Backroads recognizes all forms of the arts as valid expressions of creative ability. We accept digital submissions of works during ACTIVE submission periods.
Submissions for our 2021 issue open on January 25th, 2021 and close on February 26th, 2021 at midnight.
General Guidelines
Backroads accepts a wide array of submissions, including short stories, short plays, poetry, personal essays, creative nonfiction, literary journalism, photography, and drawn/painted visual art of any medium. We welcome submissions from students currently enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, as well as from faculty and alumni. Additionally, Backroads only considers original, unpublished work.
For submission requirements, please refer to the appropriate link below to view the specific guidelines for each category.
Important Notes For All Types of Digital Submissions
You must have a Google account to submit to the appropriate Google Forms.
You cannot submit any pieces via email as previously done; all submissions must go through Forms.
If your digital submission makes use of any other work (in the form of audio/video sampling or graphic re-imagination), please make sure to credit the original source of the work either in the piece or in your submission email.
Submit Your Work
CREATIVE WRITING/PROSE
POETRY/SPOKEN WORD
VISUAL ART
VIDEO
MISCELLANEOUS