Submission Guidelines
TO SUBMIT A POST
Contact one of our editors.
We respond to submissions that are being accepted only. If you have not heard back from us within one month, assume that we are not interested in your post idea.
Are you new to publishing, or working to promote a book without a publicist? Check out our guide here.
TO PITCH AN IDEA FOR A COLUMN
GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
All posts must support our manifesto.
We prioritize small press books.
Audio, video, and photo inserts or posts are welcomed.
Are you working to promote a book without a publicist? Check out our guide to submissions here.
For all categories, we accept both pitches and complete pieces.
We are currently at capacity for Editor roles. We are still looking for a couple of Contributing Editors to cover events (“Dispatches”).
REVIEWS GUIDELINES
Reviews should focus specifically on the books themselves. They should include both the strengths and weaknesses of the work. Critical reviews are welcomed; however, don’t be mean. We review books regardless of when they were published, or if they are currently in print.
Reviews should not arbitrarily connect the book to things related to identity or cultural trends, nor should they function as advertisements for a book. Instead, reviews should be based on a genuine love of books, writing, and reading. We are interested in seeing how someone’s brain works its way through a text.
Length guideline: 1500-2000 words
ESSAYS GUIDELINES
Essays should directly relate to books, publishing, writing, and/or reading.
Essays should not arbitrarily connect a book to things related to identity or cultural trends, nor should they function as advertisements for a book. Instead, essays should be based on a genuine love of books, writing, and reading.
Length guideline: 1000-3000 words
INTERVIEWS GUIDELINES
Zona Motel is a publication that is focused on literature; however, interviews with non-authors are good, too. You can interview a musician, visual artist, your mom, your neighbor, whatever.
Interviews should not arbitrarily connect to identity or cultural trends, nor should they function as advertisements for a book. Instead, interviews should celebrate fun, smart, interesting people who have a unique point of view.
We prefer interviews that would be unacceptable for other outlets.
Length guideline: 1500-2000 words
PROFILE GUIDELINES
To nominate a bookstore, small press, or literary magazine, contact our Profiles Editor, Lucy K. Shaw.
If you want to write a fan post for a bookstore, small press, or literary magazine, send Lucy a pitch or complete post. Include all necessary information, such as location, website, and/or social media links.
We do not accept solicitations from stores, presses, or magazines. These are not ads; they are expressions of enthusiasm.
DISPATCH GUIDELINES
We cover literary events, including but not limited to one-off readings, reading series, book release parties, and book tour diaries. Hosts and readers can write about their own events; however, audience coverage is preferred. If you want to pitch a tour diary, contact one of our Dispatch Editors or our Editors-in-Chief.
Tell our editors when and where the event will happen, and include any relevant links or details.
A general template (which does not need to be followed): Describe the general vibe. Summarize each author’s piece of writing and the effect they had on the audience. Finish with a general takeaway of the event.
Events coverage should include at least 2 pictures. Ideally, you get permission from the subject before you post it so we don’t have to waste time taking down a picture later. Please crop and edit your photos appropriately.
Generally, events coverage should run the day after the event, but posting them late is potentially OK.
Length Guideline: 500-2000 words
GOSSIP GUIDELINES
Submit anonymous gossip here.
You can self-submit gossip to our Gossip Editors using the above linked form, or directly send them an email. Specify if subjects should be named or anonymous. If anonymous, include vague descriptions.
If you would like to write a post on a literary feud, contact our Gossip Editors, Raegan and Mariah.
We define “gossip” as any of the following:
Actual gossip & rumors
Made-up stories about yourself or your friends
Photos or info from your personal lives
Recaps of historical beef
Missed connections
Photoshop edits/memes
Speculative matchmaking
Subtweet/substory screencaps
ESPN-style beef analysis/breakdowns
Screenshots from private accounts
Secret (or just publicly undiscovered) accounts
After-hours photoshoots a la Cobrasnake or somebody's MySpace photo dump
The gossip column is for paid subscribers only. Want access to all the hottest literary gossip? Subscribe below!