Paperboats is a collective of writers focussed on nature and environment in a time of climate and ecological breakdown. We are Scotland based and global in outlook, and write to affirm the astonishing life of this planet, and how its future may yet be shaped.

PAPERBOATS EDENS ISSUE

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The idea of an earthly paradise is, in many ways, compelling – for people of all faiths and people of none. While it may seem too good to be true, the image of a world harmonious and flourishing can counter the belief that the natural world is simply a resource to be exploited in the name of profit and “progress”.

Paperboats asks you: is it possible, even now, to set a vision of Eden against the all too real prospect of environmental breakdown?

We’re looking for stories, essays and poems about lost Edens, future Edens, broken Edens, improbable Edens, small Edens, rural Edens, city Edens, plant & animal Edens, poor Edens, personal Edens, radical Edens, real and imagined Edens, those remnants of paradise we may yet shore against ruin.

Guest Editors: Laura Fyfe & Chris Powici

DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT (UK), SATURDAY 31st JANUARY 2026

Guidelines:

We publish essays, short fiction and poetry that reflect our commitment, and which focus on Scotland as home ground – writing that shows honesty, care, curiosity and skill. Submissions in English, Scots or Scottish Gaelic, are welcome from writers within and outwith Scotland and we particularly welcome submissions from under-represented groups.

We publish up to 1500 words of prose (short fiction or creative nonfiction) and/or up to 60 lines of poetry. Attach your writing as a Word or RTF document to your email and send to submissions@paperboats.org.

Work should not be previously published. We accept simultaneous submissions but if your work is accepted elsewhere please let us know. 

We do not publish pieces by the same author in consecutive issues of the zine, so if you have been published before on Paperboats, please leave a one issue gap before submitting again.

You can read issues one to six on our website to get a feel for the kind of work we publish.

Submissions should be emailed to: submissions@paperboats.org