Deadline for submissions:

• March 15 for the summer issue
• September 15 for the winter issue

Manuscripts received after the deadline and accepted for publication will be held for inclusion in following issues.

Who should submit?
Writers/artists living in and around Chicago, as well as Chicago expatriates (once a Chicagoan, always a Chicagoan).

Formats/Subject Matter
Poetry, short fiction, essays, photography or black & white drawings. Any subject matter is acceptable. The first criteria is always the quality and originality of the writing. After Hours is NOT looking for work about Chicago exclusively, we are looking for work distinctively created by Chicagoans without any pretense or reliance on traditional forms.

Poetry
3 – 5 poems, no length or style limitations, typed, no more than one poem on a page, each page should have the poet’s name, address, and email address.

Fiction
1 - 3 pieces of short fiction, 15 page maximum for the whole submission; no style limitations, typed, double-spaced, 11 pt minimum font size. Pages should be numbered and each page should have the author’s name, address and email address.

Photography/Black & White Artwork
No subject or style limitations. Do not send originals -- photocopies or laser prints only. Each copy should have the artist’s name, address, and email address. You will be contacted to supply either original prints or digital formats if artwork is considered for publication.

General Guidelines

• Email submissions are accepted and encouraged. Use Microsoft Word attachments ONLY, otherwise please copy and paste into an email message.
• Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Please indicate which works are being simultaneously submitted.
• Please include a cover letter with short bio, as well as a statement about your connection to the city of Chicago.
• SASE required for mail submissions to be returned. Electronic submissions will receive electronic responses.
• Notification within 3 months. Acceptance pays in one contributor’s copy and a one-year subscription to After Hours. Rights revert to author upon publication.

Address all correspondence and submissions to:

• Submissions@afterhourspress.com
• After Hours Press
  538 N. Kenilworth Ave.
  Oak Park, IL 60302