FIYAH: Spacefaring Aunties Call for Submissions (Pay: $0.08/word)

FIYAH is a speculative fiction magazine dedicated to publishing works by Black writers from the African diaspora.

They are currently accepting submissions for their October 2024 issue themed “Spacefaring Aunties,” with Kerine Wint as the guest editor. If you are having a problem with your writing, please read this article: How to Overcome Writer’s Block (10 Tips + Personal Examples) 

Theme: Spacefaring Aunties

The theme explores the adventures of bold, fearless women defying societal expectations and embarking on daring space voyages. The focus is on Aunties who are scientists, engineers, pilots, and leaders guiding their crews through uncharted territory.

What They Want

• They want women-led stories. Protagonists should be fully fleshed-out characters.

• Stories featuring women from a wide spectrum, including queer, disabled, etc., without falling into stereotypical tropes.

• While quiet moments are fine, the narrative should highlight the bravery of these women through their actions.

General Submission Guidelines For FIYAH

• No graphic depictions of rape or sexual assault, needless brutalization of women and children, brutalization or abuse of people with disabilities, or graphic abuse of animals.

• Works containing elements of homophobia, fatphobia, colorism, ageism, etc., will be rejected without feedback.

• Unpublished works; no reprints or fan fiction.

• One submission at a time per category.

• Ensure your work is not submitted elsewhere.

Eligibility Criteria 

• They are only accepting submissions from authors of the African diaspora and the African continent.

• Submissions must be entirely created by the human author attached to each submission.

Fiction Guidelines

• 2,000 – 7,000 words for short stories; up to 15,000 words for novelettes.

• They prefer brave, speculative fiction that rejects regressive ideas of blackness and stereotype.

Poetry Guidelines

• The wordcount of your poem should be up to 1,000 words.

• Speculative poetry that is weird, complex, honest, and challenging are preferred.

Art Guidelines

• Open for portfolio submissions for 2024’s issue covers.

• $400 USD for original artwork.

• Artwork featuring fantastical elements in genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

Submission Formatting

• Submit in .doc/.docx format.

• Include a professional cover letter with your submission.

• Include your name, email address, and the story’s total word count on the first page.

• No need for mailing address or phone number.

• Click here to access all submission forms 

Author Rights

FIYAH claims first world electronic rights, nonexclusive archival rights, and nonexclusive anthology rights. Your story can only be published as a reprint 180 days after it appears in FIYAH.

Response time varies by volume of submissions. Query after 45 days if needed.

For more details and to submit your work, visit the FIYAH website.

Payment

Short Stories (2,000 – 7,000 words): $0.08 per word.

Novelettes (up to 15,000 words): $0.08 per word.

Poetry: $50 USD.

Original Artwork: 400 USD.