Call for Submissions: Lọúnlọún – Historical Fiction

Lọúnlọún is a literary journal focused on historical fiction based on historical events that have shaped and defined places and times in Africa and the experiences of those who lived through the events—or didn’t—no matter how minute. They are interested in a car crash in 2004 published in the local newspapers as much as we are in the Rwandan and Biafran genocides of 1994 and 1967, respectively.

We are interested in speculative or factual tellings of African history centred on themes across Economics, Society & Politics, Gender & Feminism, Hope & Healing, Identity & Belonging, and War, Conflicts, & Disaster. We strongly recommend reading a few stories from past issues before submitting.

Eligibility Criteria

African writers, and those of African descent, home and abroad.

Submission Guidelines

Before submitting your work, please carefully read and adhere to the following guidelines:

We accept only submissions in fiction.

Fiction: 2000 – 4000 word range.

1. Only original pieces will be considered. Previously published pieces and excepts from a larger body of work are not accepted.
2. Submissions should be in EB Garamond, size 12, 1.5-spaced, and submitted in Word document format with word count included.
3. Submissions should be in English or translated into English. Writers are, however, allowed creative freedom with the expression of their languages.
4. Submissions must be based on an event that has happened on or affected the continent, regardless of where characters in the telling are located.
5. Submissions must contain a brief historical setting description (max. two sentences) formally describing the historical events in telling.
6. Submissions must have at least two reference links to the historical events in telling.
7. We accept simultaneous submissions, but let us know promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere.
8. Ensure your submissions are meticulously reviewed for correct formatting, grammar, and punctuation. Significant mistakes in these areas can hinder the likelihood of your work being considered for publication.

[Continue Reading]

Enquiries about submissions should be directed to Lọúnlọún. Please always refer to their website for complete details and information.

Please note, this competition is run by Lọúnlọún not the Commonwealth Foundation.