Fruitslice FAQ

About Fruitslice

Q: What is Fruitslice?
A: Fruitslice is a certified 501c3 Non-profit Organization and Queer-run quarterly publication featuring exclusively Queer artists, writers, and creators.

Visit our About page to learn more.

Q: Where is Fruitslice based?
A: Our founder is based in Los Angeles, CA, but our team is spread out across the globe. We primarily operate remotely so our reach extends far beyond one location!

Publication & Theme Information

Q: Is there a specific theme for each issue, or can submissions cover any topic?
A: Yes, each issue of Fruitslice revolves around a carefully chosen theme. All submissions should engage with this theme, though we welcome unexpected interpretations. To check-out our current theme visit our Submit page or follow us on instagram @thefruitslice.

Q: How often do you publish new issues?
A: Fruitslice publishes quarterly on the solstices (March, June, September, and December). Our sibling publication, Noise Made By, complements this cycle by releasing issues on the cross-quarter holidays (February, May, August, and November), ensuring our community has fresh content throughout the year.

Q: Is Fruitslice available online or only in print?
A: Fruitslice is available as both a beautifully designed print publication and a barrier-free digital experience. While our print issues offer a tangible connection to the work (available for purchase on our website), our commitment to accessibility means our complete e-reader version is always available online for free, with no paywalls or restrictions.

Submissions Details

Q: Do you have reading/submission periods or can writers submit year-round?
A: Our submission windows open briefly during the first two weeks of each quarter (January, April, July, and October). These focused submission periods allow our editorial team to give each piece the attention it deserves. We strictly adhere to these timeframes and cannot consider work submitted outside these windows, so mark your calendars and follow us on instagram @thefruitslice for submission reminders.

Q: Is there a submission fee?
A: No. Fruitslice maintains a zero-fee submission policy as part of our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Q: Do you accept collaborative works created by multiple artists?
A: Absolutely! Joint submissions are welcome across all genres, with the understanding that all collaborators identify as members of the LGBTQA+ community and that the work aligns with our current theme and guidelines.

Q: Do you accept international submissions?

A: Yes! We welcome submissions from Queer creators around the world. While our print distribution is currently U.S.-based, our digital publication is fully accessible globally.

Q: What kind of submissions are you looking for?
A: In short: We’re looking for bold, thoughtful, and boundary-pushing work—especially from creators whose voices have historically been marginalized. We love writing that weaves the personal with the political, challenges dominant narratives, and plays with form. While we do publish poetry, we receive a lot of it, so we especially encourage submissions in other genres like essays, prose, cultural criticism, and experimental nonfiction. If your work feels “too much” or “too niche” for other places, it might be just right for us.

In long: Fruitslice is a publication that defies easy categorization. We believe in writing that captures both the intimacy of personal experience and the broader currents of social change. We seek truth within the margins and uplift unheard voices. Our goal is to publish work that examines contemporary culture with both skepticism and earnest engagement, fearless exploration of embodiment and power, and a blend of cultural criticism and personal narrative.

Who we want to hear from:

• We actively seek contributions from artists with underrepresented identities, including BIPOC, AAPI, Disabled individuals, and anyone whose voice has historically and systemically been marginalized

• We prioritize voices traditionally excluded from literary spaces and are committed to building community rather than prestige

• We are looking for artists of all ages—both young and seasoned voices

• We are looking for artists who creatively incorporate our theme into their work

We're especially interested in work from:

• Writers whose perspectives challenge dominant cultural narratives

• Historically marginalized artists whose voices break down barriers in publishing and all those working outside traditional publishing structures

• Anyone creating work that other publications might consider “too much,” “too niche,” or "too radical"

• Writers exploring identity without performing it

• Artists creating within communities rather than in isolation

What excites us:
We're drawn to work that:

• Takes creative risks in both form and content

• Transforms individual experience into collective meaning

• Critically engages with contemporary culture and digital spaces

• Blends genres and pushes against conventional boundaries

• Complicates rather than simplifies

• Connects personal narratives to broader social structures

• Resists easy resolution

• Examines both high and low culture with equal rigor

• Connects personal experience to broader social contexts

• Presents intersectional narratives

• Explores gender and sexuality, race, class, religion, Disability (including physical, both visible and invisible, neurological, mental, emotional, and neurodivergence), grief, and place

• Offers political analysis that emanates from lived experience

IMPORTANT: We ask poets to only submit their best work. While poetry has its place in our publication, we receive an abundance of poetry submissions making this genre particularly competitive. Because of this, we are particularly interested in receiving other genres including prose, essays, and other forms of creative nonfiction. Submissions that are more lifestyle-related or explore themes beyond poetry will have a higher chance of being published. We encourage you to experiment with different storytelling mediums to help us establish ourselves across genres.

