ALL SUBMISSIONS

No previously published material should be submitted. Please include with all work submitted:

• a biography of maximum 40 words, no matter how often or how recently your work has appeared in the magazine
• a self-addressed envelope of an appropriate size (two if you're submitting poems and short fiction) with return NZ postage (or an international reply coupon (IRC) for overseas submissions)
• your email address. Submissions or queries without an SSAE (or IRC) or email address will not be responded to.

POETRY

A poem can range from about ten lines to two pages, but we have published longer ones. All submissions should be in hard copy and accompanied by a covering letter. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, if advised on submission. Please notify editor immediately if work is accepted elsewhere. Contributors should not submit further material before previously submitted material has had a response.

Submissions: No email submissions, please. Mail poetry submissions to:
      Poetry Editor, Takahe, Box 13-335, Christchurch 8141, New Zealand

FICTION

We prefer short fiction to be between 1500 and 3000 words, although we do occasionally accept work outside these limits. We look for stories that have something special about them: an original idea, an interesting narrative style or use of language, an ability to evoke character and/or atmosphere. Above all, we like some depth, an extra layer of meaning, an insight - something more than just an anecdote or a straightforward narration of events. Humour - of the understated, unforced variety - is welcome.

• Include your name, story title and the word count
• Format on A4 page, with 30mm margins
• Use Times New Roman 12, with single-spacing between lines and paragraphs
• The opening paragraph starts at the margin. Indent following paragraphs three spaces (using the tab on the toolbar) for new paragraphs and new speakers. Where there is a break in continuity of place or time, use a double space between paragraphs and start the new paragraph at the margin.
• Use double quotation marks for speech and single for a quote within speech.

Email submissions:

• Save all attachments as Rich Text Format (RTF).
• Include a covering message giving your street address and biography
• Send your submission to:
        fiction@takahe.org.nz

Mail submissions:

• Print on one side only
• If typed, use a good black ribbon so that copy may be scanned. If printed on a desk jet or laser printer, do not use bold type as this does not scan well
• Mail prose submissions to:
        Fiction Editor, Takahe, Box 13-335, Christchurch 8141, New Zealand

RESPONSE TIME

Our maximum response time is three months. We try to make it shorter.

PAYMENT

Grants from Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa have enabled us to make a small payment to local writers and poets for work published. Overseas contributors receive a year's subscription to the magazine. All contributors receive two copies of the issue in which their work appears. Editorials and literary commentaries are by invitation only and, not being covered by our grant, are not paid for.

COPYRIGHT

We need first world rights as the magazine is distributed world-wide. Copyright reverts to the author on publication. Contributors are responsible for obtaining copyright clearance for direct quotation from the work of others. This applies particularly to the use of contemporary song lyrics.