Theme
The theme for Spring 2026 is "THE MOMENT WHEN..."

Story Format Guidelines
Length: 7,000 words or less
Type of story: Any genre as long as it fits the theme.
File type: .docx or .doc
File format: Times New Roman-12 point-Double spaced with 0.25 indentation on paragraphs.
Margins: 0.5" all around.
Header should Include page numbers, author’s name as it appears on the story, and story title.
​Manuscript must be throughly proof-read for grammar, spelling, punctuation. Errors may result in rejection.
All guidelines must be followed or will be rejected.
 
Story Submission Guidelines
Only online submissions will be accepted. Due March 1, 2026
Anything after March 1 will be automatically rejected.
​Maximum of 3 submissions per author. 
Manuscript will be published as is. All punctuation, spelling, and grammar must be correct. Please provide author name and pen name if you have one and confirm which to use for the story.
Allow up to 2 weeks after deadline for decision. You will be notified via email of results regardless of acceptance for publishing. If accepted, you'll receive a free copy of the publication by mail. Only authors residing in the continental US will be considered.

Submission fee
None

Publish date
April 2026
 
Terms and Agreements
Work must be original and unpublished. Authors using any form of generative AI must disclose that information. Please include both your legal name and any pen name on the manuscript. All submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by our team. Author will receive a response if accepted. Punctuation, grammar, spelling must be correct as it will be published as received if accepted. Upon submitting your story, you give the Backroads Literary Review permission to communicate with you via email or phone and agree to these terms. All rights remain with the author. Must be at least 18 years old.