Novus means "new" in Latin, as well as "fresh," "extraordinary," "unheard," and "revived."
As a new international literary journal housed at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee -- just outside Nashville in an area of rich literary heritage -- Novus seeks work that reflects and embodies our name. This is interpreted broadly: we seek any work that exudes a fresh and innovative approach. We focus on pieces that move us through the unique use of language and modern literary wonder. We also appreciate a traditional story well told with a compelling voice. We are open to any original, previously non-published work, in Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Plays, and Art. (No genre please -- no sci-fi, fantasy, or romance without literary characteristics.) Chapter excerpts are accepted as long as they stand alone in some coherent way. We accept simultaneous submissions. Please let us know if your piece is placed elsewhere. We are currently accepting submissions until February 15. (See Note.)
Note: Novus publishes an online journal each Spring at the end of April. We have published one Commemorative Edition print edition in the Fall of 2021. We may also consider your digital submissions for any future print publication. Our Creative Writing Department also hosts a Writer/Poet in Residence Series on campus each year, and is seeking to begin a podcast to interview our writers from around the world.
UPDATE: Art submissions may be emailed to novus@cumberland.edu if they are not accepted here. Some have had trouble with jpeg submission files. We look forward to reviewing your work.
Novus means "new" in Latin, as well as "fresh," "extraordinary," "unheard," and "revived."
As an international literary journal housed at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee -- just outside Nashville in an area of rich literary heritage -- Novus seeks work that reflects and embodies our name. This is interpreted broadly: we seek any work that exudes a fresh and innovative approach. We focus on pieces that move us through the unique use of language and modern literary wonder. We also appreciate a traditional story well told with a compelling voice. We are open to any original, previously non-published work, in Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Plays, and Art. Chapter excerpts are accepted as long as they stand alone in some coherent way. We are especially open this Spring to those living in or writing about the rural communities of Tennessee or Appalachian areas of the South. (No genre please -- no sci-fi, horror, fantasy, or romance without literary characteristics.)
Art is a major part of Novus and we take special care to curate fine art photography and other high-quality visual art to fill our pages and to complement the creative writing published. Send us your best work. Surprise us. We love modern pieces, but classic art with a novel approach is also welcome.
Novus is growing! Your work will be seen and read by those around the world. Our journal has grown since January of 2019 to a fully international journal representing over 13 countries in our latest digital and print editions.
We accept simultaneous submissions. Please let us know if your piece is placed elsewhere. We are currently accepting submissions until February 19th at midnight. Word counts seeking to be published in our digital edition should not exceed approximately 4000 words. Send no more than 6 poems at a time (all in one document please). Please send high-resolution art photos. Send a brief cover letter and third person bio in your submission.
Note: Novus also publishes a "Best Of" print edition each Fall. Your work will automatically be considered for any print editions, and we will notify you via email about options and rights.