What kind of work is Sisyphus looking for?
We examine all work received and accept that which seems best. We consider original works of clear prose written in the English language. We also publish some poetry, art, and photography.

We seek prose of 750-1500 words, for educated readers who are progressive but not doctrinaire. Work should be either journalistic or creative nonfiction in character, not academic or jargon-filled.

We seek poetry that is clear, evocative, original, and imagistic. If accepted, additional audio files are encouraged.

We seek pieces with a point of view that might not be easily published elsewhere (hence Sisyphus with his rock and his hill). While we aren’t trying to convert opposing points of view, we do hope to offer important contributions that will further discussion and even sway some people. We are looking for a high level of craft, the specific rather than the general, the instance that makes a powerful statement rather than broad political diatribe, a gathering of opinions like a virtual salon.

We regret that the small size of our staff does not permit us to necessarily give individual criticism.

What file types can I submit to Sisyphus?

Under the “Prose” or “Poetry” category, submit files in one of the following formats only:

• Word document (.doc or .docx) files
• Rich Text Format (.rtf) files
• Text (.txt) files
• Portable Document Format (.pdf) files

Under the “Visual” category which accepts the following: JPEG, TIFF, PNG, PDF, and Word document files.

Please note that submissions are limited to one prose/essay/story or four poems (in a single file, separated by titles or page breaks between poems) and should not exceed ten pages. Please include all writer contact info on the first page of the submitted file.

Out of respect for authors, we will do everything we can to minimize response time. We will do our best to respond within three months from the day of receipt, but are sometimes slower in responding. Please be patient! It is our goal to make sure each submission gets a good read.

Please ensure that you set your e-mail spam filter to allow mail from canarylitmag.org and sisyphuslitmag.org and hippocketpress.org; otherwise notification regarding your submission may be marked as junk mail.

What kind of work is Canary looking for?

Canary is a literary journal that explores one’s engagement with the natural world. It is based on the premise that the literary arts can provide an understanding that humans are part of an integrated system. Our theme is the environmental crisis and the losses of species and habitat as a result of this ongoing disaster. Our mission is to deepen awareness of the environment and enrich the well-being of the individual and in turn society as a whole. 

Canary is published four times a year to welcome each new season on the solstices and equinoxes. We are closed to submissions during those four months: March, June, September, and December, in order to focus on producing the current issue. We are open all the rest of the time. Canary accepts multiple submissions and previously published work, for which we will, of course, credit the previous publication.

Please email not more than 5 poems, or essays/short stories of not more than 1500 words. Work should be in a single document. We look forward to reading your work on your experience of the losses to the natural world in your home environment and the joys of that natural world that we stand to lose.

Does Hip Pocket Press accept previously published material?
Yes. That said, we want to ensure that the magazines are fresh, new, and unique going forward. In other words, we would like to both discover your writing and have a creative viewpoint that is timely and topical. Also, we prefer to stay away from any rights entanglements. Work that has appeared online is considered to have been previously published. Simultaneous submissions acceptable.

Does Hip Pocket Press pay money?
Not at this time. And all rights will revert to the author upon publication.

How do I submit my work to Hip Pocket Press?
When you are ready to submit, please visit our submission system at hippocketpress.submittable.com. Your account will be set up during your first submission. There is no need to create an account beforehand. 

Who can I contact if I’m having trouble using the online system?
Please contact Submittable here: https://www.submittable.com/contact/