The Polity of Literature looks at the ways writing and reading can become the site of politics, especially for people who are disempowered or excluded from state politics (for example, prisoners, the stateless, refugees, and children). We prefer lively, first-hand accounts, anecdotes, and human sympathy. If you feel the urgent need to tell us a story, we’re all ears! No prior experience necessary.
In particular, we’re asking readers/writers of all ages and backgrounds to tell us about the ways in which writing and reading together has helped them be present and political in the world. Our focus is on those who, for whatever reasons, are denied access to normal rights and politics, and who turn to writing and reading together to gain some agency and belonging. Review the stories in the Polity of Literature so far to see the range of people and projects that interest us. (And, if, among what we’ve covered you see nothing like the experience you have had, that means we are especially interested in hearing from you!) If writing and reading together has proven vital for giving you and others agency or rights in the world, please tell us more.
We pay fair, modest fees to all our writers and provide skilled editorial support. The rights for what you create will remain in your hands. Our fee only buys us the right to be the first publisher, and to be credited as such when you publish the same piece in the future.
Deadline: Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis.
What to do: send an email to the editor, matthew.stadler@tutanota.com, explaining the story you’d like to tell.
