The Periscope publishes writing that looks beneath appearances and stays with questions that resist quick conclusions. We are interested in work that brings overlooked forces into view and gives readers a fuller sense of what shapes a subject.

Our contributors come from many backgrounds. Previous publication, professional standing, and academic affiliation do not determine whether a piece belongs here. We only care about the quality of the thought and the strength of the writing.

We accept submissions on a rolling basis. Selected work will ordinarily be published within 60 days of receipt. Before making a final decision, the editors may contact an author to request revisions.

Submission Requirements

• We consider essays, criticism, memoir, cultural commentary, historical inquiry, fiction, hybrid prose, long-form poetry, and other substantial forms of writing written in English.

• We do not accept highly compressed poetic forms, including haiku, senryu, monostich, lune, and comparable micro-poetry.

• Submit manuscripts only as Microsoft Word files with the .docx extension.

• Cite sources using endnotes; do not use footnotes.

• Authors may use endnotes for other relevant material that does not belong in the main body.

• Accepted work may receive minor edits for grammar, clarity, consistency, readability, or house style.

• The editors may redact material for readability and for other ethical or privacy concerns.

• All submissions must be original and properly attributed.

• We do not publish plagiarized work.

• We do not publish work written entirely by generative artificial intelligence.

How to Submit

Please send your submission to info@theperiscope.info.

Use “Submission: [Title of Manuscript]” as the subject line of your email. Attach the manuscript as a Microsoft Word file with the .docx extension.

Include the following information in the body of your email:

• your full name;

• the name you wish to use as your byline, if different;

• your email address;

• the title and genre of the submission;

• the approximate word count;

• a brief contributor biography of no more than 100 words;

• a short description of the piece.

You may also include links to a personal website or previously published work, although these are optional.

Please do not send identification documents, financial information, medical information, or other sensitive personal records. If additional information is needed, the editors will contact you directly.