Q: What file formats do you accept for submissions?
A: For written work, please submit in .doc or .docx format with standard formatting (12pt font, double-spaced for prose). We do NOT accept PDFs for written work, as we often need to transfer text between documents, and PDFs can cause formatting issues.

For visual art, we accept high-resolution .jpg or .png files (300dpi minimum). Please ensure all files are properly labeled with your name and the title of the work.

Q: Are there limits for submissions?
A: Yes, we have both quantity and length limits for submissions:

• Authors may submit a maximum of 3 pieces per genre (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, visual art, etc.)

• We advise against submitting pieces longer than 5 pages or over 1500 words

• Each individual piece must be submitted through a separate submission form to be reviewed individually

• Previously published work is not eligible for submission

Important submission guidelines:

• Multiple non-related works from one author should not be bundled together in a single submission unless they are meant to be reviewed as a series

• If submitting a series, please include all works together in one submission form

• If you're open to publishing only part of your series rather than the complete set, please clearly specify this in your submission form

• Please do not submit multiple submission forms with the same title

These guidelines help our editorial team give each work full consideration while maintaining a diverse range of voices in each issue. For multi-genre artists, you may submit in multiple categories (for example, 3 poems and 3 visual art pieces), following the same guidelines for each genre.

Q: Do you accept work that has been previously published?
A: No. However, we will accept writing that has been shared on social media, in forums, read aloud at readings, or shared in a personal blog or website. In this case, we kindly ask writers to archive these works until publication date and then amend posts to note that this work has been published in Fruitslice, providing proper citing/links where necessary.

Q: Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
A: Yes, we accept simultaneous submissions. However, writers must notify us immediately if their work is accepted elsewhere. Please email us or update your submission status in Submittable as soon as you know your work has been accepted by another publication.

Q: Do I have to be a member of the LGBTQA+ community in order to submit?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I submit with a pen name?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I submit work that uses AI tools or assistance?

A: No. Fruitslice does not accept any AI-generated or AI-assisted work. We are committed to uplifting original, human-created work that reflects authentic Queer voices and lived experience. If you're unsure whether something qualifies, feel free to reach out to us at info@thefruitslice.com.

​​Q: How is my work reviewed and evaluated?
A: Every submission is reviewed by multiple members of our editorial team—never by AI or automated tools. Our review process centers human attention, care, and alignment with our values. While we can’t offer individualized feedback on every submission, we aim to be as transparent as possible and welcome questions about our process.

Q: Will my personal information be shared?
A: Never. We will never share or sell your personal information to third parties.

Editorial Process & Timeline

Q: What is your editorial timeline?
A: Our editorial team begins reviewing submissions as soon as they come in. Our first round of acceptance and rejection letters is typically sent within two days of the submission deadline. Contributors whose work is selected will be notified at least six weeks before publication. From the submission deadline to publication, the entire process takes about three months.

Q: Will my visual art be edited or altered for publication?

A: Only if absolutely necessary (e.g., resizing or formatting for layout). We’ll always communicate with you before making any changes to your artwork.

Q: Do you offer editorial feedback on rejected submissions?
A: Due to the volume of submissions we receive and our volunteer-based structure, we cannot currently provide individualized feedback on submissions not selected for publication. We appreciate every piece shared with us and encourage writers to continue developing their craft.

Q: Will my piece be edited if accepted?

A: Yes. We see editing as a collaborative process and will work with you to refine your piece while preserving your voice and vision. Most pieces go through at least one round of revisions, and we prioritize clarity, accessibility, and alignment with our editorial values.

Our Editorial Values:

• Radical Politics: We believe in writing as resistance, not performative activism

• Artistic Innovation: We encourage work that challenges literary conventions

• Cultural Engagement: We value writing that critically engages with contemporary culture

• Community Focus: We prioritize collective experience over individual genius

• Artistic Integrity: We honor the voice and artistic vision of our authors

• Diverse & Inclusive Perspectives: We approach each piece with an open mind and heart

Our Editorial Voice is:

• Sharp but not cynical

• Intellectual but accessible

• Radical but grounded

• Personal but political

• Purposeful but playful 

• Generous but critical 

• Experimental but clear

What we are not interested in:

• Work that reinforces rather than challenges dominant narratives

• Writing that simplifies rather than complicates

• Perspectives that lack critical engagement

• Content that tokenizes rather than centers marginalized voices

• Work that exists comfortably within established systems

• Writing that privileges theory over lived experience

• Harmful images, language, or sentiments that don't contribute to the piece's vision

• Content that discusses a minority group by authors outside that group (unless proper permissions and reliable sources from within the community are provided)

• Sex-negative viewpoints that stigmatize or shame sexuality

• Language that alienates or excludes readers

• For example: 

• Using acronyms or cultural references with no explanation (e.g., "As a survivor of GSA hearings…") without defining what GSA is.

• Gendered language that assumes binary identities (“Each writer must submit his final draft”).

