Summary

The Howling Owl has updated its submission guidelines, emphasizing originality, adherence to MLA format, and a commitment to good literary practices.

Abstract

The Howling Owl has revised its submission guidelines, which now include specific rules for writers wishing to contribute. The editors have maintained their commitment to original work, common sense, and literary excellence. The guidelines specify the use of MLA formatting and compliance with Medium's publishing rules, including proper title, sub-title, image credits, and tagging practices. The publication values human-created content over AI-generated work and operates on a juried selection process with a Tuesday deadline for Wednesday publications. New writers are welcome but must submit a letter of interest along with their work.

Opinions

The editors believe in the importance of originality and good literary practices.
They value human-generated content and are committed to not publishing AI-generated works.
The publication emphasizes the need for specificity in submission guidelines for ease of reference.
A collaborative editorial process is in place, requiring approval from two editors, which may result in a slower but more thoughtful publication timeline.
The editors encourage new writers to join but expect a formal expression of interest and a demonstration of writing ability through submitted works.
There is a clear preference for well-prepared, polished submissions over drafts, with an openness to experimental works if properly labeled.
The editors prioritize simplicity in both the submission process and the writing style they seek to publish.

THE SCREECH

Updated Submission Guidelines

The Howling Owl (Revised on November 14, 2023)

The editors of The Howling Owl correspond just about every day. Over the last few weeks, we have been discussing a need to update and republish our submission guidelines.

Most things are the same; some things have changed.

We are committed to original work. We are committed to good common sense. We are committed to good literary practices.

People like specifics — things they can point to and reference when needed and so we have included these kinds of “rules and boundaries.”

We follow MLA guidelines. We will be using MLA formatting guidelines where necessary. This covers such things as references for book titles, chapters, bibliographies, etc. The best reference point is The Owl at Purdue.

2. Do the right thing vis-a-vis Medium — follow the rules.

Kicker Title Sub-Title Picture/graphic from an accepted source, credited Your work Your signature One link to another work — optional.

Tagging — Again, simple.

First Tag/Topic — The Howling Owl Second Tag /Topic— The category in which you want the work published

Micro poetry — Poetry than 10 lines or less or 150 words or less Poetry- Poetry greater than 10 lines or more than 150 words Fiction Essays Reviews

Third-Fifth Tags /Topics— Anything appropriate.

Here are a few resources on formatting -

Formatting Titles The Best Medium Formatting Guide Simple Guide to Medium Formatting

3. We want and value your work. We do not want and do not value works created through AI.

Enough on this. We are a juried publication. That means that it takes two editors to approve everything. Yes, this may be slower than in other publications, but the results are worth it. We read for originality. We read for your insights. We read for literary skills. We do not re-publish work previously published on Medium.

4. We publish once a week on Wednesdays.

That’s it. Plan ahead. By the time the editors have reviewed and commented on submissions, we are pretty sure we have works worthy of engagement. It takes time; we are only volunteers. Thank you for your understanding. The deadline for submission is Tuesday at 12pm [EST].

5. Take the time to prepare your work. Never send a draft.

This of course is good practice — never send a first draft and always review your work. We are very tolerant about experimentation, but do label the submission as an experiment. Please italicize invented words.

6. We welcome new writers at The Howling Owl.

Because we are a juried publication, every submission is examined at least twice. And every. new writer request is also examined at least twice. If you want to be a writer at The Howling Owl, send me a letter of interest, include two works, and be sure to include your name, email, and Medium handle if you use one.

We only publish new works.

Simple. Always simple. We like simple.

Feel free to contact me — [email protected]

Zay Pareltheon

November 1, 2023 November 14, 2023 November 16, 2023