Please submit up to three prose pieces OR up to six poems in one document via our Submittable page (adroit.submittable.com). 

Prose submissions may be up to 9,000 words per entry of between 1-3 pieces. There is no length limit for poetry. 

All work in the submission packet should be by the same author. If you would like to submit translations of works by different authors, please make a separate submission for each one.

Your translation should be accompanied by a translator’s note explaining the significance of the work and providing a brief biography of the author, followed by a summary of your previous publications and a few words about how you came to learn about the work. You should include this information in your cover letter in Submittable and in the uploaded file. 

You must secure the right to publish your translation before submitting it to us. If your translation is accepted for publication by Adroit, you will be required to document that you have obtained the English-language rights to the work from the copyright holder (unless the work is in the public domain).

Please paginate your submission and include a word count at the top. 

You are welcome to submit no more than two (2) times per reading period. Additional submissions will be returned unread.

No AI-generated or AI-assisted work will be considered or even tolerated. Every line, word and punctuation mark must come from you or if it is inspired by another poem or resource, you must provide attribution. 

Happy submitting, and thanks in advance!

Poetry Reader

Poetry readers get the first crack at all poetry submissions and are expected to submissions regularly and consistently. Reviewing submissions includes voting, providing comments, and participating in occasional discussions about pieces on the bubble. (Est. commitment: 3.5 hrs/week.)
 

Before applying please familiarize yourself with the journal by visiting our About page, and perhaps also an issue or two.

APPLICATION WALKTHROUGH:

1. Adroit Statement (Required)

The Adroit Statement should explain your interest in becoming a Poetry Reader at The Adroit Journal and describe how your past experiences—whether in writing, editing, or related fields—have prepared you for the role. Upload as a document (.doc, .docx, .pdf, etc.).

2. Writing Sample (Required)

Submit up to five poems, with a maximum of ten pages total. Each poem should start on a new page. The sample should showcase your attention to craft, language, and voice. Upload as a document (.doc, .docx, .pdf, etc.).

3. Appreciation of Craft Essay (Required)

In about 500 words, reflect on a poetry collection published in the last three years that left an impression on you. Focus specifically on elements like voice, craft, and theme, and discuss its impact on you as a reader or writer. Upload as a document (.doc, .docx, .pdf, etc.).

4. Resume/CV (Optional)

You may upload a resume or CV to provide additional context about your background, education, relevant experience, and skills. Upload as a document or image file (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, etc.).

A NOTE ON ELIGIBILITY:

We are fully open to all readers and writers. At this time, for editorial roles, we are not open to editorial staff on the masthead of other internationally-staffed unaffiliated literary journals. Publications that consider solely campus work, or work with specific geographic eligibility requirements, do not apply to this restriction. Non-editorial roles are exempt from this proviso.

As we seek to fill open positions sooner rather than later, we consider applications on a rolling basis.

***Unless otherwise specified, all positions are volunteer and remote in nature & have a start-date of ASAP.***

Click here to view our Call for Interviews & Reviews, full of titles we'd especially love to see covered.
Thank you for your interest in interviewing or reviewing for us.
Interviews & Reviews -- we are currently accepting completed reviews and interviews for consideration on our blog.
At this time, we have a preference for reviews.
IMPORTANT: Please consult our style guide for reviews and/or our style guide for interviews prior to submission. Thank you!
Click here to view our most recent interviews and reviews.

Reader in Translation

The Adroit Journal seeks readers in translation to join our growing team. This is a volunteer, remote position with a start date of ASAP. The monthly commitment is approximately 6-8 hours when the submissions portal is open. Readers will read, discuss, and vote on submissions of translated work, and will attend monthly meetings, convened by the section editor. 

Candidates need not be expert in multiple languages to apply. We’re looking, first and foremost, for experienced readers who are passionate about language and story, who are willing to read across genres, and who are enthusiastic about literary translation as an art form. 

Please apply with a statement of interest (no more than a page) detailing your experiences as a writer, editor, and translator, if applicable; and what you would add to the journal’s literary and/or artistic community. You are encouraged to include things such as experience in the specific field(s), writing and publication, and other commendations and accolades, but this statement should NOT read like a résumé.

