Making Waves will start taking submissions next month for our special Pride 2026 issue, celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices, stories and art. Submissions open October 1, 2025 and close December 31, 2025. The issue will be published in June 2026 in print and electronic editions.
Submission Period: October 1 – December 31, 2025
Publication: June 2026 (print & electronic)
Theme: “Pride”
We are seeking original poetry, prose, and visual art that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community while avoiding clichés and sentimental language. Submissions from allies welcome!
Key Submission Details
Visual art (including sequential art), poetry, fiction (flash, micro, short stories), and nonfiction (essays and memoirs) accepted. We will consider speculative fiction.
No submission fees for this issue.
Electronic submissions only via Submittable: WavesReview.Submittable.com
Blind review: Do not include identifying information in your file. Contact info and bio should be provided in Submittable fields only.
Full guidelines available at LudingtonWriters.org/submissions
Awards
Four (4) $50 awards, funded by the editors of Making Waves, will be given to outstanding works selected by the editorial team. Awards are open to all contributors (domestic and international). Submitters may opt out of award consideration on the Submittable form. Award recipients will be notified at the time of acceptance and formally announced and distributed at the book launch. Winners are responsible for any taxes associated with award payments (awards will be paid via PayPal).
Student Editors (High School & College)
We welcome applications from students interested in gaining editorial experience. Guest student editors participate in real editorial review and mentorship. To apply, email [email protected] with the student’s name, contact information (and guardian contact if under 18), availability, and areas of interest (e.g., poetry, micro fiction, essays, visual art). Positions are filled on a rolling basis.
Making Waves is a publication of Ludington Writers, a community dedicated to fostering creative expression and providing opportunities for emerging and established voices.
