The Caribbean Writer (TCW) journal, embedded in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of the Virgin Islands, has issued its call for submissions for Volume 39 under the 2024 theme: “Beyond Tradition: Inside of Courage.”
Sometimes we are bound to traditions that have outlived the logic and realities of the times in which they were inculcated in us. Yet, the values and ideas spawned from these traditions or practices often saddle our lives in such a way that they shroud possibilities, evade interrogation and test our reserves of courage. In fact, the path of our life’s journey shifts one way or another because of the ways we navigate these traditions, but the possibilities are illuminated by the stories writers tell. We invite you to explore this theme in all its permutations.
Contributors may submit works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays or one act plays which explore the ideas resonating within the region and its diaspora. The Caribbean should be central to the work, or the work should reflect a Caribbean heritage, experience or perspective. Prospective authors should submit in Word format all creative works: drama, fiction and poetry manuscripts, through the online portal ONLY at www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/online-submission. Note that TCW does not accept hardcopy submissions.
Individuals may submit poems (3 maximum), short stories (2 maximum) and personal essays (2 maximum) on general topics and the theme. The maximum length (for short stories and personal essays) is 3,500 words. Only previously unpublished work will be considered. The term “previously published” covers print and electronic publication —including on social media platforms, and self-published items. The Caribbean Writer does not accept simultaneous submissions (items being considered for publication elsewhere). On a separate page in that submission, the prospective author should provide contact information including mailing address, phone number, any professional affiliations, brief biographical information (no more than 100 words and such as appears under the “Contributors” section of the journal). If the author’s contact information changes, all updates should be made by the author by logging into the online account.
Artists interested in having their artwork considered for use by TCW should submit electronic files in vertical format as PNG or JPEG files with a resolution of 300 dpi or greater. The journal also accepts black and white art (line drawings, sketches, block prints, etc.). The journal does not accept graphic poetry or narratives.
Before submitting, the writer should carefully edit and proofread the manuscript, adhering to publication-ready details, as well as standards of proofreading such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting and consistent language, along with the elimination of typographical errors, and with focus on the overall quality of the work.
The Caribbean Writer is a refereed journal. There are no fees payable to submit or publish in this journal. All submissions undergo an initial blind review by the editor. Creative works, such as fiction, poetry and drama, after editorial review, are advanced by the editor to the double-blind peer review process. In this process, both the reviewers’ and authors’ identities are concealed from the reviewers and vice versa throughout the review process.
Submissions are accepted from Jan. 1, to Dec. 31, each year and are considered for the journal that will be published the following year. (In other words, volume 36 will be published in 2022 and entries sent between Jan. 10, and Dec. 31, of 2021 will be considered for volume 36. The deadline for submissions each year is Dec. 31. Submit Word files at www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/online-submissions/
Literary Prizes
All submissions are eligible for these annual prizes:
The Daily News Prize of $500 awarded to a resident of the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands.
The Marvin E. Williams Literary Prize of $500 is awarded to a new or emerging writer. Donated by Marvin’s widow, Dasil Williams, in honor of her late husband who served as the editor of The Caribbean Writer from 2003 - 2008.
The Vincent Cooper Literary Prize of $300 is awarded to a Caribbean author for exemplary writing in Caribbean Nation Language (Kamau Brathwaite). Donated by UVI (University of the Virgin Islands) Professor Vincent Cooper, PhD.
New! The Anacaona Prize of $500 is awarded to anyone published in the respective volume for their interpretation of the theme, level of technical skill and originality. Donated by a distinguished member of the TCW Advisory Editorial Board who wishes to remain anonymous. (Anacaona was a female cacique, poet, composer. She is memorialized in contemporary art and literature across the Caribbean region. A statue commemorating her legacy is in Leogane, Haiti.)
For more information, contact The Caribbean Writer at thecaribbeanwriter@uvi.edu.
