THEME

The theme for this special issue is “Pride 2026.”

We invite poets, fiction, and non-fiction authors, and visual artists to submit works uplifting the LGBTQ+ community.

DEADLINE

Submissions for this special issue open October 1st through December 31st for June 2026 print and electronic publication.

Submissions for our regular issue will open January 1st through April 30th for September 2025 publication.

We aim to have a determination within three weeks of your date of submission. However, submissions for cover art will not be decided on until after submissions close.

WHAT WE WANT

We seek original work that avoids clichés and sentimental language.

Maintain consistency in point of view, tense, and punctuation (unless intentionally varied).

While we focus on poetry, we also accept visual art (including sequential art), short non-fiction (essays and memoirs), and fiction (flash, micro, and short stories). We will consider speculative fiction.

REQUIREMENTS

Unpublished, original, non-AI generated works only.

Simultaneous submissions are allowed; notify us if accepted elsewhere.

We review submissions blind. Do not include identifying information or bio in your attachment(s). Contact information and bio must be included in the designated Submittable fields only.

There are no submission fees for this issue.

AWARDS

Four (4) $50 awards, funded by the editors of Making Waves, will be given to outstanding works chosen by the editorial team. Submitters may opt out of award consideration on the Submittable form.

Awards will be paid via PayPal and are open to all contributors, domestic and international.

Award recipients will be notified at the time of acceptance and formally announced and distributed at the book launch.

Winners are responsible for any taxes associated with award payments.

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS

Submissions for this issue are only being accepted through Submittable: WavesReview.Submittable.com.

RIGHTS

Submitters grant First Rights to publish to Making Waves. We may reprint accepted work on our website and/or social media accounts, LudingtonWriters.org. Otherwise, all rights revert to the author upon publication.

FORMATTING

.doc, .docx, .odt, or .pdf files for creative writing.

Please format titles in all caps for clarity (you may indicate preferred capitalization for publication).

Please note that .pdf files are difficult for us to print and should be reserved for visual poetry.

Font preferences: Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Arial.

POETRY

Up to two (2) pieces, single-spaced and aligned as required by the form chosen.

Note: Space limitations allow for no more than 60 characters per line and 30 lines per page.

PROSE

Up to two (2) pieces, 1,000-word max.

Prose should be double-spaced.

VISUAL ART

Up to four (4) pieces.

Color images may be included in the interior.

Interior page is 6x9 portrait; wraparound cover size is roughly 6x19.

Preferred file formats: high-resolution (minimum 300 dpi) .jpg or .png. Note: While .tiff may be submitted, they are difficult to view on Submittable.

FILE NAMES

Include last name, number of submissions, and first words of the title(s). Avoid special characters.

For example, “LastName 3 TitleA TitleB TitleC.”

Visual Artists: Works will not be considered if the filename is not descriptive. If your piece is untitled, please name the files sequentially using “untitled_1.”

OPTIONAL TIP JAR

With the help of writing and visual arts communities, Ludington Writers has been able to fund the Carol Bennett $1,500 scholarship, the George Dila $500 sponsorship, the Barry Matthews Continuing Education Scholarship, as well as various workshops and live readings.

If you would like to contribute to our community activities, consider using the tip jar at checkout.