Press News
Indie Author Spotlight: Carla Sarett
The 21 poems in Any Excuse for a Party are funny, or occasionally funny, but with soul— ranging from poems about Betty Boop to poems about grief therapy. She wrote these poems in everyday American English, trying to catch the patterns of every day speech. Carla chose pieces that . . .Â
Indie Author Spotlight: Molly Blake
All Damien Bryant wants is to spend the rest of his undeath on his peaceful Alaskan homestead. He’s perfectly happy with his animals for company, the occasional climber’s blood for sustenance, and no vengeful, stake-wielding KGB agents anywhere. But his routine gets shaken up with the arrival of Ben Caedrys, a lone traveler who is unlike any other climber he’s encountered before. Not only does Ben communicate with fairies . . .
Editor's Choice Awards
2026 Editor's Choice Awards - Call For Collections
We aim to award transparent publishing contracts with competitive royalties and varied advances plus 25 copies to 4 exceptional collections per year and provide a dedicated launch team to craft a tailored, robust launch and marketing campaign. Please read through the manuscript eligibility requirements and full submission guidelines before submitting your manuscript.
2026 Editor's Choice Awards - Call For Novellas
We aim to award transparent publishing contracts with competitive royalties and varied advances plus 25 copies to 2 exceptional novellas per year and provide a dedicated launch team to craft a tailored, robust launch and marketing campaign. Please read through the manuscript eligibility requirements and full submission guidelines before submitting your manuscript.
The SDL Review
2025 Submissions are OPEN
Submissions are now open for the new SDL Review, a paying lit journal/anthology hybrid. Available in print and digital editions.
The SDL Review is founded on the profound belief that poets and writers have the power to transcend boundaries, foster empathy, enhance understanding, and catalyze social change. We believe literature should reflect the complexity of life and we aim to offer a broader, more accurate view of the human condition.
The SDL Review- Publishing profound works of poetry, prose, visual art, articles, reviews, and indie news.
February • May • August • NovemberÂ
We are drawn to evocative, raw, poignant, and powerful pieces of substance and style.
Pluck at our heartstrings, speak to our souls, send shivers down our spines, shine a light on our darkness, and uncover our unspoken truths.
Poetry & Prose up to 500 words Â
Eligible work: Previously unpublished poetry and prose works up to 500 words (Poetry of all forms, flash fiction and CNF, essays, vignettes, and hybrid or experimental works)
Works of 500-1500 words
Eligible work: previously unpublished fiction, CNF, personal essays, prose poetry, hybrid or experimental works, and relevant articles between 500 words and 1500 words.
Poetry & Prose up to 500 words Â
Eligible work: Previously unpublished poetry and prose works up to 500 words (Poetry of all forms, flash fiction and CNF, essays, vignettes, and hybrid or experimental works)
Works of 500-1500 words
Eligible work: previously unpublished fiction, CNF, personal essays, prose poetry, hybrid or experimental works, and relevant articles between 500 words and 1500 words.
Submit a Micro Review
The SDL Review regularly publishes reviews of new and upcoming poetry collections and chapbooks published by indie authors and presses.
Review Submissions-
We accept 275-350 word reviews and critiques of new and upcoming poetry collections and chapbooks via email and post them on our website and in the corresponding issue of the SDL Review. We do not publish hit pieces or takedowns, so please be sure that your review is fair and thoughtful, and that any criticism is delivered in a constructive manner.
There is no fee to submit and we do not pay for reviews, though we do promote the reviewer.
Send your reviews to MicroReviewSubmissions@ShadowDogLit.org
Current Issue — MAY 2025
Available May 15th.
The SDL Review- May 2025
In This Issue:
As you leaf through our pages, you’ll discover new and emerging literary talent who answered the call to shine a light on our darkness, pluck at our heart strings, and tell our unspoken truths.
- Angela Townsend – Happy Here
- Tess Godhardt – Thanks for the Evidence, The Necklace, Drywall Pieces
- Jim Burns – The Fence, My Father’s Closet
- Jackie Fishman – The Decision and the Dog
- C.B. Mottor – Pretty Poison, Dionysus
- Carla Sarett – A review of A FUTURE WITH BROMELIADS by Grace Massey
- Indie Spotlights, award news, a cover reveal, and more.
Single Issue Price:
Digital Edition $7Â
Print Edition sale- $15 NOW
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