Vision Statement

Swell is a quarterly online journal of original writing on GLBT themes. The electronic arm of The Newtown Writers, Swell aims to reach beyond the traditional boundaries of the printed word, exploring the limits of form, structure, and content, while giving a voice to emerging writers.

Submission Guidelines

Swell favors work that doesn't readily fit into printed journals yet lends itself to an interactive electronic format. Work should test the boundaries of form, content, and structure while exploring GLBT issues in a fresh, exciting manner. Work should push past “preaching to the choir” about GLBT equality and push to a deeper level that challenges both the writer and the audience in the process. Fiction and non-fiction of all styles, as well as poetry and drama, are all acceptable forms for Swell; however, work should be limited to a length that can be readily grasped in the online arena. Online readers confronted by lengthy blocks of prose are less likely to proceed. All work must be shorter than 3,000 words—no exceptions—though excerpts from longer works are welcomed. Submit all work as a Word doc to swelleditor@gmail.com. Please submit only your best work, and please submit only one piece at a time. Creative use of hyperlinking in electronic poetry (to official sites of favorite authors, historical references, and other factoids) is encouraged when it doesn't detract from your piece. You may include a .jpg to accompany your submission if available. Response time is generally 1-2 months.