About Superlative
est. 2020
Superlative, The Literary Journal, is edited by Ross Turner, Gemma Mainwaring, Rachel Fennell, Daniel Chesmore and Holly Joyce, illustrated by Orlaith Stratford, and marketed by Hannah Darby.
We publish quality, innovative work by emerging short story writers and poets, in order to promote new, developing authors and the art of the short story and poetry to readers worldwide. We are delighted with every piece we publish, but our main aim is to nurture emerging talent and newly-established writers, to keep writing alive for future generations.
We take great pride in literary loyalty, and endeavour to give our authors the best possible experience, promoting them as widely and fully as we are able. Our online journal is available to read for free.
There is no set theme for Superlative's open submissions, nor for the monthly feature competitions.
We accept work of any genre, voice, and style.
Superlative's annual competition schedule is:
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Submissions accepted: 01 January - 31 August
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Judging: September
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Longlist Contacted & Announced: October
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Shortlist Contacted & Announced: November
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Winners Contacted & Announced: December
The theme for Superlative's 2026 annual competitions is GROWTH
Awards & Nominations
Liu Sit, Superlative's 2020 New Beginnings Short Story Competition Winner.
Lui's children's book, Land of the Last Wildcat, selected as Waterstone's May 2025 Children's Book of the Month.
Faraaz Mahomed's short story Mockingbirds
Published in Superlative's 2020 New Beginnings Issue
Nominated for the AKO Caine Prize for African Writing
Liz Ainsbury's short story Dream
Published in Superlative's 2021 Scapes Issue
Nominated for the Pen America Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers
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Meet The Team
Ross
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
I am a creative and critical writer, editor, and private tutor. I was in the Royal Air Force Reserves from 2014-2021, first as a Royal Air Force Police Officer, and then as a Media Operations Specialist. I am currently completing my PhD in Creative Writing at York St John's University.
I founded Superlative because I wanted to provide a platform for emerging writers, and work closely with them to help develop their writing.
I'm looking for intriguing, well-crafted submissions that discuss big topics by saying little things. I like: clean, crisp prose; close, clever attention to detail; interesting settings; and complex, edgy characters.
Gemma
Editor
Hi! I'm Gemma!
I studied Creative and Critical Writing at the University of Gloucestershire, and currently work for the university.
I also run my own business, creating original artwork and fan merchandise, called Ethereal Night Creations.
Of course, I'm looking for unique, innovative writing, but even more I'm looking for evocative and moving pieces that really make me feel something.
Rachel
Editor
My name is Rachel and I am a Creative Writing graduate with an addiction to creativity.
After leaving university, I found my stride as a coordinator for the world’s longest-running Literature Festival, and not just for the free books.
I’m looking for heartfelt and imaginative stories that make me think, wow, I wish I’d thought of that!
Dan
Editor
Hi! I'm Daniel.
Breaker of horses and men, Scourge of the Blight Town, Slayer of Meier Link, 1997 West Brindlethorpe spelling champion.
Currently a university lecturer in Japan and academic editor. I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of wired fiction and cyberpunk.
Holly
Editor
Hi, I’m Holly – a book loving Oxford Brookes English Literature graduate with a soft spot for poetry and a growing obsession with thought-provoking fiction.
I spend most of my time with my nose in a book, but when I come up for air, I’m usually baking something sweet, lifting something heavy, or writing book reviews with far too many exclamation marks.
I believe in strong coffee, good stories and the magic of well-placed words.
Orlaith
Illustrator
I am a UK based illustrator, aiming to become a tattoo artist, I focus more on character and environmental concepts. Inspired by gaming and movies, fantasy and kookie aspects are always a large part of my work.
You can find more of my work through Instagram: @empoui
I’m excited to bring Superlative a unique consistent look throughout the next upcoming years.
Hannah
Marketing Executive
Hi, I’m Hannah!
I hold a postgraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Gloucestershire. When I’m not working, I love immersing myself in the world of Skyrim - whether that’s exploring its landscapes in-game or reading books inspired by its rich fantasy themes.
I’m passionate about blending creativity with curiosity, both in my professional projects and personal interests.
