Buckman Journal is an independent, award-winning publication anthologizing Portland writers and artists that is published twice a year. We are pleased to be opening submissions for Issue 016, Buckman Journal: Shed. 

Consider "shed" as both verb and noun. Give us stories in and around the backyard structure, and all sorts of sloughing off. Shed as setting, as itchy renewal, as planetary spilling. We want the pouring forth, the molt, the relinquishing that made all the difference. Tears, of course, blood, watersheds. As always, we appreciate a capacious interpretation of the theme. (Though this one certainly calls for some literal too). 

Prose of all genres, styles, and lengths (up to 5,000 words) is welcome. We are not accepting poetry at this time. Please submit .docx or .pdf files only, use a readable font, and keep your cover letter brief--just let us know where you live and who you are. There is no entry fee. 

Writing submissions will run December 4th-14th, 2025. 

ANSWERS TO A FEW FAQ: 

*We are all about celebrating the regional scene so please only submit if you live in Oregon or Washington, USA. 

*Past contributors to Buckman Journal are welcome to submit again here if several (or more) issues have released since your last publication. 

*Multi or Hybrid genre pieces are more than welcome, if they involve writing and art, make your best judgment of submitting it to the writing or art window. You may also submit in both the writing and art windows with separate works. Visual art submissions will open in January 2026

*Buckman reserves First Serial Rights, with the copyright reverting back to the author after the initial publication date, which will be July 2026. 

*Accepted submissions receive payment and a contributor's copy of the journal their work appears in. 

*All submitted works may additionally be considered for publication in future issues, Substack, etc. 

*Looking to submit visual art? Art submissions will run January 8th-18th, 2026. 

*If you've read this far, here's a bonus bit of info: The theme for Issue 017 (the one after "Shed,") is "qualia."