FAQ'S
- Do you accept genre fiction?
- Although we read fiction of all stripes and frequently publish work that crosses or bends genre lines, we do strongly recommend that all submitters familiarize themselves with Tin House before sending work.
- My manuscript comes in just over 10,000 words, but it's really worth a read!
- Unless you are able to shave it down to 9,999, it will be returned unread. We apologize if this seems militant, but, as they say, we have to draw the line somewhere. If your manuscript seems long, and there is no WORD COUNT included in your cover letter, it will be returned unread.
- Why are your rejection notes so robotic and impersonal?
- It’s mostly a matter of volume; with over 1,000 submissions received each month during our reading period, we must unfortunately be very ruthless in our selection process. It keeps some of us up at night. Please, please don’t take it personally.
- Could you please tell me why you didn't accept my story?
- See above. We just don’t have the time to comment on individual submissions. We wish we could.
- Who reads my submissions?
- We have a volunteer crew of about twenty-five readers. All of our readers have an extensive background in the literary arts and most have advanced degrees in English or writing or both. They are put through a grueling gauntlet before being offered a position. Submissions are also read by our editorial interns, who hold an equally competitive position and are extensively vetted. Finally, most of the magazine’s editorial staff read submissions on an ongoing basis, as well.
Tin House Theme Issues
Tin House accepts submissions September 1 through May 31, and, as always, our summer and winter issues are not themed (see below for the proverbial exception to the rule). We consider each submission for all upcoming issues regardless of theme, however, please feel free to make a note in your cover letter if you wish to be considered for a particular theme. We have provided suggested deadlines for each theme issue, but please be aware that these fill up fast, so get your theme-issue submissions in as soon as possible. Without further ado, then, we would like to announce the following upcoming themes:Fall 2012 theme: Portland/Brooklyn; Brooklyn/Portland
For thirteen years Tin House has been publishing out of both Brooklyn and Portland, Oregon. We draw our strength and inspiration from these two vibrant cultural centers. For the Fall, 2012 issue, we will be dedicating the entire issue to Portland and Brooklyn writers, artists, and musicians. We’re looking for work that goes beyond the clichéd images of single-speeds and sideburns. We’re looking for poetry, fiction, essays, art, and interviews that showcase the unique character of each place, and how these hothouses produce such unique characters and art. First and foremost, please surprise us.Guidelines
Please submit only one story or essay (ten-thousand-word limit), or up to five poems at a time. Multiple submissions will be returned unread. We shall do our best to respond within three months, however, in some cases this period may be longer. If you have not received a response from us within ninety days, we will be happy to respond to your e-mail inquiries. We do ask that you please wait until you hear back from us before submitting new work for consideration. Tin House does accept simultaneous submissions. In the event that the work is accepted for publication elsewhere, please do us the courtesy of informing us promptly. Only previously unpublished works will be considered for publication. Our reading period is September 1-May 31; submissions received outside this reading period will be returned unread. Cover letters should include a word count and indicate whether the submission is fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Also, please note whether or not you would like your manuscript returned. Manuscripts transmitted via fax or e-mail will not be accepted for consideration. Only those processed through our online submission manager or sent by regular mail will be considered for publication. Submissions can be mailed to Tin House, PO Box 10500, Portland, OR 97210. Please enclose an SASE (include an IRC with international submissions), or we cannot guarantee a response to or the return of your work. For those of you interested in submitting your work electronically, using our dandy online submission manager (we call her Tina), you are invited to do so now. Simply click here to get started.Curious to see what else is going on at Tin House? Find out by visiting us at our always flowing blog, The Open Bar.
