gates open
napomo 2021
aug 15 - oct 1 (extended to oct 3)
Every year, during National Poetry Month, Iron Horse releases a special electronic issue dedicated to all things poetry. Send us your poems! Entry fee: $15 (which includes a subscription). The best poem receives $1,000. Ten other finalists receive $50 each. All eleven are published.
the long story
aug 15 - oct 1 (extended to oct 4)
Every fall, we accept submissions for the IHLR Long Story, which is your chance to publish those marathon-long essays and stories most journals won't consider. Length: 20 to 40 pages. Entry fee: $15 (which includes a subscription). The winner--either an essay or story--receives $1,000.
party issue, 25.2
oct 15 - nov 15
Send us your poems, stories, and essays that center around parties: birthday, anniversary, going away, coming home, Super Bowl, baby showers, bachelor or bachelorette, dinner or cocktail, housewarming, costume, tea, slumber, hurricane watch, toga, block, or raves. Any type of party!
chapbook issue, 25.3
jan 15 - mar 15
Each year, Iron Horse publishes one issue as a chapbook. This year, we're accepting collections of prose, 40-56 pages. Submissions due by March 15. Entry fee: $18 (which includes a subscription). Winner receives $1,000 and 15 copies of their chapbook.
ihlr book prize
june 15 - aug 15
We seek short story and essay collections between 150-250 pages from emerging writers, & particularly encourage writers from under-represented groups to submit. The winner receives $1,000 & publication with Texas Tech University Press. All submissions will be considered for publication.
the photofinish
july 1 - aug 30
Every year on New Year's Eve, we'll publish an e-issue featuring ten short pieces of prose or poetry in response to a photo we post in May. Send us your best flash stories and essays (500 words or less) or your best poems (fifteen lines or less). Entry few: $5. First prize: $250. Ten finalists: $50 each.