The Turning Leaf Journal is an online publication dedicated to providing a space for artists and writers alike to come together to learn from and lean on during life’s most challenging, loneliest, and hopeless moments. In this space, to celebrate growth, mourn loss, and reflect on the things that have changed us. 

Submissions are open twice annually: March 1-May 1, and September 1-November 1.

The Turning Leaf Journal is founded upon the message of change. We want essays, poetry, and hybrid works that explore the turning over of a new leaf through life’s entrances, exits, seasons, formation, and destruction. What happened when you left the religion you grew up in? When you broke generational tradition? When you confronted addiction? When your human rights are under attack? Embrace the uncomfortable and send us the work that was written with tears and through gritted teeth.

For Volume 3, Issue 1, we hope to read pieces that address change through the following lenses:
–Responses to ICE brutality in Minnesota and around the US
–Themes of migration
–Sowing seeds of hope

We are also looking for art submissions, to be paired with our written publications. We are interested in art that evokes strong emotional reactions through landscapes, collages, sketches, still life, and abstracts. Please view our previous issues and instagram account to get a better sense of our visual aesthetic.

Submissions should be emailed to theturningleafjournal@gmail.com with the following subject line adjusted to your submission: [Genre–Nonfiction/Poetry/Hybrid/Art]–[Your Name]

Example: Nonfiction–Jane Doe 

• Name your submission file “Genre-FirstNameLastName.” For example, “Nonfiction-JaneDoe.docx”
• Send only one submission per genre per submission period. You may submit work for each genre during the same period.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed. If your work is accepted elsewhere, notify us via email as soon as possible so we can celebrate your success and withdraw your submission.
• We do not accept previously published material, including on personal blogs and social media.
• We do not consider work created in full or in part by artificial intelligence (AI). 
• If you submit derivative work (ekphrastic, found/blackout, works written “after” some existing inspiration), please include a link or copy of the source material. 

We may reject submissions that do not follow the guidelines as outlined.

Questions are always welcome! Please email us at theturningleafjournal@gmail.com.

Poetry

• You may include up to 3 poems in one submission. This category includes visual and found poetry.
• Include all poems in one document with page breaks between poems.
• Format your document into .doc or .docx