Write for Broken Pencil. Illustrate for Broken Pencil. Review for Broken Pencil.

Want to see your work in the pages of Broken Pencil? Us too!

Read on to find out how to submit finished work for review, become a writer or illustrator for BP, or submit your fiction for publication via Submittable.

Submit zines and books to be reviewed in Broken Pencil. GO HERE.

Get involved! Become a writer or illustrator for Broken Pencil

In each issue of Broken Pencil, we publish news pieces, how-to and resource guides for creators, investigations, thematic spreads, political screeds and other features and pieces that appeal to our community of talented and politically engaged zine/comic/DIY creators, supporters and aficionados. We frequently commission illustrators to create work to accompany these pieces.

If you are an illustrator, especially an illustrator based in or borne out of the zine community, please send us some samples of your work! We keep a list of awesome artists on hand and will reach out when the right story, piece or event pops up.

If you are a writer who knows how to write about these topics, please reach out and introduce yourself so we can keep you in mind when topics and opportunities arise. Include two samples of strong, investigative writing when you contact us (arts, politics, culture preferred).

If you have an idea that you think would be great for BP, let us know. We don’t often accept pitches, but we don’t get many of them either. We are always interested in pieces that ask “how?” “why?” and “to what effect?” when covering trends or themes in the independent arts, and less interested in simple profiles, accounts of things that have happened, and articles where we already know the answer to the main question or premise.

Email your ideas, writing samples and illustration samples to [email protected].

Submitting your creative work for publication

Poetry: Broken Pencil does not publish poetry, ever. There are tons of amazing platforms that publish poetry, but we are not one of them. When you send us poems and ask if we’ll publish you, it shows us that you have not read our magazine. We do review chapbooks and poetry zines regularlyOur advice to poets — publish yourself! Make a DIY zine or chapbook and send it to us.

Fiction: Please submit fiction only through Submittable, not by snail-mail and not by emailing any editor directly. We are seeking original, never-before-published fiction of up to 3,000 words. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the magazine and read the detailed submission guidelines on our Submittable page. We read fiction submissions year-round, but due to the volume, it might take us a while to get back to you.

Become an intern with Broken Pencil

We are always looking to work with ambitious, creative,  diverse and passionate students, artists, and emerging arts organizers to complete internships and student placements between 2-6 months. So if you enjoy the indie arts, comics, small press books, zines, and yes, the occasional spreadsheet, we would love to meet you.

At Broken Pencil, you will encounter firsthand all aspects of magazine publishing, event organizing and creative strategy. Our interns do a little bit of everything, from writing book and zine reviews, assisting with social media, writing non-fiction articles, organizing contests, promotion, outreach, programming, and more! All in all, you will definitely learn new things here.

To apply please share:

  • Resume (that highlights your skills or strengths)
  • Cover Letter (discusses a bit about yourself and your major interests)
  • One or two writing samples (e.g. news, art commentary, non-fiction)
  • Specific internship details: title of school and/or program, expected work hours and period

Applications should be sent and addressed to Zack Kotzer ([email protected])

How to Submit to the Broken Pencil Zine Awards

 For information on submitting to the Broken Pencil Zine Awards, please check out the How to Enter page at BPZineAwards.com


Selling or distributing Broken Pencil Magazine

If you are a store or distributor however small or large interested in carrying Broken Pencil email [email protected] and we’ll set you up!