Your statement should highlight your history, passion, and experience with the areas of the position and creative writing. Feel free to discuss other topics you feel are appropriate, as well as any specific connections, measures, or initiatives you might have (or aspire to have) with The Adroit Journal’s staff community.

Please upload a cv/résumé. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. This position is volunteer and remote, with a start date of ASAP. Due to the volume of applications, we can only respond to people we wish to interview for an opening.

Before applying please familiarize yourself with the journal by visiting our About page, and perhaps also an issue or two.

The Adroit Journal is seeking dynamic, creative candidates for the following volunteer positions:

Editorial Leadership Roles:

Art Editor:

The Adroit Journal seeks an experienced art editor to help guide and develop publication and recognition of art. The right candidate will have previous experience with a literary journal or press or an arts organization. As an art editor, you will, along with our editorial leadership, be responsible for evaluating and selecting art for publication, and soliciting submissions.

Please submit a statement and resumé.

NOTE: This is a volunteer position that requires approximately 2 hours per week.

Development and Fundraising Manager: 

The Development and Fundraising Manager will spearhead development efforts as The Adroit Journal continues to grow. The Development & Fundraising Manager will have the opportunity to build off the framework provided through a CLMP grant to drive a comprehensive fundraising program. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute The Adroit Journal’s annual fundraising plan
• Write and apply for grants
• Secure financial support from individuals, foundations and corporations
• Cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors
• Create and execute a giving strategy for a large sustained base of annual individual donors
• Develop and track proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising

This position reports to the Executive Editor and Editor-in-Chief. Please submit a resume and statement. 

NOTE: This is a volunteer position that requires approximately 4-5 hours per week.

Before applying, please familiarize yourself with the journal by visiting our About page, and perhaps also an issue or two.
 

NOTE: Reader applications are on separate Submittable forms.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

I. STATEMENT

Please briefly (no more than a page double-spaced) explain what qualifies you for this position, and what you would add to the journal’s literary and/or artistic community. You are encouraged to include things such as experience in the specific field(s), writing publication, and other commendations and accolades, but this Adroit Statement should NOT read like a résumé.

At the end of the day, the statement should highlight your history, passion, and experience with the areas of the position and creative writing. Feel free to discuss other topics you feel are appropriate, as well as any specific connections, measures, or initiatives you might have (or aspire to have) with The Adroit Journal’s staff community.

2. PLEASE UPLOAD A RESUME.

As we seek to fill open positions sooner rather than later, we consider applications on a rolling basis.

***Unless otherwise specified, all positions are volunteer and remote in nature & have a start date of ASAP.***
 

The Gregory Djanikian Scholarships

Gregory Djanikian was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and came to the United States when he was eight years old. He has published seven poetry collections, the latest of which is Sojourners of the In-Between (CMU Press). His work appears in American Poetry Review, Best American Poetry, Boulevard, Poetry, Southern Review, and TriQuarterly, among others. Until retiring, he was the longstanding Director of Creative Writing at the University of Pennsylvania, where he greatly enriched both the Adroit Journal as well as its staff of emerging writers.

We recognize and encourage the gift of such support by offering it ourselves; in honor of Greg's contribution to emerging student and non-student writers at Penn and around the world, we recognize six emerging poets as Gregory Djanikian Scholars in Poetry each year.

All emerging writers who have not published full-length collections are eligible (regardless of age, geographic location, or educational status), and are encouraged to submit. Writers with forthcoming debut full-length collections are eligible so long as collections won't appear earlier than April 2025.

Gregory Djanikian Scholars receive $200 and publication of their portfolios of poems in a future issue of the Adroit Journal. Finalists will be awarded copies of Greg's latest collection, Sojourners of the In-Between, and a list of semifinalists determined by the editors will be released with results.

*            *            *

Now Open to Entries for 2025-2026 Djanikian Scholars!

Submissions are open from Wednesday, November 15th through December 31st. Fee waivers close on 12/27.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions may include up to six poems (max of ten single-spaced pages). Simultaneous submissions, previously published submissions, and submissions recognized by outside organizations are accepted, provided that a) a full catalogue of publication history for enclosed poems is included in the submission (please note publications at the top of your submission and in the cover letter) and b) at least one poem in the submission remains unpublished. Submitters should promptly add a note to their entry on Submittable if work disclosed as unpublished is accepted elsewhere. If the entire submission is unavailable, it will be disqualified. 

