Sierra Leonean literary space Poda-Poda Stories is looking for writers to submit fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and book reviews to their new call for submissions. If you are a Sierra Leonean writer in Africa or the diaspora, we recommend you submit by the deadline of June 1.

Poda-Poda Stories is a Sierra Leonean literary platform that publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and literary criticism by emerging and established Sierra Leonean writers. Founded in 2020 by Sierra Leonean writer and journalist Ngozi Cole, the platform amplifies and promotes Sierra Leonean literature.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Eligibility criteria: Applicant must be a Sierra Leonean or person of Sierra Leonean descent currently residing in Sierra Leone or the diaspora.
  • Email your submission to [email protected] using the following format on your email subject: Lastname_Submission Title. If your submission is time sensitive, kindly indicate that in your email subject line using the following format: Time sensitive_Lastname_Submission Title.
  • Submit fiction (1500 words maximum), nonfiction (1500 maximum), poetry (3 poems maximum), and book reviews (800 words maximum).
  • Ensure that your piece is precise and well-written. Things to look out for are grammar, punctuation, and correct use of tenses.
  • Your work must be in Microsoft word (docx) format; typed in Times New Roman, 12 pt. font and double-spaced. Please do not send your work as a pdf document.
  • Include a brief writer’s bio in your email submission.
  • Plagiarized work will not be accepted. This includes AI-generated work.
  • Do not submit work that contains elements of harmful stereotypes.
  • Simultaneous submissions are acceptable. Please email immediately if youur work is accepted elsewhere.

Submit here.

Deadline: June 1, 2024

It may take the Poda-Poda team up to 2 months to review your work. Good luck to all applicants!