We are excited to share a submission opportunity from Lọ́unlọ́un (pronounced /luh-woon-luh-woon/). The publication is a literary journal that centers Africa’s layered histories through fiction. If you’re a writer passionate about historical events that have shaped the continent, whether widely known or deeply personal, this call is for you.

Lọ́unlọ́un is asking for powerful fictional narratives set during historical moments in Africa. From car crashes buried in the archives of local newspapers to watershed events like the Rwandan and Biafran genocides, the journal welcomes both speculative and factual interpretations of Africa’s past.

Submit African historical fiction that engages themes such as economics, society and politics, gender and feminism, hope and healing, identity and belonging, among others.

Who Can Submit:
African writers and writers of African descent, based anywhere in the world.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Fiction only. 2,000 to 4,000 words

  • Submissions must be original and unpublished (no excerpts or reprints)

  • Formatting: EB Garamond, size 12, 1.5 line spacing, Word document format

  • Language: English or translated into English (code-switching is allowed)

  • Stories must center on a real event that happened on or impacted the African continent, regardless of where the characters are located

  • Include a brief historical setting description (max. 2 sentences)

  • Include at least two reference links to the historical event(s)

  • Simultaneous submissions allowed, but inform Lọ́unlọ́un if accepted elsewhere

  • Proofread thoroughly; submissions with major grammatical or formatting issues may be declined

How to Submit:
Email your story to [email protected] with the subject line: Fiction Submission.
Attach your Word document and include a short third-person bio in the email body.

Submission Window:

July 4 – August 31, 2025

Review Timeline:
The editorial team reviews submissions carefully. Feedback may take 3–8 weeks after the August 31 deadline.

Questions?
Email the editorial team directly at [email protected].