Submissions
Submissions Are Now Open for our 2026 Homegrown Issue, but please realize that our annual reading period is January through February, so you will not receive a response until February 2026.
We now use Duosuma for submissions! Please read our submission guidelines below and then:
If you’re submitting to Homegrown, your cover letter must tell us how you’re affiliated with HCC, the surrounding high schools, or the surrounding area!
We now use Duosuma for submissions! Please read our submission guidelines, then submit your work using this link.
For questions, please email [email protected]. However, ALL submissions must be sent through the above link!
Submission Guidelines:
- Who can submit: This Homegrown issue of the Hedge Apple is specifically for our locals: HCC folks and people who live in the areas surrounding Hagerstown, MD. When you submit (using the above link and searching for the Homegrown call for submissions), YOU MUST tell us either where you live or how you’re affiliated with HCC or the local high schools.
- If you aren’t local… We may consider a few global submissions as we get closer to our February 2026 deadline, so if you aren’t local, feel free to submit by using the above link and searching for our “Imports” call for submissions.
- We welcome people and works from all walks of life, and greet all marginalized communities — such as the LGBTQ+, disabled, BIPOC, and religious communities — with open arms. Every person, no matter their identity, has a right to their own voice. Please, submit your works, and allow us to help your voice be heard.
- We will not consider any submissions written, developed, or assisted in any way by generative AI. Those who submit AI-enhanced works will have their submission discarded.
- Payment: Contributors will receive a complimentary print copy of their work if it is published in print. With deep apologies to our international contributors, we are unable to mail copies outside of the United States at this time.
- No cover letter is necessary, although you are welcome to send us a few sentences of artist/author bio if you want to. If your piece is accepted, we may ask for a bio later.
ART SUBMISSIONS
- Files (photos, 2D art, photos of 3D art, digital art) should be clear, professional JPEG, PNG, or TIFF files. By sending us your work, you grant us permission to publish it both online and in print, but you retain rights to publish or show it anywhere else that you wish.
FICTION/POETRY SUBMISSIONS:
- Please stay under 2000 words. Most pieces we publish are under 1000 words.
AGREEMENTS
- By submitting, you are agreeing to light editing that does not change the meaning or style. If your work is accepted for publication, you will receive a galley of your submission and be given a chance to review edits and then respond with either corrections or approval. However, nonresponse will be considered approval of minor editing changes.
- By sending your work to be considered for publication in our magazine, you are granting us North American serial rights, which means that we will publish the work online and in print, and then the copyright will return to you. If the work is republished, we ask that the Hedge Apple be credited.
- We do accept simultaneous submissions but not previously published pieces of poetry or fiction; please be courteous and withdraw your story/poem from consideration upon acceptance at another venue.
WHAT WE LIKE:
At the Hedge Apple, we believe that literature and artwork are essential parts of humanity. These powerful channels can offer us hope and healing, bring us together, and give voice to the marginalized. They aren’t highbrow pursuits reserved only for intellectuals—literature and art are for everyone. Fresh voices are essential, and we love fledgling artists. We are passionate about helping you find your niche, whether it’s through our feedback or the resources provided on our website. Yes, we want to hear from you veteran crafters too, so please send us your work as well. We want to hear what you have to say.
We are looking for mixed media submissions (prose, poetry, art, photography, and videos) of all genres. We are especially drawn to pieces that showcase vulnerability and draw from real life experiences. That does not mean we don’t enjoy comedic takes on life, fantasy epics, and unconventional pieces. We like to uphold the unique, showcase the weird, and embrace the uncomfortable.
