Submission Guidelines

1. Our Vision & Thematic Focus

We curate time-agnostic content—works that transcend passing trends and resonate across seasons and generations.
Every year we publish two themed issues, alternating between the contemplative (“Blue”) and the celebratory (“Red”) macro-archetypes. Consult our Thematic Calendar for upcoming calls.

2. Content Standards

To uphold Ninth Heaven’s ethos, all submissions must:

1. Steer Clear of Culture Wars & Extremism
   Focus on universal themes of human flourishing—avoid divisive political content.
2. Exhibit Timeless Quality
   Prioritize depth, originality, and craftsmanship over fleeting trends.
3. Embrace Broad-mindedness & Inclusivity
   Celebrate diverse cultural perspectives that foster empathy and spiritual growth.
4. Meet the Highest Artistic & Literary Standards
   Demonstrate exceptional skill, insight, and emotional resonance.

3. Submission Categories & Technical Requirements

3.1 Written Content

• Formats: .docx or PDF
• Font: Serif (e.g., Times New Roman or Garamond), 12 pt
• Blurb: 50–100 word synopsis or author description
• Tip: For short stories or themed essays, consider consulting an editor before submission.

3.2 Visual Art & Design

• Images:
  • Front-on shot plus ≥1 detail or perspective image
  • Even, shadow-free lighting
• Formats & Resolution: JPEG or TIFF, ≥300 dpi, max 5 MB
• Artist Statement: 30 words covering title, medium, dimensions, and thematic relevance

3.3 Music & Sound

• Audio Files: MP3, ≥128 kbps bitrate
• Accompanying Assets: High-resolution JPEG/TIFF (e.g., cover art, sheet music excerpt)
• Synopsis: 50–75 words on inspiration and intended impact

3.4 Other Media & Collaborative Projects

• Consultation Required: Video essays, interactive multimedia, cross-disciplinary work
• Formats: MP4, MOV for video; PDF for proposals
• Delivery: Via Discord “📬submissions” channel or secure file transfer

4. General Submission Rules

• No Undisclosed AI Usage: Any AI assistance must be openly disclosed.
• Originality: Unpublished work only.
• Single Submission: Don’t submit the same piece to multiple outlets simultaneously.
• Language & Proofreading: Polished English, free of typos and grammar errors.

5. Author Responsibilities & Collaboration

• Submission Cadence: At least once per month for shorter pieces; flexible for major projects.
• Identity: Specify if you prefer real name or pseudonym.
• Editorial Feedback: Be prepared to revise based on editorial suggestions in a timely manner.

6. Rights & Permissions

• Copyright: Authors retain full copyright.
• Publishing License: By submitting, you grant Ninth Heaven first publication rights and permission to archive and anthologize.
• Re-use: After initial publication, you may republish elsewhere

7. Thematic Calls & Deadlines

• Calls open six weeks before each season (e.g., Red Summer, Blue Winter)—check our Thematic Calendar for exact dates.

8. How to Submit

1. Discord: Join us at https://discord.gg/YpRcvEac9b and post in the 📬submissions channel.
2. Cover Message: Include your name (or pseudonym), email, submission category, and brief intro.
3. Large Files: Email submissions@ninthheaven.co with a secure download link if exceeding Discord limits.

9. Editorial Process & Feedback

1. Initial Review: The editorial team checks for thematic fit & technical compliance.
2. Feedback Round: Selected works receive peer/editor feedback for revision.
3. Final Decision: Notifications go out within 4–6 weeks of each submission deadline.

10. Contact & Support

• Discord Help-Desk: Join our Discord server.
• Email: `submissions@ninthheaven.co

We look forward to your contributions and to building a richer cultural tapestry together!