Submit / Pitch

WRITING SUBMISSIONS FOR ISSUE 10 : FREEDOM

Ivan Unger and Gladys Roy playing tennis on the roof of a flying plane, 1925 via Hulton Archive

SOVO// Magazine publishes essays, journalism, and poetry on a broad range of subjects, with a heart and eye for literature, arts, and culture. As a quarterly publication, designed thematically, the stories we publish generally don’t need to have a “hook” to a current event in the traditional sense. We often receive pitches for personal essays, but rarely publish them unless they speak directly to the issue’s theme. SOVO// greatly enjoys reading fiction and photo essays, but does not publish them. Rather, we’re interested in work that matches reportage with a distinct, original voice. Recent examples published by SOVO// include Terry Tempest Williams’ “The Resonance of Stone,” Prathima Muniyappa’s “The Space Between Space,” and Li Pallas’ “Trans Mutual Aid.” In all cases, a story for SOVO// Magazine should reveal something curious or profound about its subject of inquiry.

Our next issue will investigate the topic of Freedom, as a state of mind, as a practice, and as a human right. For example, we are interested in essays on: meditation training in prisons, black radical imaginaries, queer utopias and sexual freedom, dreams of flying, youth revolutions, language and freedom, radical feminism, cryptocurrency, Sufi mystical training, etc.  We’re also curious about what Freedom means to you personally and welcome thought pieces that offer a more capacious way to think about freedom in the world we share. Current inspirations include Freedom Dreams by Robin Kelley, Staying With the Trouble by Donna Haraway, and Radical Love by Fanny Howe.

We accept completed work as well as pitches. If you send a pitch, it should indirectly answer the following three questions: What is the story? Why is it of interest to readers of SOVO// Magazine? Why are you the person to write it? The best pitches demonstrate that you’ve already thought deeply about the story, that you’ve done some early legwork of reporting or research, and show off your writing voice. Please include links to past work you’re proud of, your contact information, and any other relevant details. Please don’t be daunted if you haven’t been published much, or even at all—we’d mainly like to get a sense of your writing. All submissions must be under 2,000 words, in English and previously unpublished. Our team of film photographers and visual artists will create a photoshoot around each accepted piece, to be exhibited in Los Angeles, and you will receive a complimentary copy of the print publication. Simultaneous submissions are also acceptable, but please notify us immediately if the piece is accepted for publication elsewhere. To submit your writing for consideration, please fill out this form.

Deadline : December 15, 2020

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ONLINE PLATFORM SUBMISSIONS

Content published on sovomagazine.com is planned and produced in a separate editorial process from the printed publication. Divided into four major areas [observations, analog experimentation, music reviews, and a guide to South Los Angeles], the online articles share ideas and stories of interest that do not necessarily fall within the current theme of the printed publication.

The website includes a News section providing a glimpse into what it takes to create our publication, along with profiles on the people behind the work being released. Sovoprojects.com also houses a guide to our neighborhood of South Los Angeles along with information about how to get involved and support SOVO//. Occasionally, we release selected editorials from past editions on our website to give readers a sense of the content included in the print publication. The publication and other artworks are available for purchase in the online store, also found on our website.

If you have a story you would like to pitch for our website, please fill out this form.

General submissions are rolling.

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ANNUAL WRITER RESIDENCY APPLICATION

SOVO// Projects hosts an annual Writer Residency program: a three-day, all-expenses-paid experience designed and moderated by SOVO// editors. Taking place in various beautiful locations surrounded by nature, each day of a residency is filled with intensive work sessions, seminars, and team building exercises. The residencies offer hand-selected groups of SOVO// contributing writers creative space to critique and develop their work, as well as develop their unique artistic voice and perspective.

Invitation to participate in a SOVO// Writers Residency is only extended to writers who show a strong, consistent interest in personal and creative development. All residencies are located within a 5 hour driving distance of Los Angeles, California. Residencies are scheduled based on the selected applicants’ availability and usually take place in March. Our next residency is currently scheduled to take place March 2021, however due to the social distancing and quarantine orders this schedule is subject to change.

To submit an application please fill out this form. Applications are always being accepted, and selected writers are notified by January 20th each year. To submit an application please fill out this form. Applications are always being accepted, and selected writers are notified by January 20th each year. Writers who have previously contributed to a SOVO// publication will be prioritized. To apply for the residency, please fill out this form.

Applicants always accepted. Writers notified of acceptance by January 20th of each year.