He Puzzled and Puzzled Until His Puzzler Was Sore…
As personal fans of crosswords and Wordle/Quordle/Octordle/Duotrigordle, we enjoy a good puzzle (as long as it’s not too difficult). As people approaching middle age, we appreciate anything that will keep our brains active (as long as we don’t end up rage-quitting). So as you’re pondering what type of puzzle to submit, just remember: “would a 35+ year old with only a medium amount of patience enjoy this?”
Here are some examples:
- Crosswords
- Word searches
- Sudoku
- Wordle-adjacent
- Brain teasers
Submit by Email
Submit up to 3 puzzles as PDF, PNG, or JPEG attachments to misfitmagpie25@gmail.com.
Before you hit send, read this checklist:
- Subject reads: “Submission – Puzzle – Author Name”
- Submission is in PDF, PNG, or JPEG format
- Submission is in 12 point Times New Roman
- Submission has a resolution of 150 DPI minimum (300 preferred)
- Submission includes answers
- Email includes a short cover letter addressed thusly: “Dear Misfit Magpies”
- Email includes a bio of 100 words or less
- Email includes content warnings (use your best discretion)
If your submission has an accompanying image:
- Resolution: All images must have a resolution of 150 DPI or higher (300 preferred)
- Image Size: All images must be 1200 pixels minimum on the shortest side
- File Type: Please submit using a PNG (preferred) or JPEG file type
- We have the right to refusal if the content of your image is unacceptable; your written submission can still be accepted without imagery.
Other Considerations
- MUST BE 18 OR OLDER TO SUBMIT.
- Multiple submissions ? Depends on the category.
- Simultaneous submissions? Yes. (let us know ASAP if accepted elsewhere)
- Reprints? No.
- Languages other than English? Yes! (While we accept pieces written in languages other than English, please provide an English translation of your piece. If your piece is chosen, we will publish the original language alongside the English translation.)
- International submissions? Yes. BUT: PayPal is our only method of payment. Make sure that will work in your country.
Our Response
Please expect a response within 6 weeks of submitting. Do not reach out to check on your status. If you have not heard from us within 6 weeks, then you may email us at misfitmagpie25@gmail.com with “Submission Status” in the subject.
Important Points
- If you do not follow these guidelines, we reserve the right to reject your piece unread.
- All the pieces published on the website will then be taken into consideration for our yearly physical Zine. If your piece is chosen for the Zine, you will be notified by email, and you will receive a free copy in the mail.
- If you’re not sure whether your piece fits, sent it anyway! We are open to almost anything. Don’t self-reject.
- Please respect our final decision regarding what we publish. Do not email us asking why so-and-so got accepted and you didn’t.
Still Not Sure About Something?
Check out our General Submission Guidelines or email us at misfitmagpie25@gmail.com.