Writers are welcome to additionally submit enclosed work to the Adroit Prizes as well as through our general submission portal during those submission periods. We are also happy to consider revisions of work previously submitted to the Adroit Prizes, to the Djanikian Scholars opportunity, or through the general submissions portal (including work currently in progress or work that has recently received an editorial decision). Finally, please note that each writer may not send more than one entry per year for Djanikian Scholars.

As mentioned above, all emerging writers who have not published full-length collections are eligible (regardless of age, geographic location, or educational status), and Gregory Djanikian Scholars will receive $200 and publication in a future issue of the Adroit Journal.

If you have been granted a fee waiver, please use the below form to submit. Please direct any questions to editors@theadroitjournal.org.

The Gregory Djanikian Scholarships

Gregory Djanikian was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and came to the United States when he was eight years old. He has published seven poetry collections, the latest of which is Sojourners of the In-Between (CMU Press). His work appears in American Poetry Review, Best American Poetry, Boulevard, Poetry, Southern Review, and TriQuarterly, among others. Until retiring, he was the longstanding Director of Creative Writing at the University of Pennsylvania, where he greatly enriched both the Adroit Journal as well as its staff of emerging writers.

We recognize and encourage the gift of such support by offering it ourselves; in honor of Greg's contribution to emerging student and non-student writers at Penn and around the world, we recognize six emerging poets as Gregory Djanikian Scholars in Poetry each year.

All emerging writers who have not published full-length collections are eligible (regardless of age, geographic location, or educational status), and are encouraged to submit. Writers with forthcoming debut full-length collections are eligible so long as collections won't appear earlier than April 2025.

Gregory Djanikian Scholars receive $200 and publication of their portfolios of poems in a future issue of the Adroit Journal. Finalists will be awarded copies of Greg's latest collection, Sojourners of the In-Between, and a list of semifinalists determined by the editors will be released with results.

*            *            *

Now Open to Entries for 2025-2026 Djanikian Scholars!

Submissions are open from Wednesday, November 15th through December 31st.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions may include up to six poems (max of ten single-spaced pages). Simultaneous submissions, previously published submissions, and submissions recognized by outside organizations are accepted, provided that a) a full catalogue of publication history for enclosed poems is included in the submission (please note publications at the top of your submission and in the cover letter) and b) at least one poem in the submission remains unpublished. Submitters should promptly add a note to their entry on Submittable if work disclosed as unpublished is accepted elsewhere. If the entire submission is unavailable, it will be disqualified. 

Writers are welcome to additionally submit enclosed work to the Adroit Prizes as well as through our general submission portal during those submission periods. We are also happy to consider revisions of work previously submitted to the Adroit Prizes, to the Djanikian Scholars opportunity, or through the general submissions portal (including work currently in progress or work that has recently received an editorial decision). Finally, please note that each writer may not send more than one entry per year for Djanikian Scholars.

As mentioned above, all emerging writers who have not published full-length collections are eligible (regardless of age, geographic location, or educational status), and Gregory Djanikian Scholars will receive $200 and publication in a future issue of the Adroit Journal.

We have set a non-refundable submission fee of $20. If you require financial assistance, you may submit a fee waiver with the Djanikian Scholars fee waiver request form. You can find both fee waiver request forms by clicking here.

Please direct any questions to editors@theadroitjournal.org.

The Anthony Veasna So Scholarships

Anthony Veasna So (1992-2020) was an American writer of short stories that often drew from his upbringing as a child of Cambodian immigrants and were described by the New York Times as "crackling, kinetic and darkly comedic." His debut short story collection, entitled Afterparties, was published posthumously by HarperCollins in 2021 and was simultaneously named a New York Times Bestseller and a winner of the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Prize for Best First Book.

Anthony was not just one of the most talented new writers to grace this decade—he was also a member of the Adroit family, having served as a prose editor for four years. Anthony was as an inspiration to all of us, and to so many writers around the world. In honor of Anthony's contribution to both the Adroit Journal's staff community and the world's fiction readers, we will recognize six emerging fiction writers each year as Anthony Veasna So Scholars in Fiction.

All emerging writers who have not published full-length collections or novels are eligible (regardless of age, geographic location, or educational status), and are encouraged to submit. Writers with forthcoming debut full-length collections are eligible so long as collections won't appear earlier than April 2025.

