A forum for fiction and poetry, descant seeks high-quality work in either innovative or traditional forms. Fiction is usually 5000 words or fewer, poems sixty lines or fewer. We do, however, occasionally accept submissions exceeding these lengths. descant specifies no particular subject matter or style.
In 2026, our submission policies will be:
We’ll resume our regular reading period from 2/1/26 through 4/1/26.
Please submit only one (1) story during our regular reading period.
Please submit no more than five (5) poems during our regular reading period.
We do, however, have a Special Call for Fiction and Creative Nonfiction!
Special Call: Works in Resistance
Richard Wright once passionately declared, “All literature is protest”. In a reality where even typeface fonts are politicized, the sheer power of the word, and efforts to stymie that power, have never been more evident. However, the people resist. Whether through boycotts, walk-outs, reading and writing banned literature, celebrating singular voices that cultural dominance would sweep away, or holding vigils to mourn the martyred, the people always find ways to push back against threatening regimes. At the height of liberation movements in the 1970s, Nobel laureate Toni Morrison said that since she couldn’t join protesters in the street, she had to find a way to resist with her pen. The pen is an apt weapon and, when a pen is not available, an utterance can communicate dissent as well.
With these truths in mind, descant invokes a clarion call for “Works in Resistance”. We invite authors to submit (up to 5) poems and works of prose—both fiction and nonfiction (up to 5000 words)—that embody resistance in some way. This is not limited to protest stories, so think broadly and deeply about ways that even the mundane can waylay the systemic. Where is resistance found in families, schools, places of worship, and communities? Join us in offering creative moments that motivate us to keep fighting, even when the days are bleak.
This Special Call is open from February 1 – April 1, 2026
Writers are welcome to send to both the Special Call and general submission call.
If you do this, please send only one work or packet to each call.
Please send online submissions to Submittable:
If you can only send us your submission through traditional mail, you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your submission to guarantee a reply, return, or acknowledgment of your submission.
Please send traditional submissions to:
descant
c/o TCU Department of English
Box 297270
2850 S. University Dr.
Fort Worth, TX 76129
Please note: The process for reviewing submissions can take time, and the editors appreciate your patience as we look over your work. Decisions on submissions can take between four and six months. Please do not query before six months have passed.
Simultaneous submissions are accepted.
Please send all questions and queries to descant@tcu.edu.
