Novus means "new" in Latin, as well as "fresh," "extraordinary," "unheard," and "revived."
Novus is 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. (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.
Note: Novus publishes an online journal each Spring at the end of April. We publish a print edition each Fall which is released in early December each year. "Best Of" picks are chosen annually from our digital edition for the print journal publication. We will let contributors know if their work is chosen for reprint.
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, and Art. Chapter excerpts are accepted as long as they stand alone in some coherent way. (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 FREE submissions until Midnight Sunday, February 1 — a cap of 50 total submissions allowed. (Regular submissions are accepted after this time until Sunday, February 16th at Midnight CT with Submittable fees applied.) Submissions are for our Spring Digital Edition which launches LIVE the first week of May, 2025. Word counts seeking to be published in our digital edition should not exceed approximately 6000 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.
We look forward to reviewing your work.