Lọúnlọún is a literary journal dedicated to historical fiction. They are inviting submissions for their next issue. The journal focuses on African history, which they define broadly as events, both monumental and minute, which, given that this is historical fiction, can be factual or speculative. On their website, they explain that this could be “a car crash in 2004 published in the local newspapers as much as we are in the Rwandan and Biafran genocides of 1994 and 1967, respectively.” What is important is that these stories are imaginative and compelling and grounded in historical events related to the continent.

Lọúnlọún is looking for speculative or factual fiction that explores a range of themes, Economics, Society & Politics, Gender & Feminism, Hope & Healing, Identity & Belonging, and War, Conflicts, & Disaster. Stories must focus on events that occurred in or influenced Africa, regardless of where the characters are located.

Submissions are open to African writers and those of African descent, whether based on the continent or abroad.

Submission Guidelines

  • Genre: Fiction only.
  • Word Count: 2,000–4,000 words.
  • Formatting: EB Garamond, size 12, 1.5 spacing. Include word count and submit in Word document format.
  • Language: English or translated into English (creative use of African languages is welcome).
  • Historical Context: Include a brief description (max. two sentences) of the historical event and at least two reference links.
  • Original Work: Submissions must be unpublished and not excerpts from larger works.
  • Deadline: January 2 to March 2, 2025.

Submit to [email protected] with the subject line ‘Fiction Submission.’ Include a third-person bio and theme in the body of the email and attach your story.

Go to the website (here) for more details.