These guidelines were updated on January 7, 2012.
Hippocampus Magazine enthusiastically accepts unsolicited submissions in the following categories:
memoir excerpt – a self-contained portion (chapter or selection) of a larger, book-length work
personal essay – a short narrative reflecting on a particular life experience or observation
miscellaneous – flash creative nonfiction or a work of creative nonfiction in an experimental format (Note that as of January 2012 Hippocampus no longer accepts poetry.)
Please read our current and past issues to familiarize yourself with our publication. We can tell you this: we like quirky, we like edgy, we like witty, we like smart, we like to be moved, we like pieces that stick with us.
Guidelines: Word Count, Formatting and Submission Information
- Submissions should be no more than 3,500 words.
- Submissions should be in Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt. font.
- Submissions should be double-spaced.
- Submissions should NOT include your name or other identifying information.
- Do not send us multiple submissions. Hippocampus will only accept one submission at a time from an author; we will automatically decline any additional submissions. If you are interested in submitting more than one piece to us, please wait until you receive a decision on one before submitting another.
- Submissions not following the above guidelines will most often result in automatic decline.
We accept simultaneous submissions. Just use Submittable’s “withdraw” feature to make us aware if another magazine accepts your publication.
Hippocampus Magazine prefers previously unpublished work, but will entertain submissions that have appeared elsewhere. Please let us know if work was previously published elsewhere, and if we are required to notate that in our publication. (Ex: “This essay first appeared in XYZ Journal”)
Submission Turnaround Time
We will respond to everyone who submits, but please be patient. Typical turnaround time is 8-10 weeks. We accept–and expect–simultaneous submissions so, if another publication picks up your work, please let us know via Submittable, as noted above (not through email).
PLEASE REFER TO FULL GUIDELINES AT OUR WEBSITE BEFORE SUBMITTING.
Memoir Excerpt
Size limit: 3,500 words
Submit an excerpt of your completed or in-progress memoir. Please read full guidelines on our website first.
-- Manuscripts up to 3,500 words accepted.
-- Submissions must be double-spaced, Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point font.
-- PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME ON MANUSCRIPT.
--We do not accept multiple submissions from the same author.
--Submissions not following the above guidelines may result in automatic decline.
If possible, please tell us where you first heard about Hippocampus in your cover letter - we are curious beasts.
(Note: New guidelines of font and double-space went into effect Nov. 6, 2011)
Personal Essay
Size limit: 3,500 words
-- Manuscripts up to 3,500 words accepted.-- Submissions must be double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font.
-- PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME ON MANUSCRIPT.
--We do not accept multiple submissions from the same author.
--Submissions not following the above guidelines may result in automatic decline.
If possible, please tell us where you first heard about Hippocampus in your cover letter - we are curious beasts.
(Note: New guidelines of font and double-space went into effect Nov. 6, 2011)
The 2012 Remember in November Contest for Creative Nonfiction - $10 entry fee - $10.00
Hippocampus Magazine is giving away more than $400 in cash prizes this November—and raising awareness for National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. DEADLINE: August 15, 2012.
--Memoir excerpts and personal essays accepted -- there is no theme this year.
--Word count 3,500 words max.
--Enter between May 15 and August 15.
--$10 entry fee ($1 for each entry will be donated to Alzheimer’s Association.)
DETAILS
--The Hippocampus reader panel will select six finalists from all submitted essays and memoir excerpts.
--A panel of special guest judges (to be announced) will select the winners from these six finalists.
--Winning stories will be published in the November 2012 issue of Hippocampus Magazine.
--During the month of November, the Most Memorable contest will double as The Remember in November Reader’s Choice prize—the readers of Hippocampus will also have a chance to make their case for which of the six finalists should win!
PRIZES:
$150 grand prize (1)
$75 runner-up (1)
$50 third place (1)
$10 honorable mention (3)
ADDITIONAL PRIZES:
$50 reader’s choice winner (doubles as the most memorable designation of the month)
$5 reader participation prize (10)
CONTEST RULES AND INFORMATION:
Full contest details are available on our website.
SUBMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
--Entries must not contain your name or contact information
--Entries must be double-spaced
--Entries must not exceed 3,500 words
SPECIAL CONTEST REQUIREMENT
Please notate in your cover below if we have permission to use your name in our donation presentation to the Alzheimer's Association as. If you do not wish to use your name, that is totally fine. We'll us "Anonymous" for anyone who would like to keep their name kept under wraps.
Miscellaneous
Size limit: 3,500 words
Use this category if your submission does not fit with the others. We DO NOT accept poetry.-- Manuscripts up to 3,500 words accepted.
-- Submissions must be double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font.
-- PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME ON MANUSCRIPT.
--We do not accept multiple submissions from the same author.
--Submissions not following the above guidelines may result in automatic decline.
If possible, please tell us where you first heard about Hippocampus in your cover letter - we are curious beasts.
(Note: New guidelines of font and double-space went into effect Nov. 6, 2011)