptional to be published. The original story, along with the author’s consent for translation, must be submitted along with the manuscript.

2. Poetry in translation

Up to three poems (in a single document) per submission will be accepted. The original poems, along with the author’s consent for translation, must accompany the submission.

3. Essays/Non-fiction

We accept the following in this category:

• Essays relating to translation as a literary/artistic field. Please submit a brief proposal outlining the topic you wish to pursue.
• Translations of non-fiction work (personal essays, travelogues, essays on topics of general interest, etc.). Please submit a brief proposal introducing the work you wish to translate. Ordinarily, the translated piece should not exceed 3000 words in length, though exceptions can be made at the discretion of the editorial board.
• Essays about authors who primarily work in languages other than English. Length not to exceed 3000 words.

4. Photo essays/Video essays

We also accept photo or video essays that highlight the theme of translation interpreted broadly (e.g., transformation, metamorphosis, etc.).

General Guidelines for Submission

• We do not consider work that has been published previously or has been posted on digital platforms (this includes websites, Facebook and other social media sites, and personal blogs).
• We accept simultaneous submissions. However, we expect the writer to inform us immediately if a piece has been accepted for publication elsewhere. Similarly, if we have accepted a piece and notified the writer, we expect an immediate withdrawal of that piece from other sites. Violation of this protocol may result in the rejection of future submissions.
• Submissions may be sent to us at any time throughout the year.
• If we publish your work, we request that you wait for thirty days from the date of publication before submitting again.

Formatting Your Manuscript

All manuscripts should be in 12-point type, with at least one-inch margins, and sequentially numbered pages. Fiction and nonfiction should be double-spaced. Poetry should be single-spaced. Contributors are requested to include a brief biographical note and a photo with their submissions.

Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation

The Antonym prefers the Chicago Manual of Style as a guide for spelling, usage, and grammar. However, other styles, including the British style of spelling and punctuation, are accepted as long as one style is consistently maintained throughout the document. In case of inconsistencies, our editorial team will ask the author to edit and re-submit.

Use of AI

Works generated by AI will be automatically rejected.

Response Time

We do our best to review submissions within two to three weeks of reception. Occasionally, especially in the case of longer manuscripts, it may take us up to four weeks. We will contact you by email upon receiving your submission and then again when we have arrived at a decision.