Perceptions Student Literary Journal

Perceptions is Southwest Minnesota State University's Student Literary & Art Journal, which publishes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, photography, and art. We accept submissions from current students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Submission Guidelines:

All written submissions should be submitted in .docx, .otd, or .pdf format. You may submit work in each genre that we publish. There is no limit on the number of submissions. All submissions must be submitted via the digital form. 

Anonymous and Pseudonym (Pen Name) printing is available.

Fiction/Non Fiction/Short Story submissions are capped at 10 pages for singular submissions and 8 if more than one piece has been submitted. (this is subject to change for a case by case basis).

Essay submissions are capped at 10 pages for singular submissions and 8 if more than one piece has been submitted. Works cited must be included while maintaining page count. (this is subject to change for a case by case basis).

Multiple poems may be published at a time with a combined length of up to 10 pages total. Each poem should start on a new page.

Artwork and Photography should be submitted as a pdf or jpg. Up to 5 pieces may be published at a time, though multiple pieces can be submitted. All artwork published within the journal will be printed in color; please keep that in mind when submitting.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept all pieces submitted for publication in Perceptions. Please consider submitting early, as space in the journal is limited. You will be notified of our decision via email.

Perceptions is also accepting--and exceedingly grateful for--donations. Please email us for more information.

All inquiries and other communication can be sent to Perceptions@smsu.edu.

How to Submit?

All works should be submitted via the form below.
Submission Deadline: January 15th, 2027.
Submission Form: https://cglink.me/253/s21

Looking to Join?

We are currently looking for:
Assistant Managing Editor
Editors (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essay, short story)
Art Editors
Treasurer
Marketing

To inquire, email President Zoe Pudil at Zoe.pudil.2@my.smsu.edu.

2026-2027 Editorial Staff:

2026-2027 Faculty Advisor: