Metonym Journal

Spring 2025 Issue Theme: Reflection

The sun’s rays bouncing off of the ripples of a lake, recalling memories of childhood, passing by a mirror. Whether it be abstract or literal, internal or communal, reflection allows us to return to an idea or a time with a new perspective. It permeates everything we experience, allowing us to see purpose or meaning that was previously hidden to us at the time, or makes clear the futility of that concept or moment. Reflection isn’t limited to one idea or image- it is where art begins. What have your reflections looked like? How has your perspective allowed you to reflect on your life or others? Metonym is seeking submissions of short fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and visual art that capture the theme of reflection in all of its nuance and diversity.

Submissions must be previously unpublished work. Simultaneous submissions will be considered as long as we are notified immediately if the piece is accepted elsewhere. Work that will be considered from an author includes:

• 1-4 poems on the same submission, each under two pages long
• Fiction or creative non-fiction up to 1,500 words
• 1-4 pieces of original, sophisticated, and complete artwork
• 1-4 original photographs

Though your name will be attributed to your work when published, Metonym editors review each piece as a blind submission. Please do not include any identifying information in your manuscript, including within the file name or anywhere on the document. Works containing personal identifying information (including, but not limited to: names, phone numbers, emails, or physical addresses) will be disqualified. 

With the current surge of Artificial Intelligence being implemented in future technology, Metonym does not accept works that are AI generated, whether it be art or manuscript. We believe that the best work comes from original, authentic pieces that speak from the artist themselves. Any submissions that are AI generated will result in disqualification.

Submissions close October 20th, 2024 at 11:59pm, PST

Our current response time varies and will be longer if your work is under serious consideration, but acceptance and rejection notifications will generally be sent out by the end of December each calendar year. Please be patient! We are a small, hard-working staff and we want to give every piece the time it deserves.

If you are accepted, we will send you a free copy of the finished journal in Spring.