Perceptions Student Literary Journal

Perceptions is Southwest Minnesota State University's student literary and arts journal which publishes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and art. We accept submissions from current students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Submission Deadline: January 17, 2025.

Submission Guidelines:

All written submissions should be submitted in .docx, .otd, or .pdf format. Please include your contact information in the email, but not on the work itself. You may submit work in each genre that we publish. There is no limit on the number of submissions.

Anonymous and Pseudonym (Pen Names) printing will be 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).

Up to 4 poems may be published at a time with a combined length of up to 5 pages total. Each poem should start on a new page.

Artwork should be submitted as a pdf or jpg. Up to 5 pieces may be published at a time. 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 Microsoft Form. 

Looking to Join?

We are currently looking for fiction, short story, nonfiction, essay, and poetry editors. To inquire email Managing editor Connor Hogen at Connor.hogen@my.smsu.edu or Art Manager Zoe Pudil at Zoe.pudil.2@my.smsu.edu.

2024-2025 Editorial Staff:

2024-2025 Faculty Advisor: