Nonfiction essays of inspiration wanted (between 500 to 1200 words). Submissions should highlight the struggle and resilience of the human spirit, a cultural figure and/or tradition, or celebrate an art form especially related to cultures of marginalized communities. Essays must be original, unpublished works in English. Works detected as generated by AI will not be accepted. A successful entry will be awarded each quarter and included within Kinsman Quarterly's online journal and printed magazine. No entry fee required. $100 licensing award granted for selected entries. 

Those Eligible

• individuals 18+ years old or 14+ years with parent consent
• individuals of a BIPOC or underrepresented community (preferred)
• individuals able to receive cash licensing awards through Paypal or Payoneer (non-negotiable).
• Individuals able to license the unpublished work 

Submission Guidelines

• Each essay should be an original, unpublished work by the submitting author, which does not infringe upon the copyrights of another individual or entity. 
• Essays tracked as (or suspected of) being created by AI will be immediately rejected.
• Submissions are selected quarterly throughout the year. 
• Submissions should feature nonfiction essays of the resilience of the human spirit, especially related to cultures of marginalized communities.
• Participants may submit more than one entry, but cannot be awarded more than once in the same year.

​​

IMPORTANT Genre and Formatting Guidelines

• nonfiction essays only (500-1200)
• All text entries must be in Times New Roman, font size 12, double-spaced. 
• Text files should be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .pdf formats. (NOT .txt)
• Do not attach images with the document file
• Multipage submissions must include page numbers (not mandatory for title pages)
• Be sure to remove all track changes from edited text. 
• Entries that do not adhere to guidelines will not be considered. 

All authors are automatically subscribed to our mailing list and free newsletter for updates on winners and upcoming contests. Subscription is free. Your personal information will not be given or sold to an outside party under any circumstance. You may cancel subscription at any time. 

Only one entry can be made per submission form. Successful submissions will be notified within 90 days. If you haven't received a notice within 90 days of submission, please regard the proposed entry as unsuccessful. Members can solicit feedback at submissions@kinsmanquarterly.org. YOU MAY ONLY SUBMIT ONE FILE, USING THE PROPER UPLOAD FORM BELOW.