Kelly
Barketing Assistant
Hello! My name is Kelly! I'm a Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with a Boxer; I'm adorable and I know it, with a surprisingly strong grasp of complex punctuation.
I spend most of my time eating, sleeping, walking, and asking for cuddles.
Don't be fooled – I'm the brains behind this operation.
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So, when you say you're a literary journal, what do you mean?"When we say we're a literary journal, we mean we publish literary stories and poetry. What do you mean by literary stories and poetry? we hear you cry. You will find many definitions and explanations as to what qualifies a story as 'literary'. Here are a few guidelines we prefer to go by: Writing that has significant dramatic, thematic, or emotional impact on the reader. Writing that is important and memorable with permanent artistic (creative) value. Writing that demands readers to imagine, ensures momentum and significance, and provkes delight. Essentially, we mean well-crafted stories and poems that examine the human condition.
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How do I submit my work?Submit your work via our site on Submittable, and please be sure to follow submission guidelines. Your piece will not be successful if it does not meet the guideline criteria.
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How long will it take to find out whether my submission has been accepted?We have a highly-specialised team that consider every submission with the utmost care; we respond to every submission, and aim to do so within 1-3 months. Should you be successful, you will be notified via Submittable, and possibly also contacted via email. Superlative's annual competition schedule is: Submissions accepted: 01 January - 31 August Judging: September Longlist Contacted & Announced: October Shortlist Contacted & Announced: November Winners Contacted & Announced: December
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How much does it cost to submit to the journal?Different categories have different entry fees, ranging from £2.50 to £7.50. Submission fees are purposefully nominal, and only cover the journal's running costs. We do also run annual story and poetry competitions with monetary prizes.
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Why, oh why, are there submission fees?Our editors are unpaid, and standard submission fees only cover the journal's running costs. Any additional funds leftover from submission fees are reinvested into prize funds. We aim to offer the best journal, and publish and promote as many writers, as possible. We hope our low submission fees are a small enough price to pay to keep writing alive.
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How do I pay my entry fee?Please pay when you submit your piece via Submittable, by following the submission form instructions.
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Do I need to read back issues before I submit?Yes! Please read back issues of the journal before submitting, to get a feel for the types of pieces we publish.
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If my work is accepted, will I be paid?YES! We values writers' work, and believe it is important to pay for it. Contributors are paid 10x the standard submission fee. Annual story and poetry competition winners are paid considerably more. Our editors are unpaid, and standard submission fees only cover the journal's running costs. Any additional funds leftover from submission fees are reinvested into competition prize funds.
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Can I submit to more than once?Yes! You may submit as many times as you like to any and all categories. Please only submit one piece per submission.
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Do you accept international submissions?Yes! Absolutely! Whilst it is unfortunate that there are sometimes astronomical international postage costs, we do not want this to be a barrier to people's work being published. We accept global submissions, and every piece is judged anonymously by our editors, so authors' geographical locations play no part in a piece's consideration.
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Can I submit work that is published elsewhere?No. We only accept previously unpublished work. Please do not submit pieces that have already been published by other journals, publishers, in anthologies, etc. We do accept work that has been self-published.
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Do you accept simultaneous submissions?Yes, we encourage simultaneous submissions, but please let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere.
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Why haven't I heard anything about my submission?Superlative accepts story and poetry submissions for the journal year-round. We respond to every submission, and aim to do so within 1-3 months. Please be patient. Superlative's annual competition schedule is: Submissions accepted: 01 January - 31 August Judging: September Longlist Contacted & Announced: October Shortlist Contacted & Announced: November Winners Contacted & Announced: December
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Can I be featured as one of Superlative's Authors of the Month?Yes, absolutely. If you would like to be considered for Superlative's Author of the Month roster, please get in touch.
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Can I work for Superlative as an editor?We do offer placements/internships (voluntary) for guest editors, wherein you can gain experience working with our editors on pieces that are being considered for the journal. We are occasionally looking for editors on a more permanent basis, especially as the journal continues to grow, so please do get in touch to enquire; please send your CV and a sample of your own prose or poetry to info@superlativelitjournal.com
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Who do I contact if I have any further questions?Please fill out the contact form at the bottom of the homepage, e-mail info@superlativelitjournal.com, or get in touch via social media.