Lọúnlọún Literary Journal, pronounced /luh-woon-luh-woon/, has announced an open call for submissions for its upcoming issue, inviting writers to explore the rich tapestry of African history through fiction.
From January 2 to March 2, 2025, African writers and those of African descent, both on the continent and in the diaspora, are encouraged to submit original works that delve into historical events that have shaped Africa and the lives of its people. The journal seeks stories that range from the monumental, such as the Rwandan and Biafran genocides, to the seemingly mundane, like a car crash reported in local newspapers in 2004, as long as they reflect the complexities of African experiences.
Lọúnlọún is particularly interested in narratives that center on themes such as Economics, Society & Politics, Gender & Feminism, Hope & Healing, Identity & Belonging, and War, Conflicts, & Disaster. Whether speculative or factual, these stories should offer fresh perspectives on historical events, bringing to life the voices of those who lived through them—or didn’t. The journal emphasizes that no story is too small, as long as it contributes to a deeper understanding of Africa’s past and its enduring impact on the present.
To be eligible:
- Submissions must be original, unpublished works of fiction, ranging between 2000 and 4000 words.
- Writers are required to provide a brief historical setting description of no more than two sentences, along with at least two reference links to the events being depicted.
- Submissions should be formatted in EB Garamond, size 12, 1.5-spaced, and submitted as Word documents.
- While the primary language is English, writers are encouraged to creatively incorporate their native languages, provided the work is accessible to an English-speaking audience.
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but writers must promptly notify the journal if their work is accepted elsewhere.
Although Lọúnlọún is unable to offer financial compensation at this time, the journal promises a thoughtful and thorough review process. Each submission will be carefully evaluated by the editorial team, with feedback provided to writers. Writers are also strongly encouraged to read past issues of the journal to better understand its vision and style.
To submit, writers should send their work to submissions@lounloun.com with the subject line “Fiction Submission.” The email should include a third-person bio, the chosen theme, and the attached story in the specified format.
Best of luck to all applicants!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
