Present Tense is a literary magazine of new writing. We publish poetry, flash fiction, short stories, and creative non-fiction with a strong sense of place.
In our fractured times, we want to create a meaningful space for dialogue, to find the common ground, to listen and unearth, to join the dots between writing, reading, and dreaming.
Our commitment to writers is simple:
- We will accept unsolicited submissions
- We will take care of your words
- We will pay you within 30 days of publication
Present Tense will be published biannually in print. A selection of pieces will also appear online.
We want to carve a space to acknowledge our shared humanity and connectedness, and as such, welcome submissions from around the world.
Submission guidelines
Our 2024 themes are Landscape (Summer) and Underground (Winter). As ever, we want creative responses to the themes so please be bold, challenge us and yourself. We look forward to receiving your submissions.
We are now open for submissions for our Landscape issue. The submission window will close on October 31 2023.
We accept poetry (up to 40 lines), flash fiction (up to 1,000 words), and short stories (up to 3,000 words) as well as creative non-fiction (up to 3,000 words) on the set theme.
We ask writers to submit one piece of work per issue. Submissions should be made using the form below. A reading fee of £3 is payable per submission and helps us with running costs. Please note, we only accept new and original writing. Your submission must not have been previously published – online or in print.
Pitches for features (human interest, interviews, and essays only) should be sent directly via email to the editor Farhana Shaikh at f.shaikh@dahliapublishing.co.uk. Please use the subject heading ‘Pitch for Present Tense’.
Payment: Poetry £25, Prose £5 per 100 words. All published writers will also receive a complimentary copy of the magazine.
Out now: Summer Issue on the theme of Water/fall
Out now: Winter Issue on the theme of Wilderness
Subscriptions & Submissions
Subscribers will receive a gorgeous welcome pack including a notebook and tote bag as well as our Winter and Summer issues. Subscribers will be sent an email newsletter with occasional updates and invitations to our online gatherings. Single copies can be purchased in our online bookshop.
Please select the appropriate option using the form below.