The Closed Eye Open is an art & literature website that was started as an exploration of the many forms of self-expression. Our main goal is to feature work from a wide range of people that may not necessarily connect with other publications. Pieces that are weird, unconventional, or even experimental may very well fit with what we're going for.

We welcome everyone who has interest in creative expression, from established writers & artists, to those in academic disciplines, to those who may be new to the world of sharing their work with a larger audience.

We're interested in a multi-disciplinary approach.Whether your own interest in expression stems from a scientific background, a spiritual tradition, a liberal arts discipline, or an intrinsic desire to investigate your own subjective world, you have a place here. We would like to explore the creative output of anyone who has spent time with the big questions--whether those questions are on the grand cosmic scale, are more focused on the human condition, or are grounded in personal and practical concerns.


Here are the general submission guidelines:

  • Between 1-10 visual art pieces; .jpeg file type preferred. Send file sizes that are convenient for you and we will ask for higher resolution images if needed for publication.
  • 1-6 poems (send in a single file, .doc/.docx preferred).
  • 1-3 pieces of short fiction or flash fiction (10 page/3,000 word maximum as a total length of submission)
  • 1-3 pieces of creative non-fiction/essay (10 page/3,000 word maximum as a total length of submission)

Include your artist statement/cover letter, a short 3rd person bio, as well as any relevant links to your website/social media. For art submissions, you may also add a list of titles as you would like them to appear.

Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please withdraw pieces from consideration if they are accepted elsewhere.

If your work is accepted, you agree to give The Closed Eye Open online publishing and archival rights; following publication, all rights revert back to the author/artist. We ask that you credit The Closed Eye Open if the work is published elsewhere in the future.

Ends on $4.50
$4.50
Submit to Poetry

We are currently open for submissions to be considered for upcoming issues of The Closed Eye Open. Submissions will be considered for upcoming issues as well as our ongoing Maya's Micros feature.


Here are the poetry submission guidelines:

  •  1-6 poems (send in a single file, .doc/.docx preferred). 
  • We'll use the category of "poetry" to include prose poems, micros, experimental writing, and other hybrid forms.
  • We generally view each piece individually, so feel free to submit pieces that vary in style or subject matter. If you prefer to have your submission viewed as a collection, please note that in the cover letter.


Include your artist statement/cover letter, a short 3rd person bio, as well as any relevant links to your website/social media.
Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please withdraw pieces from consideration if they are accepted elsewhere. If your work is accepted, you agree to give The Closed Eye Open online publishing and archival rights; following publication, all rights revert back to the author/artist. We ask that you credit The Closed Eye Open if the work is published elsewhere in the future. 

$4.50
$4.50
Submit to Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Creative Non-fiction

We are currently open for submissions to be considered for upcoming issues of The Closed Eye Open. Submissions will be considered for Issue X (Fall 2023).


Here are the fiction submission guidelines:

  •  1-3 pieces of short fiction, flash fiction, or creative non-fiction (10 page/3,000 word maximum as a total length of submission) 
  • We generally view each piece individually, so feel free to submit pieces that vary in style or subject matter. If you prefer to have your submission viewed as a collection, please note that in the cover letter.
  • Send a single file, .doc/.docx preferred. 

 
Include your artist statement/cover letter, a short 3rd person bio, as well as any relevant links to your website/social media.
Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please withdraw pieces from consideration if they are accepted elsewhere. If your work is accepted, you agree to give The Closed Eye Open online publishing and archival rights; following publication, all rights revert back to the author/artist. We ask that you credit The Closed Eye Open if the work is published elsewhere in the future.