Submission Guidelines

Our theme for this edition is Spring – A time of growth, awakening, rebirth, and transformation. We invite you to explore what Spring means to you, whether it’s the blooming of flowers, the melting ice, the season of change, or even how you're feeling this time of year. Let your creativity blossom and take this theme wherever your imagination leads.

The Quill 01: Spring Edition

Who Can Submit: Any current Bard High School Early College student.

What We’re Looking For: We welcome a wide range of creative works, including…

  • Poetry

  • Short stories

  • Narratives

  • Literary criticism

  • Cultural commentary

  • Essays

  • Visual art (including illustrations, digital art , cartoons, and photography)

  • Music lyrics or compositions

  • Personal reflections

Submission Info:

  1. Submit your work through the form currently on our submission page on thequillbard.com

  2. Include a brief artist’s statement (5-6 sentences). Explain what your work is, what inspired it, what you hope readers/viewers take away from it, etc.

  3. Poetry and music: 300 words or less; Short Stories: 1,000 - 1,500 words; Essays/Reflections: 800 - 1,200 words; Visual Art: Up to 3 pieces per artist

  4. Submit by 05/10/25

Submission Tips:

  • Proofread your work for spelling and grammar.

  • Make sure your name is on your file, e.g., “FirstName_LastName_Title.pdf”.

  • For visual art, ensure your image is clear and properly lit.

  • Multiple submissions are welcome, but please submit each work separately.

    Anonymity Option: We understand that some pieces are deeply personal. Rest assured that if you choose to publish anonymously, your identity will remain confidential.

How to Request Anonymity:
On the submission form, write "Publish Anonymously" in the additional comments section

If you change your mind after submission, reach out to the editorial team to update your preferences.

Editing Process:

We value your voice and creativity, so our editing process is designed to support your vision. Contributors have the opportunity to have one of our editors to polish their piece.

How It Works:

  • An editor will read over your work and give their feedback. They will offer suggestions and comments. From there you may make any changes you’re comfortable with.

  • You retain full control over your piece – edits are suggestions, not requirements. Our editors are here to support you – think of it as a chance to refine your voice, not change it.

    Get valuable feedback to strengthen your writing. Fine-tune your work for publication while keeping your unique voice intact.
    If you prefer to keep your submission as is, that’s completely okay too! Just let us know. 

    Why Participate:

  • Get valuable feedback to strengthen your writing.
    Fine-tune your work for publication while keeping your unique voice intact.

  • Take advantage of the opportunity to see your work in print and experience the process of professional publication.

  • Those selected for publication will receive a free edition of the literary magazine. 

If you prefer to keep your submission as is, that’s completely okay too! Just let us know. 

Selection Process:

Our editorial team will review submissions based on creativity, originality, and relevance to the theme. We appreciate every submission and look forward to reading your unique takes on Spring.