Peach Submission Guidelines (as of 05/08/26)
Peach welcomes submissions of poetry and prose from writers at every stage of their careers. All work must be original, previously unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere. Because we do not accept simultaneous submissions, each piece receives our full attention and timely
response. Peach does not consider work that was produced, in any amount, by AI.
General Submissions (August 1 — September 30)
- Prose: Submit one piece of fiction or nonfiction, up to 5,000 words. All prose must be double-spaced with numbered pages in a single .doc, .docx, or .pdf. Begin on page one with the title centered at the top. Omit all identifying information from the manuscript.
- Poetry: Submit up to four poems, with each poem beginning on a new page. Poetry may be single-spaced in a single .doc, .docx, or .pdf file. Omit all identifying information from the manuscript.
We aim to respond within six weeks. If you haven’t heard from us, your submission remains under consideration. Please include a brief cover letter stating any relevant information pertaining to your submission (prose submissions: please indicate your genre as fiction or nonfiction). While Peach does not consider simultaneous submissions, if you need to reach us regarding a previously submitted manuscript, please contact managingeditor.peach@gcsu.edu.
Contributor Payments
Peach offers the following upon publication:
- A one-time honorarium
- Prose: $10 per printed page, capped at $150 total (up to 5,000 words)
- Poetry: $50 per poem (maximum of four poems)
- Two complimentary copies of the print issue in which your work appears
- Promotion of your work across our website and social media channels
Susan Atefat Editor's Prize for Poetry (October 1 — October 31)
Named in honor of the Iranian-American writer and editor Susan Atefat (1970–2004), this prize celebrates work of uncommon vision and craft. A cross-genre artist and distinguished editor, Atefat’s writing, most notably her National Poetry Series collection That Kind of Sleep, stands as a benchmark of literary excellence: courageous, lyrical, and rooted in a profound exploration of family, heritage, and the diasporic experience.
While not a themed prize, the award is given in her spirit to recognize a writer whose work embodies the same clarity, depth, and imaginative reach that defined Atefat’s own. We seek submissions that reveal mastery of language, integrity of feeling, and a voice both personal and
enduring.
The Susan Atefat Editor’s Prize alternates annually between poetry in odd-numbered years (a suite of 3-5 poems) and prose in even-numbered years (fiction or nonfiction up to 5,000 words). Submissions for each prize are read during the preceding fall; work considered for the 2027
poetry prize will be read in fall 2026. Submit a suite of 3-5 poems, with each poem beginning on a new page. Poetry may be singlespaced in a single .doc, .docx, or .pdf file. The winner receives $4,000, publication in the issue, featured placement on the Peach website, and an author spotlight—either a written interview or a podcast appearance.
Ready to submit your work?
General Submission Fee: $3
Susan Atefat Editor’s Prize Entry Fee: $20
We do not accept submissions created by artificial intelligence