Anthony Veasna So Scholars receive $200 and publication of one piece from their portfolio in a future issue of the Adroit Journal. Finalists will be awarded copies of Anthony's collection, Afterparties, and a list of semifinalists determined by the editors will be released with results.

Now Open to Entries for 2025-2026 Veasna So Scholars!

Submissions are open from Wednesday, November 15th through December 31st!

Submission Guidelines

Submissions may include up to three stories (max of 9,000 words total). Simultaneous submissions, previously published submissions, and submissions recognized by outside organizations are accepted, provided that a) a full catalogue of publication history for enclosed work is included in the submission (please note publication history at the top of the submission and in the cover letter) and b) at least one piece in the submission remains unpublished. Submitters should promptly add a note to their entry on Submittable if work disclosed as unpublished is accepted elsewhere. If the entire submission is published, it will be disqualified. 

Writers are welcome to additionally submit enclosed work to the Adroit Prizes as well as through our general submission portal during those submission periods. We are also happy to consider revisions of work previously submitted to the Adroit Prizes, to the Veasna So opportunity, or through the general submissions portal (including work currently in progress or work that has recently received an editorial decision). Finally, please note that each writer may not send more than one entry per year for Veasna So Scholars.

As mentioned above, all emerging writers who have not published full-length collections are eligible (regardless of age, geographic location, or educational status), and Anthony Veasna So Scholars will receive $200 and publication in a future issue of the Adroit Journal.

We have set a non-refundable submission fee of $20. If you require financial assistance, you may submit a fee waiver with the Veasna So Scholars fee waiver request form. You can find both fee waiver request forms by clicking here.

Please direct any questions to editors@theadroitjournal.org.

The Anthony Veasna So Scholarships

Anthony Veasna So (1992-2020) was an American writer of short stories that often drew from his upbringing as a child of Cambodian immigrants and were described by the New York Times as "crackling, kinetic and darkly comedic." His debut short story collection, entitled Afterparties, was published posthumously by HarperCollins in 2021 and was simultaneously named a New York Times Bestseller and a winner of the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Prize for Best First Book.

Anthony was not just one of the most talented new writers to grace this decade—he was also a member of the Adroit family, having served as a prose editor for four years. Anthony was as an inspiration to all of us, and to so many writers around the world. In honor of Anthony's contribution to both the Adroit Journal's staff community and the world's fiction readers, we will recognize six emerging fiction writers each year as Anthony Veasna So Scholars in Fiction.

All emerging writers who have not published full-length collections or novels are eligible (regardless of age, geographic location, or educational status), and are encouraged to submit. Writers with forthcoming debut full-length collections are eligible so long as collections won't appear earlier than April 2025.

Anthony Veasna So Scholars receive $200 and publication of one piece from their portfolio in a future issue of the Adroit Journal. Finalists will be awarded copies of Anthony's collection, Afterparties, and a list of semifinalists determined by the editors will be released with results.

Now Open to Entries for 2025-2026 Veasna So Scholars!

Submissions are open from Wednesday, November 15th through December 31st! Fee waivers close on 12/27.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions may include up to three stories (max of 9,000 words total). Simultaneous submissions, previously published submissions, and submissions recognized by outside organizations are accepted, provided that a) a full catalogue of publication history for enclosed work is included in the submission (please note publication history at the top of the submission and in the cover letter) and b) at least one piece in the submission remains unpublished. Submitters should promptly add a note to their entry on Submittable if work disclosed as unpublished is accepted elsewhere. If the entire submission is published, it will be disqualified. 

Writers are welcome to additionally submit enclosed work to the Adroit Prizes as well as through our general submission portal during those submission periods. We are also happy to consider revisions of work previously submitted to the Adroit Prizes, to the Veasna So opportunity, or through the general submissions portal (including work currently in progress or work that has recently received an editorial decision). Finally, please note that each writer may not send more than one entry per year for Veasna So Scholars.

As mentioned above, all emerging writers who have not published full-length collections are eligible (regardless of age, geographic location, or educational status), and Anthony Veasna So Scholars will receive $200 and publication in a future issue of the Adroit Journal.

If you have been granted a fee waiver, please use the form below to submit. Please direct any questions to editors@theadroitjournal.org.