Submission guidelines

How do you bring light to others? What lights you? What inspires you to do good in the world in less than ideal conditions? How do you embody “a rose growing out of concrete”? How do you make something out of a method? We want work that expresses positivity, optimism and just general good vibes.

Answer these questions and more in our 2025 Zine theme: Good Vibes Only. This theme is centered around the good things that we find in our world and within ourselves. The Zine Committee is looking for creative and unique takes on what inspires you and keeps you moving.

Submission Deadline: January 5, 2026

All ages and languages are welcome to submit!

Read below for our submission guidelines and how to submit

Submission Guidelines

Theme

Each issue of Library Zine! has a theme that we feel reflects community needs and current events. We encourage submitters to please stick to the theme. Make sure to stand out from the crowd and make your title unique to your work. This issue's theme is: Good Vibes Only. Read the call for submissions above for more information.

Manuscripts

All written works must be typed in 12-point font with one-inch margins, and checked for spelling and grammar. At the top of your submission, please include your name, address, primary phone number, and email. Written Works exceeding 8 pages will not be accepted.

• Poetry should be single-spaced and not exceed 1,000 words.

• Short stories can be 500-2,250 words, about 2-8 pages double-spaced.

• Essays should not exceed 2,250 words, about 8 pages double-spaced.

• We encourage essays to be about a book you have read that impacted your life or has given you good vibes.

• Submissions can be written in any language.

Writing Submissions must be in .doc or .docx format, and/or readable in Google Drive and/or MS Word. At the end of the document, include a paragraph of what inspired the work.

Artwork and Photography

Physical copies of artwork (e.g. paintings, sculptures, etc.) or photos will not be accepted. We prefer a scan of your work in one of the following formats: .JPG/JPEG, .TIFF, and .PNG. Images must be 300 pixels per inch (PPI). If you are unable to scan, a photo taken in ample lighting will also be accepted. Images containing nudity will not be accepted. Images made majorly from AI (Artificial Intelligence) generators will not be considered.

Along with your image, attach a separate Word document with a description of your work and a paragraph of what inspired the work. Any images included in the artwork must be the artist’s original work and not under copyright of another party or entity. Do not submit your entire portfolio or submit art in a text document.

Please Be Aware

Library Zine! is an all-ages publication for anyone inside and outside of NYC. There is no prize other than the prestige of being published. While Library Zine does not want to limit our patrons’ creativity, be aware that this publication is intended for all audiences. Submissions must be mindful of language, the use of graphic violence and abuse, and the depiction of harmful stereotypes based on age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and mental/physical disabilities.

Limit of 5 submissions for review per person, no guarantee that any or all will be selected.

How to Submit

• Put your name and email address on each submission.

• Download and sign the consent form from our website and attach it with your submissions. You're work will not be accepted without a signed consent form.

• Submit all your materials at the same time to nyplzine@nypl.org.

PLEASE NOTE: We only accept and review submissions after a formal call for them has been made. Please do not submit any work to us unsolicited.