carte blanche’s next issue (46) will be open themed. We invite creators to submit previously unpublished pieces in the following genres: fiction, translation, photography, and comics.For this specific submission period, our creative nonfiction and poetry sections will be closed. Thank you for your patience and understanding.carte blanche acknowledges the intersectionality of individuals’ lived experiences and aims to provide a welcoming and safe space for racialized and marginalized voices. We encourage and welcome submissions by individuals who identify as LGBTQ2S+, BIPOC, disabled, and those who live with mental health challenges or neurodivergence.

Please note that while Canadian and international creators are welcome to submit their work to us for consideration, as a result of our affiliation with the Quebec Writers’ Federation and Canada Council grant requirements, we may emphasize a focus on Quebec-based creators in a given issue. Submissions for comics and photography are welcome until August 15th. Please make sure to read a recent issue and our guidelines before sending in your work.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Simultaneous submissions: We accept simultaneous submissions. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are sending your piece elsewhere and withdraw your submission via Submittable if it is accepted somewhere else.

Unpublished submissions: We do not accept submissions that have been previously published, including on personal websites and social media.

Rights: We ask for first world serial rights and the right to archive your work on the website. Copyright reverts to the author upon publication. In the case of translated pieces, you must already have received permission from the original French publisher to translate the piece prior to submitting your translation to us.

Payment: carte blanche pays a modest honorarium per submission. We hope to increase the amount in the future.

SECTION-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

Comics – We’re looking for comics that have a story to tell, that explore the boundaries of narrative within the comics form. We’re open to all styles, subjects, shapes, and sizes, but keep in mind that your comic will be displayed on the web using our image gallery. Please submit your files at web resolution (72dpi) in one file (PDF or ZIP) with an artist’s biography of 75 words or less, and any relevant links. All files should be named with their proper titles as you would like them to be displayed on the site. Note: If your piece is selected, you may be asked to submit print-ready files for a print-on-demand copy of your issue.Fiction – We welcome fiction in any form. Word limit: 3500 words.Photography – Tell a story in 12 photos or fewer. Together, your photos should create a narrative – whether abstract or concrete. Send a ZIP or PDF file with your work pasted in and include a statement, captions, and any other relevant text. If your work is selected for publication, we will contact you for a high-res version of the photo essay. A low-res version is adequate for submitting.Translations – We accept English translations of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction written originally in French. If possible, please include the original work on which the translation is based. If we like your piece and choose to publish it, you will be required to provide proof of permission from the copyright holder of the original work to translate and publish the translation. Obtaining permission can take time, so please do so before you submit!We are currently closed for blog submissions, poetry, and creative nonfiction.