Goldfinch Journal
The first Journal for Alton will be published in Spring/Summer 2026 containing WRITING, POETRY, JOURNALISM and ART, put together in a compilation available for sale in print and online.
Submissions guidelines are below.
SUBMISSIONS OPEN
(Deadline: 31st March 2026)
From the EDGE of Alton is a print publication celebrating local talent and creativity, from people within Alton itself and the surrounding areas, or those with an interest in the region. The ‘EDGE’ represents the importance of inclusivity in the arts. We champion all creative voices, and especially encourage those from the edge of the mainstream, from those who may not feel that their work is worthy or fits the mould. We want to hear from all ages, all sectors of the community, beginners and seasoned artists alike, published and unpublished authors and poets, no restrictions. For more information, please contact gary@goldfinch-books.com
Journalism: short or longer form non-fiction in any style up to 5,000 words
Fiction: any creative writing piece, from flash fiction up to a 5,000 words short story
Poetry: any type of poetry up to 1,000 words
Photography: artistic photography suitable for printing in black & white in a standard-sized print book
Art: any form of art that suits printing in black and white in a standard-sized print book
What are we looking for?
ALL SUBMISSIONS: Please send using the FORM below before the specified deadline for this edition.
TEXT: To help our editorial team, we ask that all written submissions are provided in electronic form in Arial or Times font, 12 point, double-spaced, uploaded as a WORD file or PDF.
ARTWORK & PHOTOGRAPHY: We are interested to see black and white pieces in any medium. Please upload image(s) suitable for print.
Submission guidelines
This is a curated journal. Our team (editors, artists, writers, poets) will choose pieces from the submissions that fit the flow and content of the current journal (“EDGE”). If you submit, and your piece is not chosen for the current edition, you can re-submit for a future journal for which it might be a better fit. The Goldfinch Editorial Team decisions on chosen pieces are final and not negotiable.
YOU own your work. We will never ask for or claim any rights or ownership save for the qualifications in these TERMS. You own the copyright to your work. We will not request or assume any rights to print or distribute except under your permission for EDGE.
By submitting your work for consideration for EDGE, you confirm that you own the copyright and grant us permission to print and distribute in EDGE without compensation (payment), restriction or time limit. This does not prevent you publishing or selling your work elsewhere.
Submissions are asked from people who live in the region or have a connection with the region, but this is not mandatory. If you do not fall in this category but consider your work relevant to the EDGE, you are free to submit.