• Assuming a shared experience or identity:
  “As we all know, growing up in a two-parent household…”

• Complex or overly academic concepts that hinder accessibility

• For example: 

• Overuse of academic theory without explanation:
  “By examining the post-structuralist frameworks of Foucaultian epistemologies…”

• Sentences that are unnecessarily dense:
  “The intersectional dissonance generated by the bifurcation of ontological subjectivity resists coherent legibility within heteronormative hegemonies.”

• Forced rhyme, confusing imagery, or overuse of vague language

A note on our editing process:
We see editing as a collaborative political act. Our process may involve several drafts as we work together to find the most compelling expression of your ideas. We value clarity without sacrificing complexity, accessibility without compromising intellectual rigor.

Q: Can I update my name or pronouns after publication?

A: Yes! We’re happy to update your name or pronouns in all digital issues and online platforms. Just reach out to us directly. Please note that we cannot revise already printed materials, but we ask our readers to honor and respect any updates you share.

Rights & Compensation

Q: Will you be paying artists for submitted work that is chosen for publication?
A: TLDR; No. Not yet.

Fruitslice operates on a volunteer basis while we establish our foundation as an independent Queer literary platform. We recognize that creative labor deserves compensation, and paying our contributors fairly is our most urgent financial goal as we grow.

Unlike mainstream publications that prioritize profit margins, we're building a transparent pathway to contributor compensation through:

• Dedicated percentages from each issue's sales

• Reader donations specifically allocated to artist payment

• Grant applications focused on fair creator compensation

We're committed to challenging the industry standard where exposure is treated as payment. Until we reach financial sustainability, we provide contributors with professional editorial support, high-quality print publication, digital promotion across our platforms, and opportunities to participate in community events and collaborations.

Q: If my work is chosen for publication, do I retain the rights to my work? Can I publish the piece elsewhere after Fruitslice publication?
A: YES. We believe in empowering our writers and artists by respecting their ownership of their work.

Here's how our copyright policy works: In terms of publication rights, our writers retain full ownership of their work. When submitting to Fruitslice, we ask all writers to sign a copyright form. This form grants Fruitslice the right to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the submitted work in our publication, including both print and online formats, as well as promotional materials. However, it's important to note that this agreement does not transfer ownership of the copyright to Fruitslice. Writers maintain all copyright to their contributions.

We simply request that if writers choose to share or publish their work elsewhere after it appears in Fruitslice, they credit us as first publication where appropriate.

Q: How is my personal information handled?

A: We only use your submission information for editorial communication and do not share your contact details with third parties. All work is reviewed confidentially by our editorial team.

Q: Can contributors receive free physical copies of Fruitslice?
A: Not yet, but we're working toward this goal.

As a new independent publication operating on limited resources, we cannot currently provide complimentary physical copies to contributors. However, this is a priority we're actively working to implement as we build financial sustainability.

What we do provide for all contributors:

• A high-resolution PDF of the complete issue for your portfolio

• Promotion of your work across our digital platforms

• Full rights to your work—you retain ownership and are welcome to republish it on personal platforms

We deeply value the creative work that makes Fruitslice possible and recognize that physical copies represent meaningful recognition for contributors. Our fundraising efforts and revenue planning specifically include budget allocations to provide contributor copies as soon as financially viable.

Getting Involved & Supporting Fruitslice

Q: Does Fruitslice offer any paid positions?
A: No, Fruitslice is made up entirely of volunteers. We are passionate about Queer art and dedicate our time to creating Fruitslice as a gift to our community. There are no paid positions available.

Q: How can I support Fruitslice besides submitting or volunteering?
A: There are many ways to support our mission! You can purchase issues, donate, share our work on social media, attend our events, or recommend us to Queer creators in your network. Every act of support helps us grow and fulfill our mission.

Q: How can readers purchase physical copies of Fruitslice?
A: Physical copies of Fruitslice can be purchased through our website and select independent bookstores and Queer-owned shops. Digital issues are always available free on our website.

Q: How can I make a donation to support Fruitslice?
A: We welcome donations of any size through several channels:

• One-time or monthly recurring donations via our website

• Venmo: @fruitsliceofficial

100% of your contribution supports our operations, including printing costs, technology maintenance, and development.

Q: Are donations to Fruitslice tax-deductible?
A: Yes, donations to Fruitslice are tax-deductible as we are a recognized nonprofit organization. We provide tax documentation for all donations upon request. Your generous contributions directly support our mission to create space for Queer voices in literature and art.

Q: How can I follow Fruitslice on social media?
A: You can follow Fruitslice on instagram @thefruitslice to stay updated on submission deadlines, new issues, events, and more.

Q: How can I find out about current volunteer opportunities?
A: To find our current volunteer needs, check out our idealist profile. We regularly update our volunteer openings there as well as on our instagram @thefruitslice.