Web Address
Type Of Organization
Magazine
Phone
(831) 717-7543
Mission Statement / Editorial Focus
Kelp Journal is a multimedia experience. Our goal is to publish the written and visual arts through our website and use our social media platforms to promote these works and help our contributors curate a larger following. We publish original poetry, true horror, fiction, travel pieces, interviews, reviews, photos, art, videos, and mixed media pieces.
We are based in California and have a deep affinity for coastal themes, adventure, travel, wanderlust, and global culture. If your piece has an adventurous spirit, we want to see it! We are not yet a paid market, but we hope to be one soon.
We are also now an independent book publisher. Kelp Books. Please send us your work!
Social Media Platforms Used
Facebook, Instagram
Is Your Group Affiliated With A University, Portal Or Other Agency?
no
Primary Editor/Contact Person
David M. Olsen
Contact Title
Editor
Contact Email
Publishes
essays, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, reviews, art, translation, audio, video, gr_novel
Submissions Policy
-Fiction
We accept all kinds of fiction, generally in lengths of under 5,000 words. We don't have a particular aesthetic (other than adventurous in nature), except that we typically like to read work that has clearly been fussed over. Work that has seen beta readers, and curated on a sentence level. Hard work shows and prevails.
-Poetry
We also publish poems long and short and it is our goal to feature a new poem every week and at least one new poet a month. Send us 3-5 of your best poems for consideration. Again, coastal, travel, and adventure themes are preferred, however, all will be considered.
Travel
We are looking for unique takes on global travel, like a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that blew your mind, or a strange experience abroad. You travel, you write it up, we will read it and consider it for publication. We prefer a multi-media experience on this column—so if you have strong photographic accompaniment, that would be preferred. A short film would be considered too.
-Photography
Are you a talented photographer? We would like to showcase your work. Send us 15-20 of your best surf/adventure shots, previously unpublished, and we'll take a look. Send submissions to KelpPhotoEditor (at) gmail.com
Accepts Unsolicited Submissions
Yes
Submission Guidelines URL
Simultaneous Submissions Accepted
yes
Reading Period
Year round
Reporting Time
3 - 6 months
Author Payments
none
Number Of Unpaid Staff
6
Year Founded
2018
Total Circulation
20000
Total Number Of Issues Published
4
Back Issues Available
yes
Unsolicited Manuscripts Accepted
yes
If Yes, What Percent Of All Unsolicited MSS Are Published
5
Format
other
Average Number Of Pages
10
Name
David M. Olsen
Title
Editor
How Did You Arrive At Your Current Position?
Founder
What Is The Staff Structure At Your Magazine/press?
Section editors report to editor, David M. Olsen
Do You Have Any Cover Letter Advice?
no
How Are Submissions Processed In Your Magazine/press?
readers first, then section editors, then David M. Olsen.
What Do You Look For In A Submission?
a unique voice, adherence to coastal themes, compelling characters and a good story.
What Advice Do You Have For First-time Submitters?
Tell your best story.
Do You Have A Favorite Unsolicited Submission Discovery Or Anecdote?
No
Who Is Your Ideal Reader?
Everyone.
Magazine