Submissions Open for Liminal Spaces: The Noleta Issue
Open Call April 1 - 30, 2026
It’s no joke—Santa Barbara Literary Journal is now open for submissions for Volume 14.
This issue of the Santa Barbara Literary Journal honors a special little corner of Santa Barbara County affectionately known by the locals as Noleta. We’re looking for stories and poems that capture Noleta, not just its particular locations but also its liminal, transitional nature. We’re also interested in submissions that explore the theme of liminal spaces in general.
We’re thrilled that local artist Robin Gowen, represented by Sullivan Goss, has agreed to be our featured artist. Our readers know Robin as the writer Robin Winter, whose short stories have appeared in past issues of Santa Barbara Literary Journal. Robin is a master of light and shadow, her plein air landscapes showcasing the beauty of the California wilderness.
Why do we ask for anonymous submissions?
We want our first readers to review every story and poem that comes through our submission portal without prejudice of any kind. The best way to accomplish that is to read the piece “blind” to who wrote it. The work must stand on its own, without the weight of existing relationships or other biases.
Are you interested in submitting work?
Please visit our Submissions page and make sure your work is formatted correctly to meet our guidelines.
What We’re Looking For
We like work that makes us think. Stories where things happen. We prefer those that incorporate our theme.
Fiction
We accept short stories up to 5,000 words. We generally publish only 2-3 longer stories (4,000+ words) per issue. We will consider one short story per author per submission period.
For flash, please send up to three pieces under 1,000 words each. Each piece should be submitted as a separate file.
Poetry
Submit up to 3 poems, with each poem in a separate file.
General Guidelines:
Double-spaced 12-pt Times New Roman, with a first line indent and 1” margins all around. We accept Word (.docx or .doc) or Acrobat (.pdf) files only.
Our first reading is a blind review. Submit manuscripts anonymously, with all identifying information removed.
Submit for one genre only per submission period.
We do not accept memoir or AI generated work. Reprints and lyrics are by invitation only.
Your submission should include:
A short (3-4 sentence) biographical paragraph explaining who you are as an author. Include any websites/social media links.
The total word count and the genre (if it defies genre, note that too).
We aim to respond within six weeks, although it is not always possible. Authors retain all rights to their work; we simply ask that you not publish it elsewhere during the first six months the Lit Jo issue is out.
Who can send us work? Everyone. Anyone. The more the merrier. We read all work with hopes of finding a masterpiece, and we select work solely on the basis of craft. You do not have to live in Santa Barbara to be published in the journal, but let us know if you’re from the area or have a connection to the place.
We accept simultaneous submissions, but let us know if your story is accepted elsewhere. We are not currently in a position to offer compensation for publication.